November 2, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1497 People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, Museum, the Pier projects to see attendance HONORING PATRICIA DONNELLY welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclec- increase by as much as 26 percent as guests AND THE AWARDEES OF THE 2017 tic experiences through partnerships and pro- enjoy innovative, free public programming, LITERACY COUNCIL OF NORTH- grams that inspire discovery and wonder; participatory arts, cultural showcases, and the ERN VIRGINIA RECOGNITION Navy Pier opened to the public in 1916 and Pier’s sustainable, recreational footprint; and EVENT originally named ‘‘Municipal Pier No. 2; Navy the Pier currently employees over 3,000 indi- Pier was built under nationally-known architect viduals, is home to 77 businesses and 5 non- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Charles Sumner Frost, based on Daniel profit organizations. The redevelopment is ex- OF VIRGINIA Burham’s ‘‘Master Plan of Chicago.’’ Municipal pected to generate 1,565 permanent and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Pier was the first of its kind to accommodate 1,659 temporary jobs across the city. Thursday, November 2, 2017 both the commercial shipping industry and I am honored to represent Navy Pier and Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- recreation and entertainment for the public congratulate Marilynn Gardner, President & drawing over 3 million visitors annually. ognize the Literacy Council of Northern Vir- CEO; Patrick Sheehan, Chief Development ginia (LCNV) and to congratulate the volun- In 1917 it was adapted to house several and Strategy Officer, the Board of Directors regiments of soldiers, Red Cross, and ‘‘Home teers, instructors, students, community part- and the multitude of individuals working that ners, and others who will be recognized at the Defense’’ units and served as a barracks dur- make the Pier a fascinating and enjoyable ing World War I. It was officially renamed 2017 LCNV Recognition Celebration. destination. Enjoy this landmark celebration The mission of LCNV is to teach adults the Navy Pier in 1927 as a tribute to the Navy and always remember, ‘‘To accomplish great basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and personnel who were housed at the Pier during things we must not only act, but also dream; understanding English in order to empower the conflict. From 1941 to 1947, the Pier was not only plan, but also believe.’’ them to participate more fully and confidently leased to the U.S. Navy as a naval training in their communities. LCNV serves low-literacy center for 60,000 recruits. One of those pilots f and limited English language proficient adults who qualified for military service was Presi- with a selection of low-cost, moderately inten- dent George H. W. Bush. HONORING MAJOR BARRY RICH- sive courses to help them transition into the Navy Pier was the original home to the Uni- ARD, UNITED STATES AIR workforce or other educational opportunities. versity of Illinois at Chicago from 1946 to FORCE, (RETIRED) LCNV provides the crucial first steps of lan- 1965, and more than 100,000 students at- guage and literacy learning for workplace, citi- tended classes during that time. Dubbed ‘Har- zenship, and community integration to help vard on the Rocks,’ the University shared the HON. JOHN R. CARTER adults make measurable improvements in their space with the Chicago Police Department’s lives. Traffic Division, the North Pier Terminal Com- OF TEXAS Each year LCNV gathers at its Annandale pany, and several military detachments. The IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES headquarters to recognize students and mem- Pier was designated a Chicago historic land- bers of the community who have achieved ex- mark in 1977; between the years of 1978 Thursday, November 2, 2017 ceptional milestones. I am proud to include in through 1982, Navy Pier was host to the RECORD the following 2017 LCNV hon- ChicagoFest, a summer music festival full of Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise orees. food, fun, and festivities. ChicagoFest eventu- today to honor Major Barry Richard, United Community Partnership Awards: Accenture ally grew to become the Taste of Chicago, States Air Force, Retired. Maj. Richard, who Consulting, Crestwood Elementary School, drawing millions of guests to the Pier and answered the call to defend our great nation Paul M. Engell Family Foundation. spurring millions of dollars in economic impact. for 20 years, continues to dutifully serve his Volunteers of the Year: Liz Castillo, Alex- The Pier re-opened in 1995 following a community of Georgetown, Texas in civilian andra Roncal, Valerie Sutter. $150 million redevelopment having improve- life. An exemplary serviceman and citizen, it is I would also like to give special recognition ments made to nearly every aspect of the my honor to award Maj. Richard with the Con- to Patricia Donnelly, who is retiring from her three-quarter mile long public Pier. Since that gressional Veteran Commendation. role as Executive Director of LCNV after lead- renovation, year-round entertainment, shop- His military service began in 1968 where his ing the organization for more than 15 years. ping, dining, attractions and exhibitions have skills were utilized in various capacities as an She has three decades of experience in the positioned the Pier as one of the most unique engineer, pilot, and manager. He wore many nonprofit sector, most of which has been in settings in the world; in July of 2011, Navy hats during his years with the Air Force, in- education and the performing arts. In addition Pier, Inc., the newly formed nonprofit entity cluding working as a technical design engineer to her role as Executive Director of LCNV, entrusted with the operation and redevelop- for modifications to EC–135 aircraft and Patti serves on the Board of the Virginia Lit- ment of Navy Pier put forth The Centennial Vi- Hound Dog Air-launched missiles, as pilot and eracy Foundation, the Virginia Adult and Con- sion, a