September 8, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 13 18061

REICHERT was an original cosponsor of the School in the community of Bryan-College After graduating from Texas A&M in 1932, Apollo Energy Independence Act, H.R. 6385, Station, Texas. Earl Rudder was commissioned as a second and was integral to the introduction of this leg- It was a privilege to take part in the dedica- lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He then islation. Congressman REICHERT was left off of tion ceremony because the Rudder family has chose the noble profession of teaching—first the original cosponsor list due to administra- had a very personal impact on my life. Mrs. as a coach and teacher at Brady High School tive error. Earl Rudder was like a second mother to me, and later at Tarleton State College. In 1941, f although in fairness, I should point out that his country called him to duty, and did he ever she effectively adopted thousands of Aggies answer that call. Rising through the ranks be- HONORING SEAN ROONEY AND over several generations. That did not make cause of his integrity, courage and leadership THE U.S. OLYMPIC MEN’S IN- her any less special to me, and I want to skills, he was chosen to lead the 2nd Ranger DOOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM thank the Rudder children—Ann, Linda, Bud Battalion by one of the most respected gen- and Bob—for sharing for so many years your erals to ever serve in the U.S. Army, GEN HON. PETER J. ROSKAM mother and father with all of us in your ex- Omar Bradley. OF ILLINOIS tended Aggie family. His D-day mission was to lead the best of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I never met General Rudder, because he the best up the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc Monday, September 8, 2008 died just months before I enrolled at A&M in to disarm massive German guns that could Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today 1970, but like every American and every cit- have killed thousands of American G.I.s and to honor the remarkable accomplishments of izen of the world who benefited from the de- put the Allied invasion of France at risk. Sean Rooney of Wheaton, Illinois, and his feat of Nazi forces in World War II, I am the General Bradley said this about the respon- contributions to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s beneficiary of his indomitable courage on D- sibility given then LTC Earl Rudder: ‘‘No sol- Indoor Volleyball Team’s triumph to win the day, which marked the beginning of the end dier in my command has ever been wished a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. for Hitler’s plan of world domination. more difficult task than that which befell the At Wheaton-Warrenville South High School In a more personal way, I paid for my grad- thirty-four-year-old Commander of this Provi- in my district, Sean was a standout player who uate school education with the scholarship I sional Ranger Force.’’ garnered Illinois State Player of the Year hon- received when I was awarded the Earl Rudder Two hundred and twenty-five Rangers ors and led his team to a State championship Award upon my graduation from A&M in 1974. began their mission on that perilous day when in 2001. He then went on to Pepperdine Uni- Nevertheless, receiving that award has always literally the fate of the world was in their versity, where he became one of their top been a source of deep humility to me, be- hands. Only 99 survived, but because of the players and helped lead them to a national cause I know that I could not even walk in the heroism of Earl Rudder and Rudder’s Rangers championship in 2005. After graduating in shadows of this great American’s shoes. that day, our world survived the tyranny of 2005, Sean continued to pursue his love of I want to salute the school board members, Adolf Hitler. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder, this the sport, playing professionally for 2 years. Superintendent Cargill, Principal Piatt, and all great Aggie and American, didn’t stop there. Then, Sean was selected to represent his who made this new school possible. James He went on to lead a unit in the Battle of the country on the international stage as a mem- Earl Rudder High School is far more than Bulge and became one of the most decorated ber of the United States’ Men’s Indoor brick, glass, and mortar, because a school veterans of World War II. Volleyball Team in the Games of the XXIX represents the very best of our values as a Having every right to say his public service Olympiad in Beijing, China. As the competition community. This school represents the com- was completed at the end of World War II, was beginning, though, the team faced a trag- mitment of one generation to the next. It rep- Earl Rudder did what so many of America’s ic setback when Todd Bachman, the father-in- resents this community’s willingness to tax veterans have done throughout our history. He law of the team’s coach, Hugh McCutcheon, itself to ensure that its children have a fair spent the rest of his life in service to others was fatally stabbed and his wife was seriously chance to reach their highest God-given po- and to the country he loved. He moved back injured following an act of random, senseless tential. to Brady, Texas, and became its mayor. He violence. It is in our schools and houses of worship was elected Land Commissioner of Texas, a In the face of this adversity, the team rallied that we witness our best sense of community, position he used to clean up abuses in vet- behind their coach and his family to win three a sense that we truly are our brothers’ keep- erans’ land programs. games. When their coach returned for the re- ers. It is in our schools that we Americans When he became the president of Texas mainder of the tournament, the team won five strive to provide for equality of opportunity for A&M University, his beloved alma mater, Earl more games, including an incredible upset vic- all. Ours is an imperfect, never ending jour- Rudder told his close classmate of ’32 and my tory over the top-ranked team from Brazil to ney, but in that march toward equality for all, mentor, Congressman