March 16, 2009 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 155, Pt. 6 7369

BEAN of Illinois and DAN BURTON of Indiana, in German Luftwaffe bombed in Oper- Jon E. Cutler—the only Jewish Chaplain cur- honoring a treasured constituent of mine and ation Punishment. Mr. Vujnovich was a first- rently serving in western Iraq. And as a former one of the unsung heroes of World War II, re- hand witness to the bombing, nearly losing his paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division who tired Major . Major life when a falling bomb destroyed a nearby served in Baghdad 5 years ago and the first Vujnovich, a proud Serbian-American, was in- streetcar. After the bombing, Mr. and Mrs. Iraq war veteran to serve in this great body, it strumental in ‘‘’’ and one of Vujnovich fled Yugoslavia, and he accepted a fills me with tremendous pride to be Rabbi the last surviving members of that successful job in as assistant airport manager Cutler’s Congressman. Rabbi Cutler has set wartime mission. while Mirjana moved to Washington, DC to an example for all of us—not just through his In the summer of 1944, Americans and Al- work at the Yugoslav Embassy. When the US spiritual leadership—but through selfless serv- lied airmen flew hundreds of sorties over Eu- entered the war, Mr. Vujnovich received a ice to our community and our nation. rope with the aim of disrupting the Ploesti oil commission as a second and as- In Iraq, Rabbi Cutler serves as the 3rd Ma- complex, Adolf Hitler’s most important oil pipe- sumed command of an airbase in . rine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, and assists the line. During their treacherous journey from While working at the airbase, he was recruited entire Al Asad Marine Air Base. Prior to his Italian bases to the Romanian oil complex, by the OSS for the clandestine services, and service in Iraq, Rabbi Cutler served as the pul- 1,500 of our brave men were forced to bail out was later sent to the OSS post in , . pit rabbi of Tiferes B’nai Israel in Warrington, over Yugoslavia. Scores of American crewmen From this post he saved the lives of his fellow Bucks County, for the past 8 were trapped behind enemy lines and depend- servicemen and earned the title of hero. I am years. ent on Serbian villagers to hide them from the honored to have this opportunity to acknowl- As the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, Germans. edge Major Vujnovich’s contribution to the Hal- Rabbi Cutler supervises 20 Christian chaplains Although Yugoslavia was enemy territory at yard Mission. and chaplain assistants, and has worked to the time, much of the country’s Serbian re- f create a center for Jewish troops who are gions remained under the control of Yugoslav serving in Anbar Province. The congregants of guerilla resistance leader General Draja IN CELEBRATION OF MARTIN J. Tiferes B’nai Israel even contributed to this ef- Mihailovich and his Chetnik forces. General AND ELEANOR R. KEARNEY fort, sending tiles and paste to be used for the Mihailovich remained loyal to the Allies, and chapel floor. under his orders the Serbian people shielded HON. RICHARD E. NEAL As the Rabbi for Tiferes B’nai Israel in War- these airmen and protected them from capture OF MASSACHUSETTS rington, Rabbi Cutler worked tirelessly to unite and imprisonment by German troops. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his congregants, both old and new. He strived General Mihailovich passed information Monday, March 16, 2009 to make new members feel welcome while re- about the downed American airmen to the specting the needs and wishes of long-stand- authorities. The Office of Stra- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speak- ing members. Before he was deployed to Iraq, tegic Services (OSS) put together Operation er, I would like to acknowledge Martin J. and he also proudly received his Navy commander Halyard, a daring mission to save the men Eleanor R. Kearney for being named the Irish pins on the pulpit at Tiferes B’nai Israel. without drawing the attention of the Nazis. The Couple of the Year by the John Boyle O’Reilly Commander Cutler has been a chaplain in mission entailed flying and landing C–47 cargo Club in Springfield, Massachusetts. They were the U.S. Navy Reserve for 23 years. He was planes into enemy territory, picking up the awarded this deserved title on February 7, the only Jewish chaplain serving with the Ma- downed airmen, and flying back to allied terri- 2009 for their support and contributions to the rines in Desert Storm, and after 9/11, he was tory. Before the mission could go forward, club. The couple has been active with the club called to the Pentagon to counsel family mem- however, the Allied forces cut ties with Gen- for over fifty years. Both have helped with bers who lost loved ones during the tragic eral Mihailovich and no longer had specific in- fundraisers and dances. Eleanor is an avid events of that terrible day. formation about the location of the American baker for the club and Martin was a strong When not serving our troops in Iraq or his airmen. Major George Vujnovich, the OSS op- supporter of the new building fund. A recep- congregants in Warrington, Rabbi Cutler has eration chief stationed in Bari, Italy, discovered tion dinner was held in their honor on March served as an instructor at Gratz College for that Mihailovich was hiding the airmen near 1, 2009. Jewish education and a visiting professor at Martin was born in the Great Blaskett Is- his headquarters in the city of Pranjani. He in- Philadelphia University. He received his B.A. lands in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland on De- formed U.S. officials of their location and Op- and M.A. in religious studies from Temple Uni- cember 31, 1926. Eleanor is a life-long Spring- eration Halyard progressed. versity, and holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pas- field resident who was born on December 17, As the mission advanced, Major Vujnovich’s toral Counseling from Hebrew Union College. 