framework for reimagining Navy Pier rated staff officer, and as Chief of numerous tinuing Education Board and WETA’s Commu- as a unique public space and cultural mecca. Air Force Safety Units. Maj. Richard saw nity Advisory Council. Her selfless efforts on The Centennial Vision’s purpose is not only to much combat, and as a testament to the qual- behalf of others were recognized when she re- expand the Pier’s audience, but to enrich the ity of his service, he received numerous ceived the 2007 Nancy Jiranek Award for experience of its guests. The Vision, divided awards including the Air Force Distinguished Leadership Excellence in Literacy. Though she into two phases, establishes a framework be- Flying Cross, Air Medal, Meritorious Service may be retiring from her role as Executive Di- fitting Chicago, a world-class city, with a vi- Medal, and numerous Commendation Medals. rector, I am confident that she will continue to brant architectural, cultural, and recreational be engaged in our community and in the Maj. Richard’s love of country is matched landscape and includes a 30-year Sustainable causes that are dear to her. only by his commitment to his fellow service Master Plan to address the Pier’s long-term Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me members. After the end of his service in 1988, environmental impact. in thanking Patricia Donnelly for her service to With the completion of the Centennial Vi- he and his friend Staff Sergeant Jim Harrell, our community and in congratulating each of sion’s ‘‘Phase 1’’ in 2016, a record 9.26 million United States Marines Corps, have worked to the honorees of the 2017 LCNV Recognition guests enjoyed new amenities such as the improve the lives of veterans in Williamson Celebration. I wish all of them great success state of the art Centennial Ferris Wheel, Chi- County. Maj. Richard has contributed to build- in all their future endeavors. cago-centric food experience, redesigned ing wheelchair ramps and making consider- f able home improvements to the homes of south dock promenade with increased access HONORING ST. MATTHEW ORIGI- to the waterfront and recreational boat experi- local veterans in need. This dignified work has made a lasting impact on the community he NAL FREE WILL BAPTIST ences, and over 245 free public arts and cul- CHURCH tural programs. proudly serves. As the Pier now enters ‘‘Phase 2’’ of the re- I commend Maj. Barry Richard’s selfless development with extensive plans to upgrade service to the United States Air Force, his na- HON. WALTER B. JONES OF NORTH CAROLINA the built environment and Pier structures such tion, and his community. His patriotism, citi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as the Family Pavilion and Crystal Garden. In zenship, and commitment to excellence reflect 2017, with the completion of 13-acre Polk the very best values of Central Texas. I join Thursday, November 2, 2017 Bros Park, the new Chicago Shakespeare his friends and family in celebrating his out- Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Theater and expanded Chicago, Children’s standing achievements. honor St. Matthew Original Free Will Baptist

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:47 Nov 03, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02NO8.026 E02NOPT1 E1498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 2, 2017 Church in my hometown of Farmville, North ments of an esteemed and valued citizen of it is—and I urge the medical community to Carolina. This congregation recently cele- Killeen, Texas. Colonel Raul Villaronga, U.S. have conversations with their patients, their brated 61 years of serving our Lord and Sav- Army Retired, has dedicated himself to serving students, and their colleagues about obesity ior, Jesus Christ. The passion and commit- his community and is an embodiment of the and how we can effectively treat this disease. ment from this church has helped to spread Army values of honor, loyalty, and selfless f the Word and Humility of Christ throughout the service. He is a deserving recipient of a Con- town of Farmville and surrounding commu- gressional Veteran Commendation. TRIBUTE TO CAROL WOOD nities for many years. His commission as an Infantry 2nd Lieuten- The ministry and community outreach per- ant in 1959 began his 24 years of service in HON. DAVID YOUNG formed by the people of St. Matthew have which he completed assignments in Fort OF IOWA helped meet the needs of so many. I am Bragg, the Panama Canal Zone, Vietnam, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Germany, and Fort Hood. While assigned to proud and honored to call these people my Thursday, November 2, 2017 neighbors. the 8th Special Forces Group, he participated I want to thank the church family of St. Mat- in numerous classified Mobile Training Teams Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise thew and Pastor Jesse F. Warren III as they in Central and South America. COL Villaronga today to recognize and congratulate Carol continue to improve the quality of life for so deservingly received awards including the Sil- Wood of Council Bluffs, Iowa for receiving the many people and commend them on this mile- ver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Rotary International Vocational Service Lead- stone in their ministry. I pray that they will be and the Meritorious Service Medal as a testa- ership Award. The award was presented to blessed with many more years of service to ment to his exemplary service. Carol at the Rotary District Conference in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. COL Villaronga is a respected citizen serv- Omaha, Nebraska. Carol has been a Rotary As it is written in the book of Hebrews 6:10, ing in numerous roles showcasing his commit- member since 1993 and is a member of the ‘‘God is not unjust, He will not forget your ment to community and nation. Returning from Noon Rotary Club of Council Bluffs, Iowa. work and the love you have shown Him as the Army, COL Villaronga served three terms Carol received this award for exemplifying you helped His people and continue to help as Mayor of Killeen. As Mayor, he founded the integrity and high ethical standards in her vo- them.’’ Killeen Youth Advisory Commission and cation and in the community. She is President Congratulations on your 61 years of service. worked on the Joint Use Agreement for the and CEO of Children’s Square U.S.A. in f Robert Gray Army Airfield. As Chairman of the Council Bluffs, a non-profit organization that Killeen League of United Latin American Citi- has helped children and families in need for TRIBUTE TO THE 2017 WINTERSET zens Council 4535 Foundation, COL 135 years. Carol’s dedication and leadership HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM Villaronga has been responsible for the dona- has helped youth succeed in their vocational tion of over $175,000 in scholarships for local pursuits. HON. DAVID YOUNG graduating seniors. He continues to serve vet- Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent OF IOWA erans in his community alongside his wife. His community leaders like Carol in the United IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tireless efforts have made Central Texas a States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that my col- Thursday, November 2, 2017 place that we’re proud to call home. COL Villaronga’s patriotism and commitment leagues in the United States House of Rep- Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to service reflect the very best values of Cen- resentatives join me in congratulating Carol for today to recognize and congratulate the tral Texas. He is a hero who has devoted his this outstanding recognition and in wishing her Winterset High School Softball team for win- life to defending our freedoms abroad and nothing but continued success. ning the Iowa Girls State Class 4A Softball serving his community at home. I join his wife, f Tournament on July 21, 2017. Julia, along with his family and friends in wish- CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTH- I would like to congratulate each member of ing him the best in the years ahead. DAY OF MRS. THELMA KOUZES the Team: f Players: Macy Johnson, Ainsley Gurwell, Mia Olson, Danny Barker, Ava Lowden, Abby RECOGNIZING NATIONAL OBESITY HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Benshoof, Natalie Hansen, Malia CARE WEEK OF VIRGINIA Messerschmidt, Grace McDonald, Natalie IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Drake, Corry Pickering, Madison Berns, HON. JOHN SHIMKUS Thursday, November 2, 2017 Mariah White, Jessie Nicholson, Ally Pick- OF ILLINOIS Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ering, Taylor Lincoln, Jennifer Lopez, Emma IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lowden, Marlie McDonald, Sophie Stover to join my constituents in celebrating the 100th Thursday, November 2, 2017 Head Coach: Steve Corkrean birthday of Mrs. Thelma Kouzes, a truly re- Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Devine, Karly Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in rec- markable woman and a beloved member of Olson, Taylor Benshoof ognition of National Obesity Care Week on be- the Northern Virginia community. Mrs. Kouzes Mr. Speaker, the example set by these stu- half of the over 90 million adult Americans liv- was born Thelma Virginia Loss on July 26, dents and their coaches demonstrates the re- ing with obesity today. 1917 in Audubon, Iowa. She proudly says she wards of hard work, dedication, and persever- Treating obesity is more than just eating is a first-generation American, the daughter of ance. I am honored to represent them in the right and exercising and is caused by a num- immigrants whose parents came to the United United States Congress. I ask that all of my ber of factors that are often out of that per- States from Denmark. She grew up in Iowa, colleagues in the United States House of Rep- son’s control. These include genetics, socio- was raised by hardworking parents, and expe- resentatives join me in congratulating these economic status, and physiological, psycho- rienced the hardships of the Great Depres- young women for competing in this rigorous logical and environmental factors. sion. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1938 competition and in wishing them all nothing As important, obesity is also linked to over to work for President Roosevelt’s Administra- but continued success. 50 disorders including Type 2 diabetes, hyper- tion. There she met her late husband Thomas f tension, and cardiovascular disease. In fact, Kouzes—also a first-generation American over $1.42 trillion is spent in the U.S. on direct whose parents came to the U.S. from Greece. CELEBRATING THE SERVICE AND and indirect costs for health related conditions Mrs. Kouzes has led an amazing life. Short- ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLONEL related to obesity a year. ly after she moved to D.C., she experienced RAUL VILLARONGA, U.S. ARMY National Obesity Care Week aims to ad- culture shock when she attended a seg- (RETIRED) vance an evidence-based understanding of regated religious service. Because of experi- obesity and widespread access to comprehen- ences like this she became a proud and pas- HON. JOHN R. CARTER sive and appropriate care. Unfortunately, at sionate civil rights activist. She remained OF TEXAS 31.6 percent, Illinois has the 18th highest adult steadfast in her commitment to justice and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES obesity rate in the nation—4 million people— equality—including marching alongside Dr. almost a third of our population. This must Martin Luther King, Jr.; in the March on Wash- Thursday, November 2, 2017 change. I urge my fellow Members, the sci- ington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963—even Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise entific community, and researchers, to treat when others in her community criticized her today to celebrate the service and achieve- obesity seriously—as the chronic disease that efforts. She was an active member of the

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