E628 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 10, 2018

The closing of space for faith based organi- and value, Senator BEN CARDIN and I intro- mentary School, Mark Twain Middle School, zations and other civil society organizations is duced the RECOVER Act in July 2015, which Mount Vernon High School, North Stafford a worrying trend in a number of Sub-Saharan would have provided affected individuals life- High School, , Oxon Hill High African countries. Humanitarian aid workers, time protection and at least $5 million in iden- School, Patriot High School, Paul VI High journalists, priests and political candidates tity theft insurance. Congress subsequently in- School, Phillipsburg Middle School, Pinnacle (and their families), have been increasingly cluded a version of our bill in an enacted ap- Academy, Potomac Middle School, Rippon targeted and threatened by governments in propriations bill, but limited the duration of the Middle School, Rodney Thompson Middle Sub-Saharan Africa. protection. Under current law, OPM is only re- School, Samuel Ogle Middle School, Sidwell If we look north of the DRC, we can see quired to provide identity protection coverage Friends School, , that in South Sudan, a country I visited twice through fiscal year 2026. Under the bill we are South County Middle School, St. Stephen & since its independence, we see humanitarian introducing today, OPM would be required to St. Agnes School, Suitland High School, Tem- organizations are harassed by government provide the coverage for the remainder of the ple Baptist School, West Springfield High forces. Last year, humanitarian organizations life of affected individuals. School, Westlake High School, and Williams- reported over 700 cases of humanitarian ac- The current coverage is inadequate, particu- burg Middle School. cess incidents. The environment for humani- larly considering that there is no limit to when Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me tarian operations grows increasingly difficult the thieves (or those they have shared the in commending the schools and students who and dangerous as the geographic scope of stolen data with) may exploit the data. There- are participating in the 2018 West Point humanitarian need continues to expand. South fore, there should be no limit to the duration LEADS Program. I thank the West Point Soci- Sudan currently have over 1.7 million IDPs. of the coverage provided to affected individ- ety of DC, the MITRE Corporation, and the There is also growing concern throughout uals. This bill would give current, former and Rotary Club of Springfield, for their support of the region on the closing of independent and prospective federal employees and contractors this vital program. I also would like to recog- objective media sources. Most recently, Bu- who were affected both some peace of mind nize Ms. Pat Walker Locke, who in 1980 be- rundi suspended Voice of America and BBC and protection. OPM failed to protect these came the first African American woman to earlier this week for a period of six months, people. It follows that the government must do graduate from West Point, for her critical role according to the announcement made at a the right thing to make up for its mistake. in creating and promoting the LEADS pro- press conference by the Conseil Nationale de I urge my colleagues to support this impor- gram, as well as for her decades of commit- la Communication (CNC). The CNC claims tant bill. ment to the growth and development of our fu- that this suspension is in response to ‘‘biased ture leaders. She has received numerous na- f reporting.’’ This suspension comes two weeks tional awards and accolades in recognition of before a referendum allowing Burundi’ s presi- RECOGNIZING THE 2018 WEST her efforts. Her support of all students, but pri- dent to serve into the 2030s, in apparent viola- POINT LEADERSHIP ETHICS AND marily those in underrepresented communities, tion of constitutional term limits. VOA’s local DIVERSITY IN STEM WORKSHOP has improved the lives of countless children correspondent told US Embassy Bujumbura and is truly worthy of our highest praise. that the decision was a complete surprise and HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY f we will hear more from VOA’s Africa Director OF as one of our witnesses today. HONORING MASTER SERGEANT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES All of the witnesses today bring us an on- RUSSELL BERKHEIMER, U.S. the-ground perspective of the closing space Thursday, May 10, 2018 ARMY, ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF for non-governmental organizations, though Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- SERVICE TO THE UNITED they will provide a snapshot of conditions in ognize the West Point Leadership Ethics and STATES OF AMERICA several countries, their testimony’s will provide Diversity in STEM (LEADS) Program, and to evidence of the growing regional trend of in- congratulate the students who have partici- cursions against civic space. My hope is that pated in the 2018 LEADS Workshop. HON. SCOTT PERRY this hearing will inform our view of possible The LEADS program began in 2011 and OF PENNSYLVANIA U.S. policy responses to better protect funda- was designed to engage students in the 6th IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mental civil and political rights in Sub-Saharan through 10th grades to help prepare them for Thursday, May 10, 2018 Africa, which includes using sanctions, greater the challenging academic courses required for Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my support for faith-based actor via USAID, and acceptance into top tier schools like West heartfelt congratulations to Russell support media independence, specifically Point, focusing primarily on underserved and Berkheimer, a native of Thomasville, PA, on Voice of America—Africa (VOA). minority school populations. While a focus on his upcoming retirement after more than 20 f STEM education has been a top priority in years of service to the United States of Amer- INTRODUCTION OF THE RECOVER many schools, the West Point LEADS pro- ica. ACT gram adds another very important dimen- Master Sergeant Berkheimer currently sion—the role that ethics plays in effective serves as the Technical Director of the