E1708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 8, 2008 garnered Illinois State Player of the Year hon- Nevertheless, receiving that award has always that day, our world survived the tyranny of ors and led his team to a State championship been a source of deep humility to me, be- Adolf Hitler. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder, this in 2001. He then went on to Pepperdine Uni- cause I know that I could not even walk in the great Aggie and American, didn’t stop there. versity, where he became one of their top shadows of this great American’s shoes. He went on to lead a unit in the Battle of the players and helped lead them to a national I want to salute the school board members, Bulge and became one of the most decorated championship in 2005. After graduating in Superintendent Cargill, Principal Piatt, and all veterans of World War II. 2005, Sean continued to pursue his love of who made this new school possible. James Having every right to say his public service the sport, playing professionally for 2 years. Earl Rudder High School is far more than was completed at the end of World War II, Then, Sean was selected to represent his brick, glass, and mortar, because a school Earl Rudder did what so many of America’s country on the international stage as a mem- represents the very best of our values as a veterans have done throughout our history. He ber of the United States’ Men’s Indoor community. This school represents the com- spent the rest of his life in service to others Volleyball Team in the Games of the XXIX mitment of one generation to the next. It rep- and to the country he loved. He moved back Olympiad in Beijing, China. As the competition resents this community’s willingness to tax to Brady, Texas, and became its mayor. He was beginning, though, the team faced a trag- itself to ensure that its children have a fair was elected Land Commissioner of Texas, a ic setback when Todd Bachman, the father-in- chance to reach their highest God-given po- position he used to clean up abuses in vet- law of the team’s coach, Hugh McCutcheon, tential. erans’ land programs. was fatally stabbed and his wife was seriously It is in our schools and houses of worship When he became the president of Texas injured following an act of random, senseless that we witness our best sense of community, A&M University, his beloved alma mater, Earl violence. a sense that we truly are our brothers’ keep- Rudder told his close classmate of ’32 and my In the face of this adversity, the team rallied ers. It is in our schools that we Americans mentor, Congressman Olin E. Teague, that he behind their coach and his family to win three strive to provide for equality of opportunity for had to make a decision that in some ways games. When their coach returned for the re- all. Ours is an imperfect, never ending jour- brought more heat on him than German guns mainder of the tournament, the team won five ney, but in that march toward equality for all, at Pointe du Hoc. He decided to allow women more games, including an incredible upset vic- we show our greatness and goodness as a into A&M and to make the Corps of Cadets tory over the top-ranked team from Brazil to nation. voluntary for A&M students. win the Gold Medal. Thomas Jefferson was the 33-year-old au- Some Aggies didn’t talk to President Rudder The Olympic Games are a time for countries thor of our Declaration of Independence. He ever again. But, just as he did on D-day, Earl to come together in the spirit of competition was our third and one of our greatest Presi- Rudder showed the courage of his conviction. and sportsmanship. They are a time to show- dents. Yet, before he died, he made it clear Just as D-day literally helped save the world case the best our country has to offer. Sean that he wanted it etched on his gravestone as we know it, President Rudder’s decision in Rooney and the Men’s Volleyball Team that he was the founder of a university. In his the 1960s saved the future of Texas A&M. It showed outstanding courage, commitment and wisdom, Thomas Jefferson understood the im- was, perhaps, the most important decision athleticism at the Beijing Olympics and our portance of education to our democracy. ever made by any president of Texas A&M, country couldn’t be more proud. Two centuries later, I believe that each of and I am not sure if any other person but Earl Madam Speaker and distinguished col- you who played a role in founding James Earl Rudder could have made it. In 1967, President leagues, please join me in recognizing Sean Rudder High School shares the right to be Lyndon Johnson presented Earl Rudder with Rooney and the entire Men’s Indoor Volleyball proud of your accomplishment. It is my hope the Distinguished Service Medal, our Nation’s Team for their remarkable performance in the that the life and values of Earl Rudder will be highest civilian award. 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. an inspiration to every student here from this Love of faith, family, and country; courage f day forward. We should never forget the story under fire; integrity; and lifelong service to oth- of Earl Rudder, because his is the story of the ers—these were the values of Earl Rudder. HONORING THE DEDICATION OF American spirit. It is a story from which we They are the quintessential American values RUDDER HIGH SCHOOL IN can all learn. that have made ours the greatest Nation in the BRYAN, TEXAS Born in the small town of Eden, Texas, Earl world. Rudder did not inherit material wealth, but his My hope is that the story and values of Earl HON. CHET EDWARDS family, faith and education helped mold a true Rudder will inspire the lives of everyone who OF TEXAS leader. Like so many Americans, he dedicated walks through these doors for generations to come. If so, then ours will be a better commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his life to helping others, to serving his coun- try. nity and a better country, and we will have Monday, September 8, 2008 After graduating from Texas A&M in 1932, truly honored the service of this American Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Madam Speaker, Earl Rudder was commissioned as a second hero. I rise today to honor James Earl Rudder High lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He then May God bless James Earl Rudder High School in the community of Bryan-College chose the noble profession of teaching—first School and all who will serve there. Station, Texas. as a coach and teacher at Brady High School f It was a privilege to take part in the dedica- and later at Tarleton State College. In 1941, TRIBUTE TO MARGARET HOELZER tion ceremony because the Rudder family has his country called him to duty, and did he ever had a very personal impact on my life. Mrs. answer that call. Rising through the ranks be- Earl Rudder was like a second mother to me, cause of his integrity, courage and leadership HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. OF ALABAMA although in fairness, I should point out that skills, he was chosen to lead the 2nd Ranger IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES she effectively adopted thousands of Aggies Battalion by one of the most respected gen- over several generations. That did not make erals to ever serve in the U.S. Army, GEN Monday, September 8, 2008 her any less special to me, and I want to Omar Bradley. Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today thank the Rudder children—Ann, Linda, Bud His D-day mission was to lead the best of to pay tribute to an outstanding individual from and Bob—for sharing for so many years your the best up the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc my district, Ms. Margaret Hoelzer. mother and father with all of us in your ex- to disarm massive German guns that could Ms. Hoelzer, an accomplished swimmer, re- tended Aggie family. have killed thousands of American G.I.s and cently competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic I never met General Rudder, because he put the Allied invasion of France at risk. Games in Beijing where she earned a Silver died just months before I enrolled at A&M in General Bradley said this about the respon- Medal in the women’s 200m backstroke and a 1970, but like every American and every cit- sibility given then LTC Earl Rudder: ‘‘No sol- Bronze Medal in the women’s 100m back- izen of the world who benefited from the de- dier in my command has ever been wished a stroke. In addition, she and her teammates feat of Nazi forces in World War II, I am the more difficult task than that which befell the were awarded a Silver Medal in the women’s beneficiary of his indomitable courage on D- thirty-four-year-old Commander of this Provi- 4xl00m medley relay. A two-time Olympian, day, which marked the beginning of the end sional Ranger Force.’’ Ms. Hoelzer also competed in the 2004 Sum- for Hitler’s plan of world domination. Two hundred and twenty-five Rangers mer Olympic Games in Athens, where she In a more personal way, I paid for my grad- began their mission on that perilous day when placed fifth in the 200m backstroke. uate school education with the scholarship I literally the fate of the world was in their While her Olympic successes are certainly received when I was awarded the Earl Rudder hands. Only 99 survived, but because of the impressive, Ms. Hoelzer’s swimming career in- Award upon my graduation from A&M in 1974. heroism of Earl Rudder and Rudder’s Rangers cludes numerous other medals and honors,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Sep 09, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08SE8.011 E08SEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS September 8, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1709 both in U.S. and international competition. She (CPSC), the Government agency responsible University. He later earned a master’s degree is the former world record holder and world for monitoring and enforcing product safety, in Education. In addition to teaching, his ca- champion in the 200m backstroke. She was has been starved for resources. Since 2004, reer included diverse experiences, such as the silver medalist in the 200m backstroke at the CPSC has lost 15 percent of its workforce working as a microbiologist for Schlitz Brewery both the 2003 and 2005 World Champion- and now 420 people are responsible for over- and as chief chemist for General Dynamics ships, and she won her first U.S. national title seeing over 15,000 types of consumer goods. Corporation. An expert in his field, Richard in the 200m backstroke at the 2005 World This means that a single person is responsible was awarded three National Science Founda- Championship Trials. for testing all toys at the CPSC. Leadership at tion Scholarships. In addition to her many accomplishments in the highest levels of the CPSC has been He later went on to spend more than two the sport of swimming, her activities outside asleep at the switch and has shown little inter- decades tirelessly serving the residents of the pool truly distinguish Margaret Hoelzer as est in addressing the serious threat that taint- Richmond as an esteemed member of their a champion. When she’s not swimming, Ms. ed toys pose to our Nation’s children. This is city council. He was appointed to his position Hoelzer is a mentor and role model to the a disservice to American children and their on the city council in 1981 to fill a vacancy. young people who take part in her youth swim families, and I am pleased that we are finally His last term ended in 2006, when he decided clinics. As a motivational speaker, she takes taking up legislation that would help to give not to seek re-election. During his tenure on her ‘‘if you put your mind to it, anything is pos- the CPSC the tools that it needs to keep our the city council, he also served as vice-mayor. sible’’ message of perseverance to countless children and families safe. His colleagues on the Richmond City Coun- children in her community. In addition, Ms. The conference report for H.R. 4040 would cil remember him as extremely affable, char- Hoelzer volunteers at the National Children’s help empower the CPSC to become a more ismatic, and passionate about the needs of Advocacy Center in Huntsville, where she effective force for regulating the consumer the constituency he represented. Residents works with abused children. Upon completion marketplace by increasing its budget and reg- and city employees have described him as of her master’s degree in sociology at Auburn ulatory authority. It would protect our children one of the most accessible elected officials, al- University, she hopes to continue her work by requiring the pre-market testing in certified ways available to listen and reach out to resi- with abused children as a psychologist. laboratories of children’s products for lead and dents and city agencies and interested in ad- On Thursday, September 4, 2008, Ms. other harmful