Olin E. Teague, that he win the Gold Medal. we show our greatness and goodness as a had to make a decision that in some ways The Olympic Games are a time for countries nation. brought more heat on him than German guns to come together in the spirit of competition Thomas Jefferson was the 33-year-old au- at Pointe du Hoc. He decided to allow women and sportsmanship. They are a time to show- thor of our Declaration of Independence. He into A&M and to make the Corps of Cadets case the best our country has to offer. Sean was our third and one of our greatest Presi- voluntary for A&M students. Rooney and the Men’s Volleyball Team dents. Yet, before he died, he made it clear Some Aggies didn’t talk to President Rudder showed outstanding courage, commitment and that he wanted it etched on his gravestone ever again. But, just as he did on D-day, Earl athleticism at the Beijing Olympics and our that he was the founder of a university. In his Rudder showed the courage of his conviction. country couldn’t be more proud. wisdom, Thomas Jefferson understood the im- Just as D-day literally helped save the world Madam Speaker and distinguished col- portance of education to our democracy. as we know it, President Rudder’s decision in leagues, please join me in recognizing Sean Two centuries later, I believe that each of the 1960s saved the future of Texas A&M. It Rooney and the entire Men’s Indoor Volleyball you who played a role in founding James Earl was, perhaps, the most important decision Team for their remarkable performance in the Rudder High School shares the right to be ever made by any president of Texas A&M, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. proud of your accomplishment. It is my hope and I am not sure if any other person but Earl f that the life and values of Earl Rudder will be Rudder could have made it. In 1967, President HONORING THE DEDICATION OF an inspiration to every student here from this Lyndon Johnson presented Earl Rudder with RUDDER HIGH SCHOOL IN day forward. We should never forget the story the Distinguished Service Medal, our Nation’s BRYAN, TEXAS of Earl Rudder, because his is the story of the highest civilian award. American spirit. It is a story from which we Love of faith, family, and country; courage HON. CHET EDWARDS can all learn. under fire; integrity; and lifelong service to oth- Born in the small town of Eden, Texas, Earl ers—these were the values of Earl Rudder. OF TEXAS Rudder did not inherit material wealth, but his They are the quintessential American values IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES family, faith and education helped mold a true that have made ours the greatest Nation in the Monday, September 8, 2008 leader. Like so many Americans, he dedicated world. Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Madam Speaker, his life to helping others, to serving his coun- My hope is that the story and values of Earl I rise today to honor James Earl Rudder High try. Rudder will inspire the lives of everyone who

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:04 Mar 16, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E08SE8.000 E08SE8 WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 18062 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 13 September 8, 2008 walks through these doors for generations to mond City Councilmember Richard Griffin. A Richard was a man of great wisdom. He come. If so, then ours will be a better commu- tireless public servant and proud resident of provided tremendous support to me when I nity and a better country, and we will have the East Bay, Mr. Griffin passed away ran for the State Senate in 1996. I am deeply truly honored the service of this American Wednesday, August 13, 2008. He was 74 grateful for his counsel, his assistance, and hero. years old. his friendship. May God bless James Earl Rudder High Richard Griffin was born in 1934. He lived in Today, California’s 9th Congressional Dis- School and all who will serve there. the city of Richmond for 37 years, and served trict salutes and honors Mr. Richard Griffin. f in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Griffin Our deepest condolences go out to his loving served as a public school teacher and prin- wife, two sons, three grandchildren, and many TRIBUTE TO MARGARET HOELZER cipal in Oakland before embarking on a formal friends and colleagues. We thank his family political career. As an educator, he was an ac- for sharing this exuberant and compassionate HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. tive union member in the United Administra- spirit with us. May his soul rest in peace. OF ALABAMA tors of Oakland Schools, Local 83. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Richard was a strong believer in the impor- RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF Monday, September 8, 2008 tance of good mentors for our young people, and an unwavering advocate for the right to a DENNIS M. BARRY Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today quality education for all. Richard was an excel- to pay tribute to an outstanding individual from lent role model for our youth, especially Afri- HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER my district, Ms. Margaret Hoelzer. can-Americans. He never tired of working to OF CALIFORNIA Ms. Hoelzer, an accomplished swimmer, re- level the playing field so that the bright, young, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cently competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic talented students whom he taught would have Monday, September 8, 2008 Games in Beijing where she earned a Silver the best opportunities to pursue fulfilling and Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise to Medal in the women’s 200m backstroke and a successful lives. Bronze Medal in the women’s 100m back- Mr. Griffin held degrees in both chemistry recognize Dennis M. Barry, as he retires as stroke. In addition, she and her teammates and biology biology from San Francisco State the Interim Director of Contra Costa County’s were awarded a Silver Medal in the women’s University. He later earned a master’s degree Department of