Joint HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON leadership. In addition to robotics and coding Communications Integration Element, where workshops, students in the LEADS program he provides daily guidance on technical issues OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA also participate in activities to explore and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES facing the entire command, while leading re- begin their journeys to become not only edu- search and development projects to meet ca- Thursday, May 10, 2018 cated leaders, but also ethical leaders. pability gaps. He entered the United States Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to intro- Students from forty-five schools are partici- Army in 1998, and served in numerous as- duce the Reducing the Effects of the pating in the 2018 LEADS program. I con- signments, to include Central America in sup- Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Re- gratulate each of these students and am hon- port of counter-narcotics and humanitarian sponse Act of 2018 (the RECOVER Act), ored to recognize the following schools who missions, as well as Afghanistan and Iraq dur- which would require the Office of Personnel have provided them with this opportunity: ing Operation Enduring Freedom and Oper- Management (OPM) to make permanent the BASIS DC; Bishop O’Connell High School, ation Iraqi Freedom, respectively. free identity protection coverage that Congress Colonial Forge High School, DC International His numerous commendations and awards, required OPM to provide for 10 years to indi- School, Deer Park Middle Magnet School, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense viduals whose Social Security Numbers were Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Epis- Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the Meri- potentially compromised during the OPM data copal High School, Fairview Elementary torious Service Medal and others, are a testa- breaches. In 2015, OPM reported that the per- School, Forest Park High School, Fort Foote ment to his steadfast courage, personal integ- sonally identifiable information of as many as Elementary School, Friendship Collegiate rity, tireless work ethic and impeccable char- 25.7 million current, former and prospective Academy, Frost Middle School, Georgetown acter. His enduring legacy of service to our federal employees and contractors was stolen Visitation Prep School, Great Explorations Nation truly is exceptional and sets a standard in two data breaches. I appreciate that Rep- School, Hayfield Secondary School, HH Poole for all to follow. resentative C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER is co- Middle School, Imagine Foundation at On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Con- sponsoring this bill. Morningside, Irving Middle School, Lake Brad- gressional District, I commend and congratu- After OPM announced that it would offer dock Secondary School, Lake Ridge Middle late my fellow brother-in-arms, Master Ser- identity protection coverage of limited duration School, Langley High School, Lauren Hill Ele- geant Russell Berkheimer, upon his retirement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:21 May 11, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MY8.014 E10MYPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS May 10, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E629 and for his tireless service to the United RECOGNIZING THE 2017 MVLE MVLE, its supporters, community partners, States of America. ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS and clients are an inspiration to all and are f worthy of our highest praise. HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY f RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE OF OF VIRGINIA MR. OSVALDO GHIO AND HIS SPORTS FOR ALL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FAMILY TO HELP RESCUE LT. WARREN ADERHOLT Thursday, May 10, 2018 HON. TED POE Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- OF TEXAS HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT ognize the 2017 MVLE Annual Award Recipi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ents. OF ALABAMA Thursday, May 10, 2018 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For 46 years, MVLE has provided employ- ment opportunities and support services to in- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it’s that Thursday, May 10, 2018 dividuals with disabilities, and thereby created time of year again, ballparks are back in Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, we have an environment which has allowed its clients swing. You will be hard pressed not to find a often heard stories of American soldiers and to live in dignity and as independently as pos- little league game being played just about any airmen in World War II being rescued by he- sible. MVLE has achieved this success by day of the week. Most kids know the thrill of roic men and women throughout Europe. partnering with local businesses, as well as lacing up their cleats, wearing a uniform, and Today I rise to honor just such a man and his with government agencies and other not-for- being part of a team. My community desired family. profit organizations. MVLE, its staff, and dedi- that ALL kids have this chance. I am proud to On April 9, 1945, 2nd Lieutenant Warren cated volunteers and supporters can be proud announce that the Second District of Texas Aderholt, a cousin on my father’s side, that they are making a positive difference in has a new ballpark in town—Insperity Adapt- crashed his P–5l Mustang approximately 30 someone’s life every day. ive Sports Complex. miles behind enemy lines in northern Italy Each year, MVLE honors individual partici- Too often children with disabilities are near the town of Sarzana. The area was occu- pants as well as business and community forced to watch from the bench or sidelines. pied by German forces and the local civilians partners, who support MVLE’s mission. I am Playgrounds and sports fields are neither had been warned not to assist the Allied pleased to include in the RECORD the names wheelchair nor walker friendly. Humble Inde- forces. They were told that if they disobeyed of the 2017 award recipients: pendent School District and the YMCA this directive