February 5, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 177 businesses, churches and public buildings Thompson of Beckley, Delegate Mary Pearl TRIBUTE TO ROBERT E. LEO, were also served by local businesses and Compton of Summers County, house majority VETERAN AND EDUCATOR emergency relief offices mentioned above. leader Jim Rowe and Delegate Bill Wallace of First I want to pay tribute, with the highest Greenbrier County, Delegate Joe Martin and HON. FRANK TEJEDA praise possible, to the Talcott Volunteer Fire Delegate Bill Proudfoot of Pocahontas County, OF TEXAS Department Chief Tom Talbott and Tim Ulrich, and State Senators Mike Ross and Walt IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his able assistant chief, in Summers CountyÐ Helmick, for their quick action along with their Thursday, February 1, 1996 for it was this volunteer fire department that colleagues in the West Virginia House of dele- stood by night and day throughout the flood's Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to gates and the State senate, to approve the intensity and afterward, and who provided pay tribute to the memory of a true patriot, a food and drink for everyone else on the flood State's matching share of funds so that the man who dedicated his life to the principles sites. These volunteers showed real leader- cleanup of their communities could go forward. that make this Nation great. I am referring to ship in stressful and often dangerous situa- Honorable mention must go also to Post- Mr. Robert Leo, a veteran, rancher, and edu- tions, including heroic rescues, and who master John ``Bill'' Dillion, of the Talcott Post cator, who for many decades was a great and helped keep the local victims of the floodÐ Office, and his assistant Lorene Cales, and respected leader in south Texas. Mr. Leo their neighborsÐcalm, sale, warm, and fed. carriers Ronnie Quick and Patsy Mills for passed away on Saturday, January 27, and I In that context, I wish to convey special keeping the post office open for mail services respectfully request that this House of Rep- thanks and gratitude to the following individ- as well as a community center, so that not resentatives take a moment to honor his many uals who are members of the Talcott Volun- only could people get their mailÐa very impor- accomplishments. South Texas will miss this strong leader, who fought so hard and so well teer Fire Department: tant daily ritual of normalcy for people every- Kenny Simmons, Pete Weikle and his sons, for the principles we all hold dear. whereÐas well as a place for people to gather David, James, and Darin; Matt Stalnaker, Eve- Robert Leo served this Nation in the United lyn and Robert Bailey, Wayne Martin, Bryan and assure one another that they were safe. States Army during World War II, defending Keatley, Wesley Ward and John Gold, Kellis I commend each of them for this public serv- this Nation in the battle of Attu in the Aleutian Miller, Tommy Ward, and Charles ``Chucky'' ice and for their humanitarian concern. Islands. He received the purple heart for his Gore, all of whom responded beyond the call My hat is off to Talcott Elementary School service. Mr. Leo sacrificed his future for this of duty as they reached out to neighbors and Principal Gaye Shaver, whose assistance in Nation, because his wound prevented him friends to provide food and shelter. turning the school's gymnasium and cafeteria from enjoying a career in baseball with the During my tour of Pocahontas County's over as a shelter to families seeking refuge New York Yankees, who had selected him in Marlinton flood area, I received able assist- from the storms and the rising waters is and the baseball draft. ance and support from Dana Moyers, presi- was invaluable. Praise goes also to Rev. Dana After serving this Nation in war and sacrific- dent of the Pocahontas County Commission, Stalnaker, pastor of the local Baptist Church ing himself to protect our freedoms, Mr. Leo never forgot the foundations of the republic he and Commissioner Joel Collison, as well as for helping with the shelter and getting the fought to preserve. He knew that a healthy de- county superintendent of schools, Thomas Red Cross involved in Summers County, and Long. I have the highest praise for Marlinton's mocracy depends on the education of its citi- to Peggy Elkins who started within a few acting mayor, Jean Hite, who did an outstand- zens, so he went to work educating young hours of receding flood waters to obtain local ing job. For myself and all others engaged in south Texans, teaching in his native La Joya assessing how to best meet the short- and emergency relief for familiesÐwhile awaiting and later serving as principal and assistant su- long-term needs of the city's people, she went the often longer process of getting State and perintendent of Webb County school district in all out to make the city's emergency relief and Federal relief started. Thank you Peggy. Oilton. Even after his retirement, he served as other resources available. Her's was a job well During the early tour of the flood-torn area the president of the board of trustees of the done. in my district, I was accompanied by FEMA's Ramirez Common School District for many Last, but certainly not the least of fine-cali- regional director from Kansas City, John Mil- years. He enjoyed researching the rich history ber, able people who accompanied me on the ler, who was asked by the Philadelphia Re- of south Texas all the way back to the Span- Marlinton tour of damages, I am most deeply gional Director to help us out due to the inten- ish colonial and Mexican land records. appreciative of the work and support of Jane sity of the flooding. Robert Leo understood the importance of Price Sharp, of the Pocahontas Times, whose public service to American democracy. He job it was to observe and to write of the flood In the week after the floods, after the six was active with the Disabled American Veter- and its devastating effects on people and insti- counties were declared an emergency disaster ans and was a life member of the Boy Scouts tutions. Under the time-honored banner of the area by the President, I was joined by FEMA of America. He served on many boards, in- Fourth Estate's credo that ``people have the Director