E1038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 17, 2020 to diversity and his general tenacity and grit these principles throughout his tenure as Decker, a man of tremendous character who on the bench. township supervisor. passed away on February 4, 2020 after a In his tenure in our courts of law, Judge In addition, Loftus has been an active mem- brief, yet brave battle with an aggressive ill- McDonald displayed a fervent commitment to ber of several community organizations. He ness. decency and democracy like no other. At 71 volunteers with the Grosse Ile Historical Soci- The youngest of 12 children and the first to years of age he retired his robes and was re- ety, Friends of the River, and the De- be born in a hospital, Randy was born on July membered by his peers as a dedicated col- troit River International Wildlife Refuge Alli- 25, 1950. Randy was drafted and served in laborator and mentor, providing leadership and ance, to name a few. Throughout all capac- the U.S. Army. After, he attended Illinois State discernment on challenging issues. ities, Loftus has been recognized as a humble University where he earned his Bachelor of A Toledo resident, his life was one filled and compassionate leader who strives to ef- Science in Business. Family was always a pri- with love and devotion to family. His three fect lasting change. He has been a strong ority for Randy. Randy was married to his be- grandsons look onto a great example of a voice for Grosse Ile Township and used his loved wife Mona Belle Decker for 49 years. legal legacy and a profoundly sweet man. His authority to bring the community together and Randy could always be found supporting his Wife, Holly Sydlow, shared his love of law in positively impact the lives of countless resi- children, being involved in their various sports her career as an assistant U.S. attorney. dents. Loftus’s impact will forever endure, and activities throughout the years. Randy spent Judge McDonald led everyday with the in- we are all grateful for his years of service to his civilian career in sales management roles tention of imparting his legal knowledge unto our community. to provide for his family. In his latest years, the next generation of impactful lawyers and Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join raising and supporting his five grandchildren legal professionals, passing the merits of his me in honoring Township Supervisor Brian was one of his greatest joys. Randy will be valuable tenure unto the future of our courts. Loftus. We are proud to celebrate his work, laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery During his time in the courts, Judge McDon- accomplishments, and significant community later this year. ald saved all of his jury instructions from his impact. We thank him for his outstanding lead- Madam Speaker, I thank Randy Decker for years of trial digitally and passed them on to ership and wish him the best of luck in his fu- his service and the impact he made in his a currently seated Judge, thus his legacy and ture endeavors. community. institutional knowledge will live on within the f f systems that miss him so. Our courts and our hearts mourn the Joss HONORING WES AND JUDY PIERCE PERSONAL EXPLANATION of Judge McDonald. I express my great sym- pathy for his family and all who were lucky HON. JOHN R. CARTER HON. enough to call him friend or peer. OF TEXAS OF f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN RECOGNITION OF TOWNSHIP Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 SUPERVISOR BRIAN LOFTUS Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise am proud to honor Wes and Judy Pierce, two today regarding missed votes due to a death HON. DEBBIE DINGELL incredible members of our Central Texas com- in the family. Had I been present for roll call OF MICHIGAN munity who have devoted their energies and vote number 219, On the Motion to Suspend IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES talents toward providing support and aid to our the Rules and Pass S. 327, the Wounded Vet- incredible servicemembers, veterans, first re- Tuesday, November 17, 2020 erans Recreation Act, I would have voted sponders, and their families. ‘‘yay.’’ Had I been present for roll call vote Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise Originally from Illinois, Wes and Judy mar- number 220, On the Motion to Suspend the today to recognize Brian Loftus and his years ried in April 1987. Their journey from child Rules and Pass S. 3147, the Improving Safety of distinguished service to Grosse Ile Town- rearing to becoming proud grandparents led and Security for Veterans Act, I would have ship. His leadership and community impact them to Texas in 2001. After having five of voted ‘‘yay.’’ are worthy of commendation. their own sons serve in the military, Wes and f In 2008, Brian Loftus became Grosse Ile Judy became increasingly aware of the unmet Township Supervisor. In this position, Loftus needs of our returning veterans. Through their PERSONAL EXPLANATION has moderated the Board of Trustees, led the own children’s difficulties with accessing and development of the township budget, overseen finding resources, Heroes Night Out was born. HON. MARTHA ROBY property assessment, and maintained town- Heroes Night Out is a non-profit community- OF ALABAMA ship records. In addition, he has been a liai- based organization that is dedicated to en- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES son to the Downtown Development Authority, hancing and supporting servicemembers, vet- served on the Elections Commission, and has erans, first responders, and their family mem- Tuesday, November 17, 2020 appointed the members of a variety of other bers through programs and services in a car- Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable township commissions, among other tasks. ing and safe environment enhanced by the to vote on Monday, November 16, 