chemicals. H.R. 4040 would ban dressing complex issues in a hands-on and Hoelzer was honored with a reception in her even trace amounts of lead in any product in- collaborative fashion. hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. There Ms. tended for children under the age of 12, and Mr. Griffin was widely known as a champion Hoelzer’s family, friends, and community cele- prohibit phthalates in children’s products. for the rights of senior citizens and was a brated her accomplishments and contributions Phthalates are known to cause reproductive strong advocate of redevelopment projects to the sport of swimming. I rise to join them in and developmental harm. This legislation which would improve access for those with their tribute and to thank Ms. Hoelzer for her would also make it easier to recall tainted special mobility needs. He was also keenly in- service to our community. products by requiring manufacturers to place volved in the development of Richmond’s f distinguishing marks on products and pack- crime-prevention programs. Richard under- ages. It would provide whistleblower protec- stood, however, that being ‘‘tough on crime’’ CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4040, tions for private sector employees regarding was not enough. He aimed, instead, to protect CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY alleged violations of any CPSC-enforced prod- the populace and encourage the healthy de- IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008 uct safety requirements. Finally, this bill would velopment of city neighborhoods. During the establish better means of communicating to early 1980s, his support helped firmly estab- SPEECH OF consumers and States when products are re- lish the police commission, which investigates HON. RUSH D. HOLT called. allegations of police brutality and works to en- OF NEW JERSEY I am proud to support the Consumer Prod- sure that every person, even those who have uct Safety Improvement Act, and I urge my IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been accused of committing a crime, are treat- colleagues to support the Conference Report. Wednesday, July 30, 2008 ed humanly and with dignity. f A man of faith, Richard was a dedicated Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise in sup- HONORING RICHARD GRIFFIN member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist port of the Conference Report for H.R. 4040, Church. He always made time for community the Consumer Product Safety Improvement HON. BARBARA LEE service and, in addition to contributing to the Act. good work of his church, also served as the OF CALIFORNIA Over the last year we have read distressing director of both the Richmond Girls Club and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES reports in the newspapers of tainted pet food, the Greater Richmond Social Service Corpora- toothpaste, and other products from China. Monday, September 8, 2008 tion, respectively. These are troubling revelations, made even Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Richard was a man of great wisdom. He more disconcerting by the reports of lead taint- honor the extraordinary life of longtime Rich- provided tremendous support to me when I ed toys; lead is a substance which can stunt mond City Councilmember Richard Griffin. A ran for the State Senate in 1996. I am deeply the mental and physical development of chil- tireless public servant and proud resident of grateful for his counsel, his assistance, and dren. Toys are meant to entertain, educate, the East Bay, Mr. Griffin passed away his friendship. and inspire the imagination. It is greatly unset- Wednesday, August 13, 2008. He was 74 Today, California’s 9th Congressional Dis- tling that some toys are not safe. In fact, some years old. trict salutes and honors Mr. Richard Griffin. toys can seriously injure children and cause Richard Griffin was born in 1934. He lived in Our deepest condolences go out to his loving sickness. Last year, products like Barbie ac- the city of Richmond for 37 years, and served wife, two sons, three grandchildren, and many cessories, Thomas the Tank Engines, toy in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Griffin friends and colleagues. We thank his family magnets, and jewelry were recalled after it served as a public school teacher and prin- for sharing this exuberant and compassionate was found that some of these products con- cipal in Oakland before embarking on a formal spirit with us. May his soul rest in peace. tained up to 200 times the legal amount of political career. As an educator, he was an ac- f lead. Over 45 million toys and children’s prod- tive union member in the United Administra- ucts were recalled in 2007 due to their danger tors of Oakland Schools, Local 83. RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF to the health of our Nation’s children. Disturb- Richard was a strong believer in the impor- DENNIS M. BARRY ingly, the number of recalled products con- tance of good mentors for our young people, tinues to increase. In fact, this year the num- and an unwavering advocate for the right to a HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER ber of recalls of toys and children’s products quality education for all. Richard was an excel- OF CALIFORNIA is up 29 percent over the first half of 2007. lent role model for our youth, especially Afri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The events of the past year have dem- can-Americans. He never tired of working to Monday, September 8, 2008 onstrated the danger that American con- level the playing field so that the bright, young, sumers face when the government does not talented students whom he taught would have Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise to give regulatory agencies the tools they need in the best opportunities to pursue fulfilling and recognize Dennis M. Barry, as he retires as order to protect consumers from unsafe prod- successful lives. the Interim Director of Contra Costa County’s ucts. During this time of record product recalls, Mr. Griffin held degrees in both chemistry Department of Conservation and Develop- the Consumer Product Safety Commission and biology biology from San Francisco State ment, after 30 years of service.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Sep 09, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08SE8.014 E08SEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REMARKS