James Lee Witt on a tour of Poca- cluding an appointment to the State Commit- right to know,'' Jane did an outstanding job. hontas County and other areas, again to tee for the Control of Pesticides and the State The Salvation ArmyÐany organization on stress the need for Federal assistance and to Committee for Exports to Mexico. As a mem- which all of can and do rely during disasters assess the extent of the damages suffered in ber of the board of directors for Valley Tele- of all kindsÐwere outstanding in their offers of the six-county area. phone Cooperative, including 2 years as chair- assistance to individuals and families and fol- As we have seen happen in natural disas- man, he helped spearhead improvements in lowed through with clothing, blankets, and all ters throughout the country and the world, communications for south Texas. Whether it was helping veterans, or young people, or pro- other forms of human assistance possible to people do come together and help one an- the flood victims throughout the areas hardest moting the Texas economy, modernizing com- other in times of stress and even danger. Dis- hit. munications, or preserving our agricultural and I want to particularly thank Mayor Jim Leslie asters, call upon the best that is in usÐand ranchlands, Robert Leo, with his energy and of Hinton in Summers County for his assist- people seldom fail to meet their duties and re- dedication, left his unique stamp on these criti- ance in touring the Bluestone Dam. My deep sponsibilities to their neighbors both close and cal efforts. appreciation goes to Mayor Lindy Hodges of far. Above all, Robert Leo stood for the impor- Ronceverte in Greenbrier County, who met me This is what I have observed in West Vir- tance of the accountability of those in Govern- at the Ronceverte townhallÐthe old townhall ginia: A binding together of people from all ment and the free exchange of ideas. He because the new one was floodedÐas we dis- walks of life, helping each other in this most founded the Freedom Party in Duval County, cussed Greenbrier County to assess the dam- frightening of ordeals with floodwaters swirling and was appointed to chair the committee to age and determine what the immediate and about their homes, schools, churches, busi- investigate county corruption. Above all he long-term needs would be. nesses, and public buildings. It makes me cared deeply about our Democratic institutions Mayor Tom Housby of Alderson, between very proud to be a West Virginian and to be and he was outspoken in their defense, work- Monroe and Greenbrier Counties, met me at their Representative in Congress. ing for decades to make them serve the peo- the Alderson townhall and accompanied me to ple as they should. view the flood's toll taken on the people, their My hat is off to the people of West Vir- We in Congress should take a moment to homes and businesses in that area, and to do giniaÐall those whom I have named in these remember this outstanding man, who had a a quick assessment of damage and loss there. remarks, and all those whose names are un- rare gift for giving to others and for public And I salute the locally elected members of known to me who did their part and who con- service. Above all, he stands as a shining ex- the West Virginia Legislature, Delegate Ron tinue to help one another. ample of how to work for change and at the E 178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 5, 1996 same time honor the principles of liberty and Mr. Speaker, on Friday, February 23, 1996, tucked the ball under his arm and outran the freedom which make this democracy unique. there will be a civic celebration and apprecia- defense along the line of scrimmage and into As his local newspaper, The Duval County tion of Syd Kronenthal in Culver City. I know the end zone. Picture, wrote recently, ``There will never be I speak for all of my colleagues in congratulat- In addition to earning his teammates respect another Robert Leo but we must never forget ing him on this extraordinary milestone, and while serving as their captain, he was honored the genuine article. He will serve as a role offering best wishes for another 50 years. by all of football as the NFL's most valuable model for all citizens. His life will serve as an f player three times and was named an all-pro example to future leaders of what a true public seven times. He received football's highest servant is about. TRIBUTE TO KWEISI MFUME honor when he was enshrined into the Hall of ``We will miss our friend. He can never be Fame after his retirement. SPEECH OF replaced but we must never stop trying to live Sid Luckman also enjoyed a 14-year stint as up to the high standards he set for all of us.'' HON. J.C. WATTS, JR. a coach with both the Bears and the Univer- We have lost a great American, but his mem- OF OKLAHOMA sity of Notre Dame. In addition, he recently ory will provide inspiration for years to come. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES completed a successful business career when f the packaging company, Cell-Craft, he bought Wednesday, January 31, 1996 into in 1946 was sold. TRIBUTE TO SYD KRONENTHAL Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I But perhaps the thing that has made Sid want to thank the gentleman from Maryland, Luckman so special has been his tireless de- HON. JULIAN C. DIXON Mr. CARDIN, for making this time available to votion to his community. He has always been OF CALIFORNIA recognize our good friend and colleague, willing to lend his time, efforts, and stellar rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES KWEISI MFUME. It is a distinct pleasure to have utation to good causes both in the Chicago the opportunity to speak about a gentleman Thursday, February 1, 1996 area and throughout the country. For instance, who has earned a place of high respect and he established a scholarship to the prestigious Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to honor here in the Congress. Mayo Clinic to help deserving medical stu- the attention of the House Syd Kronenthal, We all know that there's often a lot of talk dents study there. whose remarkable record of 50 years of serv- in this Chamber, but there's seldom a lot of For his athletic and civic accomplishments, ice as Director of