2020. Had Supervisor Loftus’s leadership has come at a contributions of peers and battle buddies. I been present I would have voted as follows: pivotal moment in our state’s history. As com- HNO can quickly address the unique situa- YEA on Roll Call No. 219, and YEA on Roll munities across Michigan are grappling with tions they experience by creating an imme- Call No. 220. the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Su- diate and trusting relationship. f pervisor Loftus has remained committed to en- Having nurtured Heroes Night Out into a suring Grosse Ile Township continues to be a valued part of the Central Texas community, IN HONOR OF JAMES C. WILCOX vibrant, diverse, and welcoming residential Wes and Judy are passing the torch to a new community for all. generation of leadership. Their richly-deserved HON. JOHN JOYCE Supervisor Brian Loftus’s sense of dedica- retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. I OF PENNSYLVANIA tion transcends Grosse Ile Township. Prior to proudly join their friends and colleagues in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serving Grosse Ile as township supervisor, gratitude for their enormous contributions to Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Loftus served our nation in uniform. Loftus those who work and sacrifice so much for us. joined the Air Force in 1970 and graduated f Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speak- from the United States Air Force Academy in er, I rise today to honor James C. Wilcox of 1974. He served on active duty as a pilot until RANDY DECKER Huntingdon County for his service in the being transferred to the Michigan Air National United States Marine Corps. James is an out- Guard in 1981, where he continued serving in HON. JOHN SHIMKUS standing Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for several operation and staff duty positions until OF ILLINOIS his service to our nation, the Commonwealth his retirement in September 2003. Over the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Pennsylvania, and our community. course of 33 years of military service, Loftus In Pennsylvania and across the country, our has come to deeply understand the meaning Tuesday, November 17, 2020 veterans have served and sacrificed for Ameri- of duty, sacrifice, and commitment to bettering Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise be- cans’ freedom and our values. They answered one’s community. Undoubtably, he applied fore you today to remember and honor Randy the call to serve and fight for us—at a great

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:51 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17NO8.004 E17NOPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS November 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1039 cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of Amer- Improving Safety and Security for Veterans At a time when journalism is under relent- ica. Act. Had I been present, I would have voted less attack by forces that seek to undermine In Congress, it is my privilege—and my re- YEA on Roll Call No. 219, and YEA on Roll our democratic norms, I am honored to cele- sponsibility—to stand up for those who have Call No. 220. brate the career of a reporter who personifies served our country in uniform, as well as to f honesty, integrity and a fearless willingness to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, speak truth to power. Carol Marin’s passion we are indebted to them. On behalf of the HONORING CAROL MARIN for her life’s work is best expressed by her 13th Congressional District, I thank James for own words: ‘‘There’s a sense of mission for his service to our nation and our community. HON. most of us in my business, a sense of pur- f OF ILLINOIS pose . . . the biggest lesson I have learned of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES all—every story, every day, every year that I RECOGNIZING BLUE KNIGHTS Tuesday, November 17, 2020 do this—is that it is a privilege to be a re- PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER IV porter.’’ Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I f HON. DANIEL MEUSER rise today to pay tribute to Carol Marin and to RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE OF PENNSYLVANIA honor her distinguished career in print and electronic journalism. Few reporters have MARTIN FROST IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES done more to build public trust in the press Tuesday, November 17, 2020 than Carol Marin, and her lifetime commitment HON. Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with to unbiased, in-depth reporting has elevated OF TEXAS great pride that I rise today to recognize the public discourse and held public officials ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Blue Knight’s International Law Enforcement countable to their constituents and to the prin- Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Motorcycle Club Pennsylvania Chapter IV. ciples of good government. The Blue Knights is a non-profit fraternal or- Born in Chicago, Carol spent her childhood Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, I rise ganization of active and retired law enforce- in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, part of the 8th today to express my great admiration for a ment officers and veterans who enjoy riding Congressional District that I represent. After former colleague, and friend. Martin Frost, motorcycles. A group of several law enforce- graduating from the University of Illinois, she who always rose to the aid of those Texans ment officers formed the first chapter of the worked briefly as a high school English teach- he served so well for almost 30 years here in Blue Knights in Bangor, Maine in 1974.Today er before moving to Tennessee and beginning the House. He also ably led our party and our they have over 600 chapters and nearly a career in journalism, first as a talk show host Caucus, serving as chair of the DCCC and the 20,000 members all over the world. and reporter in Knoxville, and then as a news . The Blue Knights are dedicated to devel- anchor and reporter in Nashville. Following his outstanding service in Wash- oping a fraternal spirit among those in the law In 1978, Carol returned home to Chicago as ington, Martin Frost devoted much of his post- enforcement and veterans community who a news anchor and reporter. She quickly es- congressional life to the FMC, the Association enjoy riding motorcycles. As a group, the Blue tablished a reputation as a relentless inves- of Former Members of Congress. This chal- Knights engage in charitable activities such as tigative reporter, and demonstrated a deep lenging year, 2020, brought to a conclusion supporting local law enforcement causes, hon- commitment to the highest standards of integ- his term as President of the FMC, after many oring our veterans, and assisting children in rity and journalistic excellence. In 1997, that years of serving in various leadership posi- need. commitment became a national news story tions within it. The Blue Knights Pennsylvania Chapter IV when she resigned from her news anchor Many of my colleagues are familiar with the is very active in supporting the Berks commu- desk to protest the hiring of a controversial democracy building and civic education work nity. Recently the Blue Knights held their 1st talk show host whose presence she believed the FMC conducts, including its outstanding Annual Benefit Ride & Pig Roast, raising near- would undermine her credibility as a journalist Congressional Study Groups. Martin Frost pro- ly $5,000 in support of the Berks County Sher- and the work of her newsroom. She moved on vided the leadership for FMC to achieve in- iffs Office K–9 Unit. This Memorial Day, the to national broadcast work, serving as a cor- credible growth in all of these activities. Blue Knights also escorted 50,000 American respondent on the CBS Evening News and He was instrumental in strengthening FMC flags that were distributed and placed on the ‘‘60 Minutes,’’ covering important stories, in- finances, for example, by creating and growing graves of deceased veterans across Berks cluding reporting on the September 11 terror an Endowment Investment Fund. He greatly County. The Blue Knights are steadfast sup- attacks while covered in ash from the collapse increased the number of actively involved porters of those who serve our communities of the World Trade Center towers. Former Members from both sides of the aisle. and our nation. In 2002, Carol formed Marin Corp Produc- And with his guidance, FMC now reaches a Members of the Blue Knights have not only tions, an independent documentary company much greater number of students through the donned the uniform and served our commu- providing content to media outlets including Congress-to-Campus program. nities and our nation themselves, but they also CNN and /Discovery The extent of Martin’s tremendous impact continue their service as good citizens in aid- Channel. She also authored political com- cannot be done real justice with these brief re- ing law enforcement and veterans causes. Our mentary for the Chicago Sun-Times, and marks, but I speak for everyone involved with community and our nation are better for their served as a contributor to Chicago Tonight, an FMC—its board of directors, its membership, continued selfless service and dedication. award-winning nightly news show broadcast and its staff—when I state that, thanks to Mar- On behalf of the U.S. House of Representa- on WTTW, Chicago’s public television station. tin Frost, like every organization which he has tives and the citizens of Pennsylvania’s Ninth Carol Marin has been honored with almost led—FMC is better, more effective. and more Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to every important award in broadcast journalism. impactful than it has ever been. join me in recognizing Pennsylvania Chapter She is the recipient of three George Foster Especially during these divisive political IV of the Blue Knights and thank them for their Peabody Awards, two DuPont-Columbia times, when we need more bridges, not walls, continued service to our nation and our com- Awards, a George Polk Award, two national Members like Martin Frost and organizations munities. Emmy Awards and at least 15 regional Emmy like FMC deserve our gratitude for attempting f Awards. Carol has been inducted in the Chi- to bridge the political divide, serving as ex- cago Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Silver perts on Congress as an institution, and re- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the connecting citizens with their representative National Academy of Television Arts and government, all in the service of strengthening HON. Sciences. our democracy. OF MISSOURI Carol recently announced that she is step- Our political infrastructure, like our actual in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ping away from her work as a broadcast jour- frastructure, needs the attention and mainte- nalist after the November 2020 national elec- nance to keep our economy strong, our citi- Tuesday, November 17, 2020 tions. I am glad to note that she will continue zens safe and healthy, and to preserve our Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I to inspire and mentor the next generation of democracy. I am not planning to join Martin was unable to be present for a recorded vote journalists as co-director of the Center for soon as an FMC member, but when I eventu- on November 16, 2020 for S. 327, the Wound- Journalism Integrity and Excellence at DePaul ally do, I know that it will be a stronger organi- ed Veterans Recreation Act and S. 3147, the University in Chicago. zation because of his dedication. This is a

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