they risked being shot. Neverthe- The President’s Award is being presented to partnered to provide children with disabilities less, at great personal risk to himself and his individuals who have shown outstanding and special needs a unique barrier free envi- family, Mr. Osvaldo Ghio rescued Lieutenant progress toward gaining independence and ronment to play and participate in team sports. Aderholt. Mr. Ghio and his family gave Lt. self-sufficiency through participation in employ- The facility exists because of companies like Aderholt food and clothes and hid him in a se- ment and community services. The 2017 Insperity and folks like Joe Cleary, Mark cret hideout that he had constructed for just President’s Award recipients are Ivana Koenig, and Dr. Guy Sconzo; along with the this purpose. The hideout looked like a large Ardinoto, Willie Anne Belleh, Brittany Davis, executive directors, board members, private stack of concrete blocks, but inside was a and Jeremy Dustin. donors, and volunteers, who devoted count- place for Aderholt to hide. The Chairman’s Award is being presented less hours and money to improving the lives of Also, U.S. documents show that Mr. Ghio to an outstanding business partner who has children with disabilities. would personally remove mines from around demonstrated excellence in hiring practices, Insperity Adaptive Sports Complex is lo- the airport that the Germans had placed there. creating supportive work environments, and cated near Summerwood between Groves El- He would go through these mine fields at night supporting the mission of MVLE. The 2017 ementary and West Lake Middle School. It sits so as not to be seen and would then give the Chairman’s Award recipient is the National on 5 acres. It features two YMCA Miracle mines to the Italian Partisans in their fight Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Office League fields. Both fields are wheelchair ac- against the enemy. Had Mr. Ghio not removed of Headquarter Operations. cessible with a synthetic surface that allows these mines when Lt. Aderholt bellied his MVLE also presents four Community children of all abilities to take the field. The plane into the airport, he would have surely hit Awards for Government, Employment Partner, team dugouts accommodate wheelchairs and one as his plane skid in a crash landing. Advocacy, and Social Responsibility. other special needs such as walkers. Kids of Once the news that an American pilot had The Government Champion Award is being all abilities can now be a part of a team. They crash landed nearby, the Germans lined up presented to state Delegate Mark Sickles. proudly wear their uniform and round the the local citizens, including the Ghio family, MVLE presents this award to an outstanding bases just like their friends. And they have and interrogated them. One family even had partner who is committed to creating meaning- fans. It is joy to witness parents getting to their home burned by the Germans. However, ful employment opportunities by building part- watch their disabled child be a part of a team the Ghios continued to hide Lt. Aderholt until nerships across government and business for the very first time. the coast was clear. Once the German troops sectors. The new adaptive sports facility also has an left the area they led Lt. Aderholt to safety by The Employment Partner Award is being innovative playground with ramps, special hiking miles through the mountains to the front presented to Parkway Express. MVLE pre- swings, and sensory stations. It even has a where American troops were advancing. sents this award to an outstanding partner basketball court with modified basketball Members of Lt. Warren Aderholt’s family will who is committed to creating meaningful com- hoops. It feels like any other ball park with be traveling to Sarzana, Italy this month to munity employment opportunities for individ- concessions and a pavilion. It is important for meet the surviving daughter of Mr. Ghio, uals with disabilities and military veterans. those with disabilities to stay active. Adaptive Rosalba. I would also like to recognize the The Advocacy Champion Award is being sports and recreational programs bring health, painstaking research of Claudio Mischi, an presented to Lee District Supervisor Jeff wellness and social benefits to the special aeronautical archaeologist, who did extensive McKay. MVLE presents this award to an out- needs child. It is challenging but also healing. research on what exactly happened in April of standing partner who advocates for community The unique partnership, between the school 1945 at this location. Mr. Mischi has done this integration by fostering partnerships across district and the YMCA, allows students in the painstaking research out of his extreme grati- sectors to create futures one person at a time. district to use the facility during the school day tude to the United States and the Allies that The Social Responsibility Award is being and the YMCA uses the facility in the eve- liberated his country. It should also be noted presented to First Virginia Community Bank. nings and weekends. The community is wel- that Claudio Mischi is writing a biography on MVLE presents this award to an outstanding come to enjoy the open playground outside of Lt. Aderholt’s career as well. partner who supports MVLE through contribu- school times. A win win for the Lake Houston Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the tions and volunteer work. area. courage of the Ghio family and their sacrifice Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me So this weekend, grab your sunscreen, and to help rescue Lt. Warren Aderholt back on in commending MVLE for its success in help- head out to our newest park in town. Be ready April 9, 1945, as well as all those who offered ing individuals with disabilities achieve inde- to cheer on some remarkable Texans, who acts of kindness and assistance to the United pendence and in congratulating the 2017 are happy to finally be a part of a team. States Military during WorId War II. MVLE Annual Award recipients. The efforts of And that’s just the way it is.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:21 May 11, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MY8.016 E10MYPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS