June 29, 2006 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 152, Pt. 10 13727 SILVER STAR MEDAL PRESENTED losses and was forced to abandon the com- process that has been long, tiring and frus- TO DONALD F. FULTON plex. The Sad Sam operation and subsequent trating. I applaud the persistence and commit- ground operation caused the enemy to rein- ment of the Nagorno-Karabagh authorities and HON. GEORGE MILLER force security in its sanctuary area at the ex- the government of Armenia and I hope that all OF CALIFORNIA pense of main force units, and its order of bat- of their efforts are slowly, but surely, paying IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tle in South Vietnam was decremented.’’ off. Donald Fulton is also the recipient of In the last week, the new U.S. Co-Chairman Thursday, June 29, 2006 the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza an- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Service Medal and the Air Medal with eight nounced the framework of an agreement that Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues Oak Leaf Clusters. Armenian and Azeri political leaders will soon to join me in recognizing Major Donald F. Ful- f discuss in an effort to settle the conflict once ton, USAF Ret., a resident of Vacaville, Cali- and for all. In a statement that was issued by fornia, who has been awarded the Silver Star RECOGNIZING ALEXANDER LEWIS the U.S. embassy in Yerevan yesterday, the Medal for extraordinary gallantry in action RICE Minsk Group’s American, French and Russian while on a combat mission. The incident took co-chairs said the proposal envisages a self- place on August 14, 1969 when Maj. Fulton HON. SAM GRAVES determination referendum to be held in was serving in the as OF MISSOURI Karabagh after the redeployment of Armenian a Forward Air Controller, FAC, while sup- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES troops from Azerbaijani territories surrounding porting classified combat operations in Laos Thursday, June 29, 2006 Karabagh. during the Vietnam War. Approval was an- I hope that this announcement will clear the nounced by the Department of the Air Force Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause way for a brighter future for the Karabagh peo- for the award of the Silver Star Medal, the na- to celebrate the birth of Alexander Lewis Rice. ple and for the people of Armenia and Azer- tion’s third highest award for valor, to Donald Alex was born on Flag Day, Wednesday, June baijan. It is a sad consequence of the war that F. Fulton. 14, 2006, to his proud parents, Robert and Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh have been Don Fulton is a native of New York City, Sarah Rice, of Chillicothe, Missouri. Alex en- subjected to a cruel and illegal blockade by NY, and has lived in the Vacaville, CA, area tered the world at 9:33 p.m. at Liberty Hospital Turkey and Azerbaijan, a blockade that con- since 1975. He graduated from Point Lorna in Liberty, Missouri, weighing a healthy 6 lbs. tinues to undermine the prospects for peace. Nazarene University in 1965. 11 oz. and 19 inches long. Armenia and the government of Nagorno- As a in the U.S. Air Force, he Alex also has proud grandparents, Lewis Karabagh have persisted in looking for ways served as a FAC while assigned to Pleiku Air and Kathy Rice, of Maryville, Missouri, and to ease regional tensions, but the Azeris have Base, Republic of Vietnam, with the 20th Tac- Kevin and Sandy Coan, of Omaha, Nebraska, too often responded by walking away. It is tical Air Support Squadron, TASS. On August to spoil him. Alex is also the nephew of Sarah also not helpful that Azerbaijan has persist- 14, 1969, Captain Fulton was the pilot of a and Travis Woodward, of Bowie, Maryland, ently talked of a military build-up even as it os- lightly armed observation aircraft (0–2) and Nathaniel Rice, of Maryville, Missouri, Brian tensibly negotiates with the Karabagh and Ar- was participating in aerial flight deep inside and Carie Costanzo of Lincoln, Nebraska, and menia. Last December’s desecration of Arme- Laos in support of Military Assistance Com- Thomas and Elle Coan of Abilene, Texas. nian khatchars in Azerbaij an also poisoned mand—Vietnam, Studies and Observation I find it quite appropriate that Alex was born the atmosphere surrounding the talks. Group, MAC–V SOG, Command and Control on such a patriotic holiday as Flag Day con- I am pleased that the Azeri hostility has not Central (CCC). Operating under call sign sidering that his father was one of my first in- gone unnoticed by our government. Last Covey 538, Captain Fulton coordinated Tac- terns while I served in the Missouri State Sen- Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary Bryza tical Air Support for an eight-man Special Op- ate. I see great things in Alex’s future consid- spoke to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. In erations Strategic Reconnaissance Team ering his parents’ and grandparents’ great em- response to a question about whether the con- while it conducted Operation Sad Sam, a raid phasis on family values, public service and pa- flict could resume, he said that it is from the on a major North Vietnamese Army unit head- triotism. Azeri side ‘‘where you most often hear those quarters. Recon Team New York was subse- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in sorts of threats.’’ And in light of the oil reve- quently heavily engaged by a North Viet- celebrating the birth of Alexander Lewis Rice. nues, he went on to say that ‘‘It’s really quite namese Infantry Regiment and was immo- I wish Alex the best life has to offer, and I am unhelpful make statements that imply that this bilized with casualties and surrounded at dusk proud to now serve him in the United States increased wealth is going to lead to purchases in mountainous rain forest. With a low ceiling Congress. of arms and military threats.’’ and heavy rain approaching, and no tactical f In my meeting with them, I told Foreign Min- air support immediately available, Captain Ful- ister Petrosian and Speaker Ghu1ian how ton, firing marking rockets and an M–16 rifle, A TIME OF HOPE FOR NAGORNO- much I admire their commitment to peace and made numerous aerobatic, treetop level at- KARABAGH their leadership. Too many families have lost tacks on the enemy forces. During these loved ones as a result of this conflict. It has passes, he was subjected to heavy fire from HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF been far too long that displaced refugees have small arms, 12.7mm heavy machine guns, OF CALIFORNIA been homeless. rocket propelled grenades and 23mm and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We seem to be at a real turning point in the 37mm antiaircraft weapons, inflicting substan- Thursday, June 29, 2006 history of the Caucus region and I am proud tial battle damage to his aircraft. His actions that the United States is playing a significant forestalled enemy attacks on the besieged Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, this week I had role in the peace process. Recon Team, until tactical air support could the pleasure of meeting with Nagorno- f arrive. Subsequently, Captain Fulton directed Karabagh’s Foreign Minister George Petrosian the air assets in attacking the enemy and in and National Assembly Speaker Ashot INTRODUCTION OF THE GREAT conducting a night extraction of the Recon- Ghulian. I have long supported the right of LAKES WATER PROTECTION ACT naissance Team during a heavy rainstorm, self-determination for the people of Nagorno- while his fuel level dropped to near empty. Karabagh and greatly admire the efforts of the HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK In his recommendation for the award of the people of this historically Armenian region to OF ILLINOIS Silver Star to Major Fulton, Lieutenant Colonel build democracy and a market economy in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Edward Wolcoff, U.S. Army, Ret., stated that face of hostility from Azerbaijan. the ‘‘operation resulted in the discovery of a It is a time of hope for a resolution of the Thursday, June 29, 2006 major enemy headquarters and nearby main Nagorno-Karabagh conflict that has plagued Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased force bivouacs and fortifications, which were the South Caucus for 15 years. to join with Congressman LIPINSKI to introduce subjected to aerial attack and subsequently The Armenian and Azeri leadership have, the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. This bi- ground attack by an exploitation force from for several years, been negotiating to turn a partisan legislation would set a date certain to CCC, whereby the enemy sustained heavy ceasefire into a more durable peace. It is a end sewage dumping in America’s largest

VerDate Sep 11 2014 14:22 Mar 27, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00679 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR29JN06.DAT BR29JN06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD 13728 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 152, Pt. 10 June 29, 2006 supply of fresh water, the Great Lakes. More His tenure in the Big Country is markedly Missouri, over the past 150 years. Kearney is than 27 million Americans depend on the impressive. Team Dyess has won over 40 or- a wonderful community and its future will sure- Great Lakes for their drinking water. We need ganizational and individual awards since 2003. ly be as bright as the past 150 years. It is an to put a stop to the poisoning of our water Earlier this year, Dyess became the first bomb honor and a privilege to represent such a fine supply. Cities along the Great Lakes must be- wing in 13 years to receive an overall out- community in the United States Congress. come environmental stewards of our country’s standing rating following an Air Combat Com- f most precious freshwater ecosystem. mand Operational Readiness Inspection. In The Great Lakes Water Protection Act gives addition, Dyess has received more energy INTRODUCTION OF THE TRAU- cities until 2026 to build the full infrastructure awards than any other military base in the Na- MATIC BRAIN INJURY ACT OF needed to prevent sewage dumping into the tion. 2006 Great Lakes. Those who violate EPA sewage Furthermore, Colonel Harencak and his dumping regulations after that federal deadline wife, Tanya, were the privileged recipients of HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. will be subject to fines up to $100,000 for the ACC level of the General and Mrs. Jerome OF NEW JERSEY every day they are in violation. These fines F. O’Malley Award for 2006. This distinguished IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES will go back into State clean water funds. award recognizes the wing commander and Thursday, June 29, 2006 spouse whose contributions to the Nation, the From there, the funds will be spent on waste- Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, today, my Air Force and the local community best exem- water treatment options, with a special focus colleague TODD PLATTS of Pennsylvania and I plify the highest ideals and positive leadership on greener solutions such as habitat protec- are introducing the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of a military couple in a key Air Force position. tion and wetland restoration. of 2006. We are joined by a bipartisan group Colonel Harencak truly demonstrates what it This legislation is sorely needed. Many of original cosponsors, a complete list of which means to be a great principal of our country. major cities along the Great Lakes do not follows this statement. He has served the Air Force, the men and have the infrastructure needed to divert sew- Originally passed in 1996 and reauthorized women of Team Dyess, and the local Abilene age overflows during times of heavy rainfall. In in 2000, the TBI Act is designed to promote community proudly. There is no doubt in my 2004, the city of Milwaukee dumped 1.6 billion sound and coordinated public policy in brain mind that Colonel Harencak has contributed gallons of sewage into Lake Michigan. Sew- injury prevention, research, education, treat- significantly to defending freedom and saving age pollutes our waters and poses grave ment and community-bases services and sup- lives. I also know that, as a result of his lead- health risks to people exposed to it. It also re- ports for individuals living with a TBI and their ership Dyess will flourish. And it will remain sults in beach closings. families. The Act also encourages basic and one our Nation’s most important bases for Although there was no direct correlation be- translational scientific research. tween Milwaukee’s sewage dumping and the years to come. It is the only Federal law that specifically ad- With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank closing of Chicago-area beaches in 2004, dresses the issues faced by persons with my good friend Colonel Harencak for his dedi- Cook County beach closings nearly tripled brain injury. from 213 in 2003 to 613 in 2004. I am particu- cated service to our country. I wish him the As a founding co-chairman of the Congres- larly concerned over the 150 beach day clos- best of luck in his next assignment at Air sional Brain Injury Task Force, I have wit- ings in my congressional district in 2004, the Combat Command. nessed first hand how these programs make a latest year tracked. This trend is echoed f difference in people’s lives and have worked throughout the Great Lakes region and is one RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF to educate your colleagues on the enormous we need to reverse. KEARNEY impact traumatic brain injury has on our soci- Protecting our Great Lakes is one of my top ety. priorities in the Congress. As an original co- HON. SAM GRAVES Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading sponsor of both the Great Lakes Restoration cause of death and disability in young Ameri- OF MISSOURI Act and the Save Our Water from Sewage cans. Approximately 1.4 million Americans ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Act, I favor a broad approach to addressing perience TBI each year. Every 21 seconds, needs in the region. However, we must also Thursday, June 29, 2006 one person in the United States sustains a move forward with tailored approaches to fix Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause traumatic brain injury. About half of these specific problems as we continue to push for to recognize the city of Kearney, Missouri. The cases result in at least short-term disability, more comprehensive reform. I am proud to in- city of Kearney has long played a vital role as and 50,000 people die as a result of their inju- troduce this important legislation that address- one of the most outstanding communities in ries. Every year about 80,000 people sustain es a key problem facing our Great Lakes, and Missouri and this year marks the 150th anni- severe brain injuries leading to long term dis- hope my colleagues will support me in ensur- versary of the founding of Kearney in 1856. ability. ing that these important resources become Kearney was originally settled under the An estimated 5.3 million Americans are liv- free from the threat of sewage pollution. name of Centerville and was first laid out by ing with long term, severe disability as a result f David T. Duncan and W.A. Cave in the spring of brain injury. The national cost is estimated of 1856. Eleven years later in 1867, the city of at more than $60 billion annually. TRIBUTE TO AIR FORCE COLONEL Kearney was again laid out by John Lawrence Individuals with TBI account for 2 percent of GARRETT HARENCAK and was incorporated as a town or village by the total US population and represent nearly the Clay County Court April 5, 1869. Kearney 10 percent of our Nation’s disability popu- HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER was vital to the growth and development of lation. OF TEXAS Clay County in those early days as a major The statistics involving brain injury are in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thoroughfare for the railroads and that growth creasing even more now that reports show and development continues to this day. that traumatic brain injuries account for 14 Thursday, June 29, 2006 As the original birthplace of the infamous percent to 20 percent of casualties for those Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise outlaw Jesse James, today Kearney has em- who survive combat in Iraq. Despite the stag- today in special recognition of U.S. Air Force braced its heritage as a fixture of the Old gering statistics, TBI remains the ‘‘silent epi- Colonel Garrett Harencak and I wish him good West and holds the wildly popular Jesse demic’’ in this country. luck as he makes a permanent change of sta- James Festival each year. The festival is just In fact, the annual incidence and prevalence tion to . one event among the numerous activities that of TBI is higher than breast cancer, multiple Colonel Harencak commanded the 7th makes Kearney a wonderful place to work and sclerosis, spinal cord injury and HIV/AIDS Bomb Wing at in Abi- raise a family. Kearney remains an economic combined. Despite these staggering statistics, lene, Texas from August 2003 to July 2006. and social focal point of Clay County, bringing TBI remains a silent epidemic plaguing our Throughout his service at Dyess, he has in families throughout the country to this his- Nation. worked diligently to improve the quality of life toric area and welcoming businesses that are Traumatic Brain Injury is a unique issue. An for base personnel while providing combat- seeking a friendly and vibrant community. epidemic so vast it is almost overwhelming ready B–1 aircraft, crews and combat support Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in and so personal its effects defy definition. It is for the United States military. recognizing the achievements of Kearney, a global health problem and there is no cure.

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