E1218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 8, 2015 the youth and was dedicated to ensuring that that encourage active forest management. As a Tactical Air Control Party Journeyman and they were afforded the opportunity to become a native Arizonan, I am personally thankful for ultimately a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, involved. the hard work and dedication that this com- TSgt Officer earned his stripes as one of our Without question, Buck lived a life full of mission has set forth by empowering so many Nation’s most elite, both in training and in the love and giving back to those around him. He citizen volunteers. ultimate crucible of combat. With multiple de- was a friend and mentor to countless individ- f ployments around the globe and specifically in uals and one of the area youth’s biggest fans. support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and To his family, however, he will most be re- HONORING COL. JAMES ISAAC ENDURING FREEDOM, TSgt Officer’s leader- membered as a loving husband, father, and WHEELER ship and devotion to duty served his fellow air- grandfather, a great man who they were men and our Nation well over his prestigious blessed to have as their own and share with HON. MARTHA McSALLY fourteen-year career. the Northwest Florida community. OF ARIZONA Among his many awards and accolades are On behalf of the United States Congress, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES two Bronze Stars, one with Valor Device, the am privileged to recognize the life of James C. Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Tuesday, September 8, 2015 ‘‘Buck’’ Smith. My wife Vicki and I extend our Commendation Medal, Army Commendation heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife Ms. MCSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force of 44 years, Billie; daughter, Tina and her hus- the life of Col. James Isaac Wheeler, who Achievement Medal, Army Achievement band, Ryan; granddaughters Amber and passed away on August 24, 2015 at the age Medal, Meritorious Unit Award with one oak Ryleigh; brother, Rocky; sisters, Connie, of 93. leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Debbie, Sonya, and Rita; and all of the Smith Col. Wheeler was an exceptional pilot who Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak family. served his country with honor in three different leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, f conflicts—World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one oak Over his career in the Air Force, he piloted the leaf cluster, Iraq Campaign Medal with one IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNIVER- P–47 ‘‘Thunderbolt,’’ F–86, and C–47. oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Ex- SARY OF THE PRESCOTT AREA Upon his retirement, Col. Wheeler continued peditionary Medal, among many others. WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE to serve his community and fellow airmen, One fateful night in Iraq, on March 31, 2003, COMMISSION holding numerous leadership positions in vet- while serving as a Tactical Air Command and erans organizations in Tucson. He was stoutly Control Journeyman in support of the 1st Ar- HON. PAUL A. GOSAR devoted to his fellow veterans and serving the mored Division, TSgt Officer and his unit were OF ARIZONA Southern Arizona community he called home. engaged by enemy mortar, artillery, and direct IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I met Col. Wheeler as a young captain after fire. After an artillery shell exploded near his arriving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in vehicle, then Airman Officer engaged the Tuesday, September 8, 2015 1994. He became a great friend over the enemy, killing two, while coordinating close air Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to years and always encouraged me in my jour- support. When his crew ran out of ammuni- recognize the silver anniversary and 25 years ney as a pilot, officer, and, most recently, tion, the citation for his Bronze Star with Valor of dedicated service of the Prescott Area Congresswoman. He was such a wonderful reads, ‘‘He voluntarily dismounted his vehicle, Wildland Urban Interface Commission example of continued faithful service to the ran across the battlefield through a hail of (PAWUIC). community, Air Force, and military members small arms fire to another vehicle, and re- In 1989, Ed Hollenshead and Coy Jemmett and family. He was a patriot and true servant turned with enough ammunition for his entire of the Prescott National along with Prescott leader, and I am so grateful for his example crew.’’ Then Airman Officer assisted in the de- Fire Department’s Ron Prince and Darrell Wil- and friendship. livery of air support, resulting in 55 enemy lis originally conceived the idea of an organi- Few can say they answered the call to killed. As the citation concludes, ‘‘His tremen- zation where community leaders were involved serve and defend our country as often, and dous bravery under constant enemy fire un- in combating issues in the Wildland Urban during such critical times, as Col. Wheeler. It doubtedly saved his fellow crewmembers Interface (WUI). These conversations evolved was my honor to have known and served with along with countless members of task force 2– into a task force known as the Interagency him, and I extend my sincere condolences to 70, and directly aided in the defeat of the Fire and Emergency Management Group. A his family and friends. enemy.’’ year later, The Prescott Area Wildland Urban f Mr. Speaker, this is the type of man we lost Interface Commission was officially formed on on August 3, 2015. Described as honest and HONORING THE DEDICATED SERV- September 7, 1990 when a memorandum of loyal, he truly was a significant role model for ICE AND SELFLESS SACRIFICE understanding was signed by PAWUIC, the those who knew him, not just by his words but OF TECHNICAL SERGEANT TIM- City of Prescott, Yavapai County, Central by his actions. Adding more weight to our OTHY A. OFFICER, JR. Yavapai Fire District, Arizona State Land hearts, TSgt Officer is the second son and Deptarment and the Prescott National Forest. brother his family lays to rest upon the altar of In 2001, Prescott was selected as one of HON. JEFF MILLER freedom. His younger brother, Army Sergeant seven communities in the United States to OF FLORIDA Justin Officer, tragically fell on the battlefield of participate in the National Fire Protection As- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Afghanistan while serving with the 101st Air- sociation’s Firewise Communities program. borne on September 29, 2010. There are no Tuesday, September 8, 2015 This distinction resulted from Prescott having words I, this body of Congress, or the Nation a strong, citizen-led commission on WUI Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is can say that might assuage the bereavement issues. with both profound sadness and deep grati- of the Officer family, as they endure the Today, there are approximately 30 Firewise tude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen deco- unendurable yet again. All I can say is on be- certified communities in and around Prescott rated American hero. On Monday, August 3, half of a humble and grateful Nation, we thank protecting more than 12,000 properties and 2015, Technical Sergeant Timothy A. Officer, them for the love, counsel, guidance, and sup- representing more than half of all Firewise Jr., of the 24th Special Operations Wing, lo- port given to Timothy and Justin, which helped communities in the State of Arizona. cated in Florida’s First Congressional District, make them the heroes they became. Their I am proud to honor the Prescott Area tragically lost his life during a military freefall lives stand as a testament that freedom is not Wildland Urban Interface Commission for their training accident. TSgt Officer was 32 years free, and their legacies will echo in time as ex- valuable contributions towards preventing dan- old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of amples of the ultimate sacrifice for all free gerous wildfires and combating other wildland service. people. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that urban interface issues. At a time in our na- Timothy was born to Timothy and Linda Of- God is with Timothy’s parents, Timothy and tion’s history when catastrophic wildfires are ficer on August 8, 1982 in Huntington, West Linda; his sister Kylea; and all of his family devastating the West and have burned nearly Virginia. After graduating high school, he fol- and friends during this time of great mourning, 9 million acres this year alone, we must em- lowed in his family’s footsteps of service and and may God continue to bless the United brace commonsense and worthwhile efforts joined the Air Force in 2001. Upon becoming States of America.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:22 Sep 09, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08SE8.015 E08SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS September 8, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1219 TRIBUTE TO THE REMARKABLE preparer, and a real estate agent. She at- Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two oak LIFE OF AMELIA PLATTS BOYN- tended Georgia State Industrial School, which leaf clusters, USAF Noncommissioned Officer TON ROBINSON was renamed Savannah State University and Professional Military Education Graduate Rib- Tuskegee Normal, which is now known as bon with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air HON. TERRI A. SEWELL Tuskegee University. Force Training Ribbon. OF ALABAMA Without her courageous campaign for the By all accounts, TSgt Bettelyoun was the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 7th Congressional District, I know that my consummate leader and selfless warrior in his election to this seat in 2010 would not have professional life as well as his personal life. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 been possible. Her sacrifices paved the way Described by close friends as being able to Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I for me to walk the halls of Congress and I will walk into a room of strangers and leave their rise today to pay tribute to the extraordinary carry my love and admiration for her in my friend, TSgt Bettelyoun surely lived a full, al- life and legacy of an American treasure and heart each and every day. I will always cher- beit too brief, life. A dedicated family man, it one of my personal heroes, the courageous ish the time we spent together when she hon- remains clear his family was the most impor- Mrs. Amelia Platts Boynton Robinson. Amelia ored me as my special guest for the State of tant aspect in this young patriot’s life. With five passed away on August 26, 2015 at the age the Union on January 20, 2015. I am grateful children to his beloved wife, Jennifer, TSgt of 104. While we mourn the loss of this re- for the memories of her greeting President Bettelyoun and Jennifer took in a young cous- markable woman, I am comforted in knowing Obama that night and I am so blessed to have in as their own, after the cousin’s parents trag- that her brave spirit will live through her called her a beloved mentor and friend. ically passed away. impactful contributions to this nation. As she reminded us in life, there is still Mr. Speaker, this is the type of man we lost Amelia was a key figure in the voting rights much work to be done for this nation to live up on August 3, 2015. There are no words I, this movement in Selma, Alabama and she is to its ideals of equality and justice for all. Let body of Congress, or the Nation can say that often remembered for her historic role as one us be inspired by the extraordinary life of might assuage the bereavement of the of the coordinators and marchers on ‘‘Bloody Amelia to keep striving and working towards a Bettelyoun family and the six children Marty Sunday.’’ On that solemn day on the Edmund more perfect union. May we honor her by con- leaves behind. All I can say is on behalf of a Pettus Bridge, Amelia was savagely beaten tinuing her life’s work. I ask my colleagues to humble and grateful Nation, we thank them for and a photo of her taken shortly after she was join with me in saluting Mrs. Platts Amelia the love, counsel, guidance, and support given attacked became a powerful symbol of the in- Boynton Robinson, an Alabama gem and an to Marty, which helped make him the hero he justices suffered by those fighting on the American treasure. Thank you. became both in uniform and as a father. His frontlines of the movement. f life stands as a testament that freedom is not Yet this fearless revolutionary continued her free, and his legacy will echo in time as an ex- work as a leader on the frontlines of securing HONORING THE DEDICATED SERV- ample of the ultimate sacrifice for all free peo- the right to vote for all Americans. She was ICE AND SELFLESS SACRIFICE ple. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that undeterred by the perils of a racially unjust so- OF TECHNICAL SERGEANT God be with Marty’s wife, Jennifer; his children ciety that relegated blacks to second-class citi- MARTY B. BETTELYOUN Kalyn, Olivia, Benjamin, Isabella, and Mollie; zenship. Her story is a testament to her com- his parents, Sonny and Christina; brothers mitment to serving as a conduit for change HON. JEFF MILLER Luke and Adam; Stepmother Sharon and and a reminder of why we in Alabama lovingly OF FLORIDA Stepfather Jim; and all family and friends dur- refer to her as the matriarch of the movement. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing this time of great mourning, and may God Amelia was born on August 18, 1911 in Sa- Tuesday, September 8, 2015 continue to bless the United States of Amer- vannah, Georgia. Her mother was an activist ica. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is during the women’s suffrage movement. After f the passage of the 19th amendment, she and with both profound sadness and deep grati- her mother distributed voter registration infor- tude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen deco- IN CELEBRATION OF THE HUMANE mation to women from the family’s horse and rated American hero. On Monday, August 3, SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY’S buggy in 1920. Her mother’s tireless efforts to 2015, Technical Sergeant Marty B. Bettelyoun 50TH ANNIVERSARY secure the right to vote for women would have of the 24th Special Operations Wing, located a lasting impact on Amelia. It also paved the in Florida’s First Congressional District, trag- HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. way for the young activist to claim her own ically lost his life during a military freefall train- OF VIRGINIA place in American history. ing accident. TSgt Bettelyoun was 35 years IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fueled by that same passion, Amelia began old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of Tuesday, September 8, 2015 her own service to mankind when she and her service. husband Samuel Boynton fought for voting Born to Sonny and Christina Bettelyoun on Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ac- rights and property ownership for African- October 18, 1979 in Eugene, Oregon, TSgt knowledge and congratulate the Humane So- Americans in the poorest rural areas of Ala- Bettelyoun graduated from Oregon City High ciety of Fairfax County for reaching the grand bama. She was later named the only female School. After graduation, he answered the call old age of 50, and, perhaps more impres- lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during and joined the Air Force in 2000. Enduring sively, for spending those years caring for the the civil rights movement. In this role, Amelia one of the most challenging training pipelines animals of Virginia’s 8th District. traveled alongside Dr. King and often ap- the United States military has to offer, TSgt The Humane Society of Fairfax County was peared in his stead for various events and Bettelyoun earned his stripes as one of our established by concerned citizens in 1965 in gatherings during the movement. Nation’s most elite. As a lead instructor in Sur- order to pursue the three-fold mission of pro- Amelia is also best known for her leadership vival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, and moting humane education, preventing all that led to the passage of the Voting Rights later as a Combat Controller with multiple forms of cruelty to animals—both domestic Act of 1965. Amelia was such an integral part training and combat deployments around the and wild—by every legitimate means avail- of the process that the contents of the bill globe, TSgt Bettelyoun’s leadership and devo- able, and assisting the community with all were drafted at her kitchen table in Selma. tion to duty served thousands of airmen and matters pertaining to the welfare of animals. On May 5, 1964, Amelia broke yet another our Nation well throughout his prestigious fif- In furtherance of this mission, the HSFC barrier when she became the first woman in teen-year career. provides numerous different services for both the state of Alabama to run for a congres- Among his many awards and accolades are the animals and people within its community. sional seat. She garnered 10.7 percent of the the Air Force Commendation Medal with one The HSFC accepts and cares for all animals vote during a time when very few blacks were oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal in need—dogs and cats of course, but also registered voters. Her historic run further so- with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit birds, rabbits, gerbils, and more. They care for lidified her impact on the movement for human Award with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force animals that have been given up by their fami- rights in Alabama. Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clus- lies and for animals from overwhelmed and kill When this extraordinary woman wasn’t con- ters, National Defense Service Medal, Global shelters. They help military families that have tributing her time to the causes of her genera- War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global special needs in regard to caring for their ani- tion, she worked as an educator, a home War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force mals and they provide emergency medical demonstrations agent with the Department of Overseas Ribbon Long, Air Force Expedi- treatment for animals from families that Agriculture, an insurance agent, an income tax tionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford such care.

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