1932. Martin came to America in 1951 where experience and expertise were indispensable. Rabbi Cutler was ordained by the Reconstruc- he soon met Eleanor. In 1953, they were mar- Major Vujnovich was responsible for selecting tionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. ried in Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in members of the Halyard Mission, and orches- Rabbi Cutler has contributed enormously to Springfield. Martin became a member of the trating the initial parachute drop into the area. the citizens of Bucks County and given so John Boyle O’Reilly Club in 1953 and now The rescue plans hinged on his direction and much to so many servicemen and women both Martin and Eleanor are life members. the ability of local Serbs to build an airstrip serving abroad. He leads by example and is The John Boyle O’Reilly Club was founded without any modern tools and without German committed to service, spiritual leadership and in 1880. The club consists of dedicated Irish detection. education. Madam Speaker, I am proud to and Irish-Americans whose goal is to preserve Operation Halyard took place between Au- recognize Rabbi Cutler for his outstanding and promote their Irish heritage. The club’s gust and December 1944 and was a complete work, and am extremely honored to serve as motto is culture, family and tradition. Since success. Hundreds of men were rescued be- his Congressman. March 1970, the club has been located on 33 hind enemy lines and no lives were lost in the f Progress Avenue in Springfield, Massachu- mission. The Halyard Mission was a success setts. Today, the club is very active in their HONORING REVEREND DR. F.O. thanks to the brave men and women of the community, awarding the John Boyle O’Reilly HOCKENHULL OSS and the courageous Serbian locals who Scholarship every year to college-bound stu- risked their lives to safeguard American air- dents. HON. DALE E. KILDEE men. Thanks to a keen mind and tactical ex- OF MICHIGAN pertise, Major Vujnovich demonstrated the f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES courage and selflessness that mark him as an HONORING RABBI JON E. CUTLER American hero. Monday, March 16, 2009 Major George Vujnovich was born to Ser- HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today bian parents in 1915. In 1934 he received a to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. F.O. Hockenhull OF PENNSYLVANIA scholarship from the Serb National Federation as he celebrates 40 years as pastor of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and left his home in to attend col- First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in my lege in Belgrade. While living in Belgrade, Mr. Monday, March 16, 2009 hometown of Flint, Michigan. A banquet in his Vujnovich met and married his wife, Mirjana. Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. honor was held last Friday in honor of this oc- Their life was disrupted in 1941, when the Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi casion.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:51 Jun 30, 2011 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR09\E16MR9.000 E16MR9 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD 7370 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 155, Pt. 6 March 16, 2009 Reverend Dr. Hockenhull was educated at IN RECOGNITION OF ELIZABETH Benham and the International Federation of Arkansas State AM&N College, Wayne State BENHAM Business and Professional Women, which University and Detroit Bible College. He has under her able and inspired leadership con- received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY tinues to ensure that women gain equal par- from Arkansas Baptist College, an Honorary OF NEW YORK ticipation and success in the workforce. Doctorate of Divinity from Selma University IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Monday, March 16, 2009 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Selma University. Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to He worked as a Chaplain in the Wayne recognize Elizabeth Benham, who is being HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY County Jail and as a contact representative for honored this month in by the OF NEW YORK the W.J. Maxey Boys Training School. After International Federation of Business and Pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES spending 6 years as the pastor of the Jehovah fessional Women (BPW International) for her Monday, March 16, 2009 Baptist Church in Detroit, Reverend Dr. work as its President. Founded in 1930, BPW Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, on March Hockenhull became the pastor at First Trinity is an international organization of women busi- 12, 2009, I was absent for one Rollcall Vote. Missionary Baptist Church. He has remained ness owners with links to more than 90 coun- If I had been here, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ in this position for the past 40 years. tries on five continents. BPW is a wonderful on Rollcall Vote 124. way for businesswomen to network and sup- Reverend Dr. Hockenhull is the past-Presi- port one another. f dent of the Great Lakes Baptist District Lead- After more than two decades of dedicated PERSONAL EXPLANATION ership and Educational Congress to the Great work on behalf of BPW, Ms. Benham became Lakes Baptist District Association; the Asso- the organization’s President last year. She is HON. XAVIER BECERRA ciate Director General of the National Con- being honored at the annual Conference on OF CALIFORNIA gress of Christian Education-National Baptist the Status of Women that is being held this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES month at the United Nations, located in New Convention USA, Incorporated; past-Vice- Monday, March 16, 2009 President of the Wolverine State Congress of York’s 14th