E1218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 10, 2012 HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY VICTORIA American Samoa Flag Carrier in the 15–17 Ia manuia lau faigamalaga. CERNOK age group Junior Golf World Competition and earning additional 2nd and 3rd place World f HON. JEFF DENHAM trophies, and an additional 4th place and two OF CALIFORNIA 1st place International trophies among junior CONGRATULATING THE WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD TECHNICAL COL- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES golfers. In 1985 she became a member of the LEGE OF SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN, Tuesday, July 10, 2012 American Samoa Team in the South Pacific ON THE OCCASION OF THE COL- Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mini Games in the Cook Islands, where her LEGE’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY congratulate an extraordinary milestone of team won the gold medal. Two years later, at Huntington Beach resident Victoria Cernok, as the age of 15, she participated in another she celebrates her 65th birthday on July 10, gold-winning American Samoa team in the re- HON. SEAN P. DUFFY 2012. nowned South Pacific Games held in New A fifth generation Californian, Victoria has Caledonia in 1987. That year, Tina also won OF WISCONSIN continued to be an active member in the Hun- the Individual Silver Medal. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tington Beach community for more than four Tina attended Seabury Hall in Maui, Hawaii decades. Victoria and her husband, John, where she attained a 4.0 High School Grade Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Point Average in all four years. She was also raised their four children—Jon, Brian, Jill, and Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Greg—in Huntington Beach, while simulta- the only female golfer on the school’s all-male congratulate the Wisconsin Indianhead Tech- neously running a private culinary and catering golf team. During high school, she also rep- business and staying engaged in her chil- resented American Samoa in the three Fijian nical College of Superior, Wisconsin as it cele- dren’s education through volunteer parental Ladies Opens in Suva, Fiji and the Fijian La- brates its 100th anniversary. activities. She also had a great career as a dies Classics in Deuba, Fiji in 1989, 1990 and The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Col- flight attendant—traveling the country serving 1991. She won all six of them. lege (WITC) is an impressive institution serv- others, while watching her family grow. After high school, Tina was accepted at icing the growing educational needs of North- Stanford University and Brigham Young Uni- Victoria now enjoys spending time with her west Wisconsin. Throughout its 100 years, versity in Utah but chose New Mexico State two grandsons, Grant and Blake, going for WITC has exemplified the important role of vo- walks on the beach, honing her painting skills, University for its golf program. She graduated cational and technical education for effective traveling the world, teaching generations of with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting Huntington Beach residents how to create cul- & Marketing and was selected as Captain of workforce preparation. Our Nation’s varying inary masterpieces at the local Community her college golf team. Before turning pro in economy and work environment is dependent College, and being an active member in the 1996, Tina participated in the United States on the advancement of new technology and acclaimed Saint Simon and Jude Church Amateur Links, finishing second to Natalie innovation. With each new innovation created, Choir. Gulbis, who is now one of the LPGA’s top WITC has been the key to supporting and Victoria has contributed her life to being a golfers. supplying Northwest Wisconsin industries with dedicated and wonderful mother and a shining After Tina turned Professional, she played a new generation of highly skilled workers. example in her community by giving her time at the Futures Tours and won at Bay Hill Established in 1912, the Industrial, Commer- and energy to the betterment of others. Country Club. In 2007, a year after she was Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratu- diagnosed with cancer, Tina was selected as cial and Continuing Evening School in Supe- lating Victoria on this special day, July 10th, an American Samoa Flag Carrier in the 2007 rior, WI was the first technical school in North- 2012, and in wishing her a Happy 65th Birth- South Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, where west Wisconsin founded to specifically ad- day! May she have many, many more. she culminated her career by winning the Indi- dress the need for educating those working in f vidual Gold Medal for American Samoa. the manufacturing industry. As automation and After college, Tina worked at Ashcraft In- mechanization processes in American industry HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRIS- vestment Company in Encinitas, California, as grew and developed, this technical school TINE ‘‘TINA’’ MICHELLE DRAB- a Special Assistant to her dad at Sadie’s Inn shifted with the times to accommodate the BLE-MCCORMACK & Sadie’s by the Sea in American Samoa and changing populations and educational needs. briefly at PICED, an educational development HON. ENI F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA center in American Samoa. Tina was 41 years Workforce enhancement and skills training OF AMERICAN SOMOA old in May this year. has seen a great deal of industrial focused po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is a very sad time for not only the Drabble sitions—from shipbuilding, paper and steel in- family, but also for our American Samoan Tuesday, July 10, 2012 dustry directed courses to aircraft manufac- community. We have lost a beautiful young turing and electrical work curriculum. Over Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise lady whose contribution to the people of Amer- time, advancing new curriculum, adding asso- today with deep sympathy to offer my condo- ican Samoa, especially as a sportswoman, will ciate degree programs, and expanding a dis- lences to the family and friends of a beloved always be an inspiration to our young people. daughter of American Samoa, Christine ‘‘Tina’’ Tina was not only an ambassador of the Sa- tance learning network of online classes and Michelle Drabble-McCormack, who passed moan people to the world but she was also a outreach centers has helped to provide stu- away early on the morning of July 9, 2012 in loving daughter, sister, and friend. dents with affordable, flexible and accessible Phoenix, Arizona following a 6-year battle with I cannot imagine what a terrible experience education and career opportunities for Wiscon- melanoma. it is for any parent to witness their child’s life sinites. Christine, who was known as ‘‘Tina’’ among slowly coming to an end and I cannot find any In 1987 Wisconsin Indianhead Vocational, family and friends, was born on May 30, 1971 words sufficient enough to comfort the Drabble Technical and Adult Education district became in American Samoa, the eldest child of Thom- family. In closing today, I can only extend my the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College as Hingston Drabble of Te Puke, New Zealand heartfelt sympathy to the Drabble family, espe- and Ta’alolo ‘Chande’ Lutu-Drabble of Pago cially Mr. Tom Drabble, Tina’s father, and Mrs. to more accurately reflect the mission of the Pago, American Samoa. Ta’alolo ‘Chande’ Lutu-Drabble, Tina’s mother, school. Today, WITC employs a staff of more As a young girl, Tina attended South Pacific who has also been Tina’s full time caregiver than 1,700 and provides education to 6,000 Academy, a private school where her father and patient advocate in the final stages of her credit students in more than 50 full-time pro- was one of the founders. At the early age of daughter’s life. grams, and nearly 20,000. 9, she learned how to play golf from her uncle In the Book of Matthew we read, ‘‘Blessed WITC has provided Northwest Wisconsinites are they who mourn, for they shall be com- Fuga Tolani Teleso and she was selected as with the important technical and vocational a member of the American Samoa Team in forted.’’ I pray that the comfort of God will give skills needed to succeed and advance in to- the 10 and under age group in the Junior Golf Tina’s family strength and that through the tre- World Competition in San Diego, California, mendous sorrow, memories of Tina’s life and day’s economy. These are the achievements placing 2nd World and 1st Place International. her beautiful spirit will bring lasting joy to all that we recognize today as Wisconsin In the following years, Tina would continue who loved her. Tina, you will surely be Indianhead Technical College reaches this im- to represent American Samoa, serving as an missed. portant milestone—its 100th year anniversary.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 11, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JY8.011 E10JYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 10, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1219 RECOGNIZING THE VILLAGE OF TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ROBERT D. IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2012 HOMER GLEN FOR BEING NAMED PETERSON WASHINGTON, DC FALUN DAFA AN INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY EXPERIENCE SHARING CON- COMMUNITY FERENCE HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO OF WEST VIRGINIA HON. SAM FARR HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Colonel participants of the 2012 Washington, DC Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Robert D. Peterson; who has served West Vir- ginia through his leadership for the past 3 and Rally. honor the Village of Homer Glen, which will be I share Falun Gong’s commitment to free- years at the United State Army Corps of Engi- recognized this evening as only the fourth dom of expression and peaceful demonstra- neers, Huntington District. Col. Peterson is re- International Dark Sky Community in the tion. As the Universal Declaration of Human sponsible for the 300 navigable miles of the world. At the Homer Glen Village Hall in the Rights states, every person has the right to Ohio River basin. Col. Peterson employees Council Chambers, Mr. Bob Parks, Executive freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, over 800 