Conservation and Develop- 4xl00m medley relay. A two-time Olympian, in Education. In addition to teaching, his ca- ment, after 30 years of service. Dennis M. Barry’s career with the county Ms. Hoelzer also competed in the 2004 Sum- reer included diverse experiences, such as mer Olympic Games in Athens, where she working as a microbiologist for Schlitz Brewery encompasses 20 years with the Planning De- placed fifth in the 200m backstroke. and as chief chemist for General Dynamics partment, later established as the Community While her Olympic successes are certainly Corporation. An expert in his field, Richard Development Department, 10 years as Com- impressive, Ms. Hoelzer’s swimming career in- was awarded three National Science Founda- munity Development Director, and 4 months cludes numerous other medals and honors, tion Scholarships. as Interim Director of the Department of Con- both in U.S. and international competition. She He later went on to spend more than two servation and Development. is the former world record holder and world decades tirelessly serving the residents of In his role as Contra Costa County General champion in the 200m backstroke. She was Richmond as an esteemed member of their Plan Review Program Manager in 1987, Barry the silver medalist in the 200m backstroke at city council. He was appointed to his position led the General Plan Congress, which pro- both the 2003 and 2005 World Champion- on the city council in 1981 to fill a vacancy. duced the first comprehensive update to the ships, and she won her first U.S. national title His last term ended in 2006, when he decided General Plan in over 25 years. As Director of in the 200m backstroke at the 2005 World not to seek re-election. During his tenure on Community Development, Barry spearheaded Championship Trials. the city council, he also served as vice-mayor. the Urban Limit Line through the County proc- In addition to her many accomplishments in His colleagues on the Richmond City Coun- ess including public hearings and adoption by the sport of swimming, her activities outside cil remember him as extremely affable, char- voters. Throughout his career, Dennis M. the pool truly distinguish Margaret Hoelzer as ismatic, and passionate about the needs of Barry has been dedicated as a consummate a champion. When she’s not swimming, Ms. the constituency he represented. Residents planner and innovative leader. Hoelzer is a mentor and role model to the and city employees have described him as Throughout his illustrious career, Dennis M. young people who take part in her youth swim one of the most accessible elected officials, al- Barry received several awards for his service clinics. As a motivational speaker, she takes ways available to listen and reach out to resi- to the residents of Contra Costa County. her ‘‘if you put your mind to it, anything is pos- dents and city agencies and interested in ad- These awards include the following: the sible’’ message of perseverance to countless dressing complex issues in a hands-on and Contra Costa County Employee of the Year in children in her community. In addition, Ms. collaborative fashion. 1991, CSAC Challenge Award for the County Hoelzer volunteers at the National Children’s Mr. Griffin was widely known as a champion Growth Management Program 1990, and for Advocacy Center in Huntsville, where she for the rights of senior citizens and was a the Countywide General Plan in 1991; and works with abused children. Upon completion strong advocate of redevelopment projects CSAC Circle of Service Award. Dennis M. Barry’s outstanding service to of her master’s degree in sociology at Auburn which would improve access for those with Contra Costa County also included several University, she hopes to continue her work special mobility needs. He was also keenly in- policy changes that significantly impacted land with abused children as a psychologist. volved in the development of Richmond’s On Thursday, September 4, 2008, Ms. crime-prevention programs. Richard under- use, housing projects and public safety. He Hoelzer was honored with a reception in her stood, however, that being ‘‘tough on crime’’ assisted in drafting and placing Measure C on hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. There Ms. was not enough. He aimed, instead, to protect the ballot in 1990, which established the Hoelzer’s family, friends, and community cele- the populace and encourage the healthy de- Contra Costa County 65/35 Land Preservation brated her accomplishments and contributions velopment of city neighborhoods. During the Plan. He drafted and brought Ordinance 96– to the sport of swimming. I rise to join them in early 1980s, his support helped firmly estab- 50, Land Use Permits for Development their tribute and to thank Ms. Hoelzer for her lish the police commission, which investigates Projects involving Hazardous Materials and service to our community. allegations of police brutality and works to en- Hazardous Wastes, for hearings. Barry was in- sure that every person, even those who have volved in the formation of the Dougherty Val- f been accused of committing a crime, are treat- ley General Plan Amendment and Specific HONORING RICHARD GRIFFIN ed humanly and with dignity. Plan, which requires 25 percent of the units to A man of faith, Richard was a dedicated be occupied by low and moderate income HON. BARBARA LEE member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist families. OF CALIFORNIA Church. He always made time for community As Dennis M. Barry retires, I would like to service and, in addition to contributing to the thank him for his dedication to the quality of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES good work of his church, also served as the life for the residents of Contra Costa County, Monday, September 8, 2008 director of both the Richmond Girls Club and and his leadership in the field of planning. I Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the Greater Richmond Social Service Corpora- wish him the best of luck in his future endeav- honor the extraordinary life of longtime Rich- tion, respectively. ors.

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