Congressional District that I am Mr. BECERRA. Madam Speaker, on Friday, Christian Education; a member of the Board of privileged to represent. Elizabeth Benham is the twentieth president March 6, 2009, I missed rollcall vote 107 on Directors at the Montgomery Bible Institute of BPW International and the first American to approving the Journal. If present, I would have and Theological Center; a former member of serve at its helm in 28 years. She dem- voted ‘‘aye.’’ the National Baptist Convention USA, Incor- onstrated her commitment to BPW Inter- f porated Publishing Board; a former instructor national as the chair of its Fundraising HONORING FRANCIS M. GORSKI at the National Sunday School and Baptist Taskforce from 2004–2008. In 2005, she Training Union Congress-National Baptist served the organization as the Vice President, Convention USA; past Supervisor of the Ad- Membership Chair, Friends and Fellows Chair, HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY ministrative Leaders Division-National Baptist and as a member of the International Planning OF PENNSYLVANIA Congress of Christian Education, National Committee. In these roles she traveled exten- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Baptist Convention USA, Incorporated; past sively, meeting with members and chapters Monday, March 16, 2009 Instructor with the Great Lakes Baptist District around the world, and developing a broad and Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. of Christian Education; a member of the Board deep understanding of the needs of the orga- Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Francis of Directors of the National Baptist Conven- nization’s diverse membership. Since 1998, M. Gorski for his 50th year of active service to tion, USA Incorporated; a member of the Elizabeth Benham has also served as an al- the Lingohocken Fire Company. He and his Stewardship Commission of the National Bap- ternate delegate to the United Nations on be- family have been extremely dedicated to serv- half of BPW International. tist Convention, USA Incorporated; a Trustee ing Wrightstown Township and the community When she became BPW International Presi- of the Retirement Commission of the National as a whole. dent in 2008, Elizabeth Benham not only had Lingohocken firefighters are able to become Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated; and a extensive prior experience working with BPW ‘‘Life Members’’ after twenty-five years of serv- delegate to the World Christian Conference in International, but had also achieved notable ice and let others take over. That was an op- Australia. success as a businesswoman. Before going tion for Mr. Gorski twenty-five years ago, but In addition to his work, Reverend Dr. into business, she was a certified nurse mid- instead he has remained hard at work—as so Hockenhull is a world renowned lecturer, a wife in high risk obstetrics. Throughout her life, many have come to expect. member of the NAACP, and a member of Elizabeth has demonstrated her compassion Mr. Gorski is one of the most active mem- Concerned Pastors for Social Action. His wife and motivation in her volunteer work as the bers of the department, responding to 70–80% of over 50 years, Marian, is the National Di- Vice President of Toys of Hope Charity, a of their calls. He has responded to calls that Board Member of Women Builders Council in rector of the Young People’s Department. many individuals his age would no longer re- New York, and a Board Member of the Fire Is- spond to—including calls at 3 o’clock in the They have one son, Franco, and two grand- land Lighthouse Preservation Society. morning. He volunteers his time for daughters, Vanessa and Victoria. Elizabeth Benham has worked tirelessly in Lingohocken on top of the time he spends Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Rep- her professional life and leadership roles to running the family business with his two resentatives to rise with me and applaud the support the accomplishments of women younger brothers. life and work of Reverend Dr. F.O. throughout the world. In her role as President, He has served at almost every rank in the Hockenhull. He has spent his life in devotion she is working to form connections of im- company including chief, and is currently serv- to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, by fulfilling God’s proved communication among all members ing as deputy chief. His dedication and work Great Commission. His compassion, patience and affiliates for a better flow of information. ethic are examples for our community and and love for humanity are recognized through- She has dedicated her efforts to expanding country to follow. and improving training for future leaders of Those at the company—and in our entire out the Flint community. Through his example, BPW International and for greater efficiencies community—are extremely proud of the ac- he inspires passion, spirituality, and service in in managing the vast organization. She has complishments and outstanding level of serv- his congregation and he carries the message consistently demonstrated her commitment to ice Mr. Gorski provides to the people of of God’s love beyond the walls of the church the mission of the International Federation of Wrightstown Township and Bucks County, building. I have known Reverend Dr. Business and Professional Women in helping Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I am proud to Hockenhull for many years and have always women in the workforce achieve their busi- recognize Mr. Francis Gorski for his excep- been touched by his wisdom, his zeal and his ness and professional goals. tional services to his community and am ex- piety. I pray that he will continue to serve for Madam Speaker, I request that my col- tremely honored to serve as his Congress- many, many years to come. leagues join me in paying tribute to Elizabeth man.

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