E412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 4, 2019 But, the great thing about athletics is they It is eminently clear that Ms. Bessie M. The professional accomplishments and help to create opportunities in other aspects of Swindle was no ordinary community servant. community leadership demonstrated by Jen life. The Lady Hornets’ success has already She used her influence to constantly stand up Spettel is exemplary of the type of positive im- paid off in a multitude of ways, opening doors for those who needed her assistance—and pact that can be made on the City of Arvada. for several players. A number of them will con- she made a difference. Ms. Bessie Swindle She serves on the 9 Health Fair Board of tinue their basketball careers, and most impor- will be greatly missed for her wit, wisdom, and Trustees, the Retention Committee for the Ar- tantly their education, at Division I universities willingness to work hard. Her contribution will vada Economic Development Corporation as such as the University of Kansas. Whether never be forgotten. well as the City of Arvada’s Healthy Places they know it or not, they will take with them I would like to send my condolences to Ms. Initiative. the life lessons learned throughout their time Swindle’s family, friends, and all those who I extend my deepest congratulations to Jen at North Kansas City High School and as a will miss her dearly. I hope that, even in this Spettel for winning the Arvada Young Profes- part of this team. With the North Kansas City sad time, Ms. Swindle’s record of unselfish sional Leadership Award. I have no doubt she community, I look forward to seeing where dedication to her city and community will serve will exhibit the same dedication and leadership each of these players will go and how future as a bright light for those who dare to follow in her future accomplishments. players will develop under the leadership of in her footsteps. coaches like Jeffery Lacy and John West. Ms. Bessie M. Swindle is survived by one f Madam Speaker, please join with me in daughter: Jackie Swindle. She is also survived celebrating the North Kansas City Lady Hor- by four brothers, one sister, and many beloved PAYING TRIBUTE TO AUSTIN nets and the State Championship they have nieces and nephews. FULTON brought home to Kansas City. f f IN RECOGNITION OF ED HON. JOHN R. CURTIS PASSING OF MS. BESSIE M. SPEAKMON OF UTAH SWINDLE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS Thursday, April 4, 2019 OF HON. AL GREEN Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS to pay tribute to the service and work of Austin IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, April 4, 2019 Fulton. Austin has played an instrumental role Thursday, April 4, 2019 Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise in setting up my Congressional office. He pre- viously worked for Representative Jason Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I today to honor the life of Keller City Council- Chaffetz and helped through the successful would like to honor the life and legacy of a man and Mayor Pro Tem, Mr. Charles Ed transition after I was elected to Congress. He distinguished member of my staff, a Speakmon, who recently passed away at the was later promoted from Staff Assistant to constituent, and more importantly a dear friend age of 71. Legislative Correspondent, where he worked who passed away on Thursday, March 28, A retired Marine, Republican precinct chair- diligently on a variety of policy issues, includ- 2019 in Houston, Texas. man, and former auto repair businessman, Mr. Ms. Bessie Swindle was born June 5, 1939 Speakmon spent his life serving both his ing housing, veterans, and space policy. in Loreauville, , relocating to Hous- country and his community in many ways. He Austin had a positive attitude and was will- ton, Texas as a young adult where she went was elected to the Keller City Council in 2016, ing to help with any task no matter the scope. on to become a pillar of the Sunnyside com- where he was known for his gentle and kind I am grateful for all his service, and I wish him munity. nature as well as his willing participation and the best of luck in his next chapter. Despite Over the course of more than fifty years, resolve to get things done. his departure, he will always be a member of she used her skills as a community organizer Mr. Speakmon also was widely known for Team Curtis. to make a difference in Houston. Prior to serv- the elaborate and award-winning Christmas ing as an outreach coordinator in my Houston display that adorned his house every year. He f was even given the nickname, ‘‘Mr. Christ- office, she founded and served as president of MICHAEL SUDAK the Cloverland Civic Club, representing 400 mas’’ because of the unique gift he annually homeowners in the neighborhood, sponsoring shared with his community in his passion for fundraisers, aiding needy families, and raising the holiday. HON. Always faithful, Mr. Speakmon was a man money for scholarships. OF COLORADO of service who was deeply devoted to his She was involved with several organizations IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES country, his community, and his family. To and used her voice to represent Sunnyside those who knew him, the sense of loss felt in Thursday, April 4, 2019 residents as a Parent/Teacher Association his sudden departure is a tribute to the life he member, Troop Leader for Girl Scouts of Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise lived. I am honored to have served alongside America San Jacinto Council, President of the today to recognize and applaud Michael Councilman Speakmon to represent the com- St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church ‘‘55 Plus’’ Sudak for receiving the Arvada Chamber of munity for which he cared so deeply, and I ex- Club, Community Liaison for former Harris Commerce Image Award. tend my sincerest condolences to his wife, County Precinct 7 Constable Michael Butler Michael is receiving this award for his com- Candy Speakmon, their family, and all who and Constable Perry Wooten, member of mitment to the Arvada community and the knew and loved him. Mayor Bill White’s Phone Tower Commission, positive image he displays for the city. Michael and member of the City of Houston Police Of- f owns and operates an Arvada-based business ficers Civil Service Commission. She also JEN SPETTEL which employs local residents at above min- served as president of Southeast Coalition of imum wage and provides local children with Civic Clubs and Precinct Judge for Harris HON. ED PERLMUTTER healthy and nutritious school lunch meals, County Voting Precinct 271. serving many schools that participate in the OF COLORADO During her distinguished lifetime of service, free and reduced lunch program. The meals IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES she was the recipient of numerous awards he offers are of higher quality and nutrition and recognitions, including Parent of the Year Thursday, April 4, 2019 than required to better care for the at-risk chil- from James H. Law Elementary in 1975, the Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise dren being served. Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer today to recognize and applaud Jen Spettel The involvement and generosity dem- Service in 1996, the Texas Legislative Black for receiving the Arvada Young Professional onstrated by Michael is exemplary of the type Caucus Award in 1999, the Sir Knight Dennis Leadership Award. of positive image that can be displayed for the Armelin Humanitarian Award in 2004, Mayor Jen Spettel is the Executive Director of the city of Arvada. Bill White’s proclamation of Bessie M. Swindle Susan M. Duncan YMCA and is receiving this I extend my deepest congratulations to Mi- Day in 2007, the naming of the Bessie Swin- award for her innovation and entrepreneurship chael Sudak for winning this well-deserved dle Community Center in Sunnyside, Houston, in the Arvada community. Jen is dedicated to recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Com- Texas in 2009, as well as the street naming of healthy living in Arvada, working for the YMCA merce and appreciate his ongoing contribu- Bessie Swindle Way in 2010. for the past 15 years. tions to our community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Apr 05, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04AP8.023 E04APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 4, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E413 RECOGNIZING JOHN NAVARRA service to his country and his community. I grave concerns with some provisions of this congratulate John on his retirement. legislation involving Second Amendment rights HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH f and due process. It is my hope these con- OF FLORIDA cerns will be addressed in Senate negotia- REGARDING MY VOTE ON H.R. 1585 tions. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, April 4, 2019 HON. f Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today OF INDIANA KATLYN THIEDE to recognize my constituent, First Sergeant IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES John Navarra, who is retiring as the leader of Thursday, April 4, 2019 HON. ED PERLMUTTER the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, while I (JROTC) at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High voted today for H.R. 1585, the Violence OF COLORADO School. Against Women Reauthorization Act, I would IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES John V. Navarra is a retired U.S. Army First like to note that this reauthorization is imper- Thursday, April 4, 2019 Sergeant with 22 years of service to our coun- fect. I remain strongly opposed to firearm-re- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise try. During this time, he served in multiple lo- lated provisions that were included, and I am today to recognize and applaud Katlyn Thiede cations including the United States and Ger- committed to ensuring the final bill protects the for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Com- many and primarily worked in the administra- Second Amendment rights of law-abiding merce Rising Star Award. tion and logistics fields. Americans. As a strong supporter of Second Katlyn is a student at Arvada West High Coupled with his service, John has dem- Amendment rights for Americans, I look for- School and received this award because of onstrated a life-long commitment to education ward to working in a bipartisan and bicameral her extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, in- by earning an Associate’s degree in Business manner to resolve these outstanding issues novation, and community leadership. She is a and Computer Science, a bachelor’s degree in before this critical legislation to prevent vio- member of the National Art Honors Society, Interpersonal and Group Communications, a lence and protect survivors is signed into law. Master’s degree in Education with Concentra- owns her own photography business, and vol- tions in Teaching and Evaluation and a MBA f unteers with Foothills Animal Shelter. in Leadership. REGARDING MY VOTE ON H.R. 1585 The innovation and leadership demonstrated It is not just his own education that John by Katlyn is exemplary of the type of achieve- has been committed to. John has served as HON. ment that can be attained with hard work and the Army JROTC Instructor at Marjory OF TEXAS perseverance. She excels academically with a 4.33 GPA and is described by her teachers as Stoneman Douglas High School for 12 years, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES beginning in 2007. In this role, John educated, kind, welcoming, determined, and one-of-a- provided guidance, and mentored the students Thursday, April 4, 2019 kind. in the JROTC program. In doing so, he in- Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, today I voted I extend my deepest congratulations to stilled in them the values of citizenship, serv- ‘‘Yes’’ on H.R. 1585 because we need to ad- Katlyn Thiede for this well-deserved recogni- ice to the United States, personal responsi- vance legislation designed to protect women tion by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. I bility and a sense of accomplishment. who are victims of domestic violence, sexual have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to assault, stalking and other crimes that are all cation and leadership in all of her future ac- honor and thank Mr. John Navarra for his too common. While I voted ‘‘yes,’’ I have complishments.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Apr 05, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04AP8.027 E04APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS