E250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 6, 2013 and meaningful improvements in their health During the debt ceiling standoff of 2011, the trial College of the Armed Forces National and healthcare. I urge my colleagues to stand ‘‘sequester’’ was designed as a default option Seminar in 1973. In 1943, General Lyon en- with me and recognize National Sleep Aware- so revolting to both Democrats and Repub- listed in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a reserv- ness Week. licans that it would force the bipartisan ‘‘Super ist and continued serving as a civilian flight in- f Committee’’ to adopt a workable budget plan. structor until he received a direct appointment While that Committee failed at this objective, as a flight officer in June 1944. During World HONORING REVEREND HECTOR the American people have been left to pay the War II, he was assigned to the 6th Ferrying VILLEGAS price. Group and ferried aircraft to the Pacific and The sequester, if fully implemented, will put European theaters. In 1945 he was assigned HON. JEFF DENHAM more than 2 million jobs at risk—more than to the North African Division of the Air Trans- OF half of which are associated with small busi- port Command and returned to the United IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nesses: States in 1946. The sequester will also create tremendous In 1947, General Lyon was commissioned Wednesday, March 6, 2013 uncertainty in financial markets and among as a Second Lieutenant and participated in Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to consumers, ultimately contributing to an esti- various Reserve assignments until his vol- acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved mated one-half of one percent drag on eco- untary recall to active duty in 1951. He was leader in the Newman Community, Reverend nomic growth this year; then assigned to Headquarters Air Training Hector Villegas, and to recognize his tireless These cuts will also undermine military Command as a staff pilot and was later trans- work as the Pastor of St. Joachim’s Catholic readiness, educational quality, and research ferred to the Military Air Transport Service, fly- Church. Ministering to thousands, Reverend output while leaving us with longer airport se- ing air evacuation and ferrying missions. In Villegas earned the respect of fellow clergy curity lines, more untreated mental illnesses, 1953 he volunteered for a tour of duty in and civic leaders alike. more hunger, more homelessness, and fewer Korea and flew 75 combat missions in the C– The Rev. Hector Villegas of Newman federal criminal prosecutions. 46 and C–47. From 1954 to 1963, General passed away March 1 at the age of 48, only It should come as no surprise that, accord- Lyon was assigned to various positions in the days from his 49th birthday. The Rev. Villegas ing to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News Poll, Reserve and served as a flight commander was known for serving the parish with com- Americans oppose the sequester by a more and operations officer. In 1963 he was named passion and devotion, a spiritual leader whose than 2-to-1 margin. Commander of the 929th Tactical Airlift own life was guided by his deep faith. If Congress is unable to craft a bipartisan Squadron, March Air Force Base, California, He was born and raised in Tijuana, where agreement that takes sequestration off the and subsequently served as Commander of he was surrounded by many friends and en- table, this body has a duty to avert these cata- the parent unit, the 943d Tactical Airlift Group. joyed childhood adventures with his older sis- strophic cuts by any means necessary. This is In June 1970, General Lyon was assigned ter Patricia. He had a lifelong passion for exer- why I introduced the ‘‘Cancel the Sequester as mobilization assistant to the commander, cise, and through adulthood could often be Act,’’ a one-sentence bill that would repeal the Sacramento Air Materiel Area, McClellan Air found working out at a gym. His participation section of the Budget Control Act of 2011 that Force Base, California, and in February 1972, in a youth ministry camp inspired him to be- created these senseless, job-destroying cuts. he became mobilization assistant to the Com- come a priest. Please consider cosponsoring the ‘‘Cancel mander, Fifteenth Air Force at March Air After graduating from the Tijuana Diocese the Sequester Act,’’ so that we can prevent Force Base. He was promoted to the grade of Seminary with a degree in philosophy, the Washington’s dysfunction from inflicting further Major General on April 24, 1974, with date of Rev. Villegas came to California in 1998 as a harm on the American people. rank May 24, 1972. In March 1974 he was ap- seminarian at St. Jude’s parish in Ceres. He f pointed mobilization assistant to the com- attended St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo and mander in chief, Strategic Air Command, St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park before TRIBUTE TO GENERAL WILLIAM Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he being ordained June 29, 2002, by Bishop Ste- LYON was involved in the planning of the transfer of phen Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annun- designated KC–135 units to the Reserve ciation. HON. Forces. In 1975, General Lyon was appointed The Rev. Villegas served at St. Stanislaus OF CALIFORNIA by President Gerald R. Ford to serve as Chief in Modesto from 2002 to 2007, serving as a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Air Force Reserve Headquarters at the parochial vicar and later administrator pro tem. Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Pentagon, where he was responsible for man- He is survived by his mother, Evangelina aging a $700 million budget as well as the ac- Villegas of San Diego; and two sisters, Patri- Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tivities of some 53,000 Air Force Reservists. cia Hernandez of Chula Vista and Adriana with my colleagues Congressman DARRELL Four years later, on April 16, 1979, he retired Quiroz Villegas of San Diego. ISSA, Congressman JOHN CAMPBELL and Con- from military service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring gressman , and on behalf General Lyon’s many military decorations Reverend Villegas for his unwavering leader- of the entire California Republican Congres- and awards include the Legion of Merit, Distin- ship, and recognizing his accomplishments sional Delegation, to honor and pay tribute to guished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak and contributions as Pastor of St. Joachim’s an individual whose dedication and contribu- leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Catholic Church. The life of Reverend Hector tions to our country and state are exceptional. Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readi- Villegas serves as an example of excellence We have been fortunate to have dynamic and ness Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal to those in our community, and his legacy will dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly with hour glass device, and the Republic of not be soon forgotten. give their time and talent to make their com- Korea Presidential Unit Citation. f munities, and country, a better place to live More than 50 years ago, General Lyon and work. General William Lyon is one of started building homes for returning military CANCEL THE SEQUESTER ACT OF these individuals. General Lyon’s many ac- personnel and others who wanted to make a 2013 complishments are wide ranging, as he has life in California. This modest effort evolved to made his mark as a successful businessman, become William Lyon Homes, which is now HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. a decorated member of the military and an ac- one of the nation’s largest private home- OF MICHIGAN tive supporter of the community. On March 9, builders. Headquartered in Newport Beach, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2013, General Lyon will be celebrating his California, William Lyon Homes has con- 90th birthday. structed more than 100,000 new residences in Wednesday, March 6, 2013 General Lyon was born in 1923 in Los An- Arizona, California and Nevada. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to geles, California. Prior to entering the United General Lyon’s business success isn’t lim- raise my voice against the set of across-the- States Army Air Corps in 1943, he attended ited to homebuilding. In 1981 he and a partner board cuts—known as ‘‘the sequester’’—cur- the University of Southern California and the purchased AirCal, a regional air carrier based rently taking effect across the country. Dallas Aviation School and Air College. He in Newport Beach, California. General Lyon These devastating cuts are unique among completed the Air War College in 1971 and served as the Chairman and Chief Executive American public policies for a simple reason: the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Officer until 1987 when AirCal was purchased they were purposefully designed to be a bad Senior Officers Orientation Course in 1972 by American Airlines. His love of flying then idea. and 1974. Additionally, he attended the Indus- led him to acquire Martin Aviation, a fixed

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Mar 07, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06MR8.004 E06MRPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS March 6, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E251 based operator, at John Wayne Airport in Or- has consistently rated Townview’s Science To somehow lift up their fine heads! ange County, California and in 2009 he estab- and Engineering Magnet as one of the top All in what their most magnificent hearts lished the Lyon Air Museum to preserve and high schools in the Nation. Townview serves have so said! Armed, with but only their Harrowism which promote the memory of WWII and ‘‘The Great- as a model for other institutions of learning so beats within their chests! est Generation.’’ across the country. As from out of all of this darkness, It is hard to imagine that General Lyon Mr. Speaker, many of our best and our they must now so pass that test! would have any free time on his hands yet he brightest students attend public schools and To so summon up, always found time for his community. He cur- with encouragement and support from their all of the courage and the strength To But rently serves as a Director on the Segerstrom principals and teachers they are capable of Be The Best! Center for the Arts Board, having been a achieving remarkable success. We cannot Oh what A Special Force this is no less! former Chairman of that Board. General Lyon allow our schools to lose the critical funding As they come back home so cheating death! is the founding Chairman of the Orangewood they need to operate simply because we as a As we so watch all in such awe as we lose our Children’s Foundation, and past Chairman of Congress cannot work together to solve se- breath! Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Coun- questration. Texas is poised to lose approxi- As they rise up to so teach us all about Harrowism no less! cil. Additionally, he has served as Board mately $67.8 million for primary and sec- As high above all others they now stand so Chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society ondary education, putting around 930 teacher yes! of The United Way. and aide jobs at risk. In addition about Heroes! Throughout General Lyon’s incredible life he 172,000 fewer students would be served and Because, Heroes come in all shapes and sizes! has been loved and supported by his wonder- approximately 280 fewer schools would re- But, it’s what’s within their great hearts ful family including his wife Willa Dean Lyon, ceive funding. that which so comprises! and children, Christine Lyon Rhoades, Mary Mr. Speaker, supporting our Nation’s public But who they are! Susan Lyon Isola, William H. Lyon, Marcia schools will help us out-educate, out-innovate, Moving all out into that darkness of death Stone and Byron Russell. and out-build the rest of the world. We must all at light speeds, We have come to know General Lyon well identify ways to help improve schools like as their fine hearts so crest! through many years working together on a va- these that provide educational excellence to As out across a nation, riety of projects in California. We can all per- our communities. We must not waver in our a mother now so weeps in her sorrow . . . All because for us, sonally attest to General Lyon’s incredible commitment to our children and the future of her most precious son gave up his tomor- work-ethic, professionalism, and positive atti- this country. row’s yes! tude. In light of all General Lyon has done for f For they lead! southern California and our country, it is only HARROWISM! IN HONOR OF TEAM And we will follow! fitting that he be honored as he celebrates his And ah yes, 90th birthday. General Lyon’s honorable serv- LEADER CAPTAIN BENJAMIN for these are but such a special breed who in ice to our country and tireless passion for pub- CONRAD HARROW 7TH SPECIAL pity will not so wallow! lic service has contributed immensely to the FORCES GROUP THE UNITED And then there is a special breed, betterment of our country, state and commu- STATES ARMY The Special Forces! nity. We are proud to call him a fellow commu- A SPECIAL FORCE of nature so complete! nity member, American and friend. I know that HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON As all throughout their veins their most he- roic blood beats! many people are grateful for his service and OF NEW YORK The ones who the enemy so fears, salute him on this great milestone. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and so heed’s! f Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Who upon battlefields of honor bright, SUPPORTING PUBLIC SCHOOL Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in come all at them fast breaking all at such WEEK speeds! honor of Team Leader Captain Benjamin Har- The ones who can not so be checked, row of The Army, 7th Special by any enemy! HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Forces Group, Green Berets. On May 15, Whose most selfless souls, OF TEXAS 2012 while out on patrol, an IED explosion al- now so make the angels weep! IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most left Benjamin mortally wounded. Losing As we so pray to our Lord, both of his legs and sustaining numerous to watch over them to keep! Wednesday, March 6, 2013 other life threatening injuries he has come And for all of those ones, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. back from the dead. Already in such a short who must now come back home on this night Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Public time his recovery is at full speed ahead. With ... School Week. This weeklong series of events the help of his and her family and his lovely Who must now begin their new most gallant is designed to inform and transform the civic of all fights . . . wife Gina and son Peyton, he has found the All on that hard road to recovery, conversation around public education. In order strength and inspiration to heal. Spend a little as we watch their brave hearts so ignite! for America to lead in the 21st century, our time with Ben, and you will understand why he Men without arms and legs, foremost social and economic imperative became Team Leader of one of our Nation’s who so teach us all about faith! should be to provide a quality education to all elite members of The Special Forces Group 7. Whose families, of our students. Ben is a graduate of The United States Mili- so give to them the strength to meet each In my city of Dallas, four magnet schools tary Academy at West Point. He was a star la- new coming day! were identified as Blue Ribbon schools. These crosse player for Army. I submit this poem Who now so stand with tears in eyes! four Dallas Independent School District (ISD) penned in his honor by Albert Caswell. As before them all in pieces their loved ones lie! schools are the Environmental Science Acad- HARROWISM! emy, the Townview School of Science and En- As these Heroes so touch our hearts and A hero! souls, gineering Magnet High School, the Rosie M. And from where do they all so come? with but all of their most amazing grace as Collins Sorrells School of Education and the Men of honor, we behold! Social Services Magnet High School and Irma who so walk upon battlefields of death . . . To so show to this our world how Angels are Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership as Thy Kingdom Come! made! School. Being identified as a Blue Ribbon And all of those who from out of the ashes, For these are men of such courage and con- school means they are among the finest rebuild their lives with not much left who viction! have begun . . . schools in the country, and I am proud of And of such undying faith we are so wit- these four stellar institutions and others like As when they come back home all in this nessing! most magnificent quests! Rising up from the ashes, them. Indeed, these are but America’s most heroic Townview Magnet is one of the most di- Who All In The Game of Life so lead the way of all sons who so bless! ... verse schools in Texas, with minorities rep- Who so go off to war where angels so fear to All in what their most precious lives have to resenting over half of the student population. tread . . . say! Townview is a gem in my Congressional dis- Who for all of us heroically have so died, And, from out of all our Nation’s Academes trict and home to some of the Nation’s best and bled! ... and brightest students. Newsweek Magazine And come back home so very close to death! But, have come our Nation’s very best!

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