Human Services for the City listening. KWEISI MFUME is one of those soft- Sid Luckman will join the likes of former Presi- of Culver City has become a major source of spoken voices that rises above the din, above dent Reagan, actor Charleton Heston, journal- civic pride. the crowdÐone of those rare voices that ist John Chancellor, and one of his successors Syd began his work for Culver City on De- Members listen to on both sides of the aisle. in football's pantheon, Walter Payton of the cember 14, 1945, following his service in the KWEISI has earned our ear, and our respect, Bears, in the Lincoln Academy. The Academy, United States Air Corps in World War II. His not only because of his dedicated work for this named for Illinois' most famous son, was es- Culver City employment record was punc- great Nation and his effective advocacy for our tablished 31 years ago to honor distinguished tuated only by a brief hiatus in 1946, when most disadvantaged citizensÐbut also be- Illinoisans, either by birth or residency, who General Omar Bradley summoned him to be cause of the hard road he took to CongressÐ have brought honor to the Land of Lincoln. rehabilitation supervisor for the Veterans Ad- from the troubled neighborhoods of west Balti- Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sid Luckman on ministration. He returned to Culver City in April more to the heights of Capitol Hill, his is a joining the Order of Lincoln and wish him of 1947 where he has been ever since. story of determination. It is a story which many more years of enjoying the respect and One of his most significant contributions teaches our Nation's youth great lessons admiration of his community. was his leadership in drafting and obtaining about dignity and self-respect. f voter approval for Culver City's first major We applaud the NAACP for choosing a recreation bond issue after World War II. This leader of the caliber of KWEISI MFUME. Quite TRIBUTE TO STOP OF SAN DIEGO bond issue enabled the city to construct the sincerely, I can think of no one more qualified COUNTY, CA Veterans Memorial Building, the Olympic-size and respected to lead that venerable institu- swimming pool, new recreation buildings at tion into the 21st century. Our only regret is HON. RANDY ‘‘DUKE’’ CUNNINGHAM McManus Park and Culver West Park. It also the loss we will feel here in this institution OF CALIFORNIA provided the means to rehabilitate the old pis- when we lose the reasoned voice and sea- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tol range at Lindberg Park that has been con- soned leadership of KWEISI MFUME. Thursday, February 1, 1996 verted into the present recreational facility. I wish my friend every success as he con- As a leader in the Sister City Program, Syd fronts the challenges of his new position. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise has been a pioneer in building bridges of un- f today to pay tribute to Safe Tables Our Priority derstanding to people of other nations and cul- [STOP]. STOP is a national coalition orga- tures. His commitment to the Olympic move- TRIBUTE TO SID LUCKMAN nized by families and friends who have lost ment dates back to the historic 1932 Olympic loved ones to serious illness due to the con- Games where he helped create the Olympic HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINKSI tamination of ground beef with E. coli 0157:H7 Village in the area now known as Baldwin OF ILLINOIS bacteria. The coalition has been dedicated to Hills, and later served as a member of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES educating the public and legislators about this 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games Citizens deadly bacteria. Advisory Committee. Thursday, February 1, 1996 Americans became painfully aware of the It was under Syd's leadership that in later Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to dangers associated with the consumption of years Culver City developed a youth and com- pay tribute to a true Chicago sports legendÐ raw meat products upon an outbreak of the E. munity center, and converted the former coun- Sid LuckmanÐat the news he will receive our coli bacteria 3 years ago. This outbreak, which ty library into a multi-purpose senior citizen State's highest honor, the Order of Lincoln, on occurred on the west coast, infected 600 peo- center. The Culver City Senior Center is wide- April 20, 1996. ple and killed 4 children. Following this trag- ly recognized as one of the finest senior facili- Sid Luckman joined the Chicago Bears in edy, STOP began actively working to change ties in the United States. He continues his out- 1939 and quarterbacked them to four NFL the system in order to make sure others did standing stewardship over a myriad of essen- championships in the next 12 seasons, the not suffer from this deadly bacteria. Their jour- tial social services and recreational programs. years that earned the Bears their reputation as ney brought them to Capitol Hill to work with In grateful appreciation of his many efforts the ``Monsters of the Midway.'' Members of Congress to reduce this E. coli on behalf of the city, McManus Park was re- Perhaps his most memorable performance hazard, and educate Americans on the safe named Syd Kronenthal Park in 1992. was in the 1946 championship game against handling of foods. Over the years these important institutions the New York Giants, the first football game I I commend the efforts of STOP in their work have proven to be vital community assets can remember listening to on the radio. Sid on the Family Food Protection Act, H.R. 1423, which have greatly enriched the lives of the Luckman's championship performance was of which I am a cosponsor. This legislation people of Culver City. Like a tall oak tree capped by scoring the winning touchdown on amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and which has endured the test of time, his leader- what was called the ``bingo keeper'' play. With the Poultry Products Inspection Act to improve ship and service become more valuable with the Bears at the goal line, he faked a handoff public health and safety through reduction in every passing year. to one running back, faked to another rusher, harmful contaminants in meat and poultry.