staff members to maintain 35 res- Director of the International Dark Sky Associa- and we must do all that we can to ensure that ervoirs, and nine locks and dams. I want to tion, will present the village with the award. citizens here in America and around the world personally congratulate Col. Peterson for his have access to these fundamental rights. Homer Glen’s commitment to recognizing the continued success. beauty of the night sky as well as saving en- Since Falun Gong’s inception in 1992, it is ergy has been recognized internationally and I The awards of Col. Peterson are just a frac- estimated that millions of individuals have tion of what he has truly accomplished. Col. been drawn to its guiding principles of truthful- am very proud of their accomplishment. In Peterson has successfully managed 35 flood ness, compassion, and tolerance. These prin- particular, Village Trustee, Margaret Sabo has projects that prevented over 11.3 billion dollars ciples are enduring cornerstones of a demo- been a stalwart supporter of this initiative, and in damages while allowing over 30 million visi- cratic society. Yet, as we mark over 60 years she deserves special acknowledgment. tors to support these regions through tourism. since the adoption of the Universal Declaration In 2007, Homer Glen passed the first city He was responsible for the processing of 94 of Human Rights, it is a travesty that those ordinance of its kind in Illinois. By setting tons of commercial traffic valued at $18.6 bil- who hold Falun Gong beliefs have been per- guidelines for the amount of light commercial lion dollars through nine locks and dams. He secuted and tortured. I look forward to the day business can emit, the village eliminated the oversaw the ongoing construction of the when Falun Gong practitioners can freely ex- press their beliefs without fear of reprisal. need for establishments to escalate the bright- Bluestone Dam including communication of Mr. Speaker, peace and justice are not only ness of their signs to garner attention. The or- risk in the event of dam failure and held a Combined Emergency Exercise to educate af- values but calls to action that we must live out dinance also included a lighting cutoff at night, fected federal, state and local governments to every day. I will continue to act here in Con- which reduces glare for pedestrians, cyclists, potential dangers. As a result, the Huntington gress to promote peace for all persecuted and motorists, and protects the natural cycle District was selected by the Great Lakes and communities and work for a more just world. of night and day for local wildlife. I also want Ohio River division as the Regional Dam Safe- f to recognize several establishments in Homer ty Production Center and soon after, selected PAYING TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GEN- Glen that responded to the ordinance with ef- by the Corps of Engineers Headquarters as ERAL FREDERICK ‘‘BEN’’ fective and responsible lighting plans: Eagle the Corps’ national Mandatory Center of Ex- HODGES’ SERVICE TO OUR NA- Rock Community Church, Firestone Complete pertise for Dam Safety. TION Auto Care, Silver Cross Health Center, and I had the honor to work with Col. Peterson Midland Federal Savings and Loan. All of the as he executed nine Project Partnership HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG organizations will be recognized at the event Agreements for environmental infrastructure OF FLORIDA tonight as well as Debra Briggs Luginbuhl who projects providing water and sewer service to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has been a leader in developing the ordi- unserved and underserved residents of the Tuesday, July 10, 2012 nance. Second Congressional District, resulting in im- proved public health and safety. He has prov- Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise While saving energy, the city ordinance has en to be an effective communicator in a vari- to pay tribute to Major General Frederick also allowed for local residents to view the ety of public venues on the federal, state and ‘‘Ben’’ Hodges, United States Army, for his ex- breathtaking beauty of our night sky, some- local level, including such forums as the Ohio traordinary dedication to duty and selfless thing so many Americans cannot do or take River Basin Alliance of which I have been in- service to the United States of America. Major for granted. Every summer, local organizations volved. And lastly, he issued 800 permits for General Hodges will be moving on from his hold a stargazing event at Trantina Farm, mining, highway construction, and flood emer- present assignment as the Chief, Office Con- where thousands of local residents can clearly gency, including the permit to place West Vir- gressional Legislative Liaison (OCLL) for the view constellations including Bootes, Hercules, ginia’s newest resident, the Boy Scout Jam- United States Army to become the North At- the Corona Borealis, and much more. This boree on a post-mining land site within our lantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Land Com- year, the event will be this Friday, July 13th. beautiful state of West Virginia. mand, Chief. A native Floridian from Quincy, Major Gen- Over 1000 stargazers have attended since the Col. Robert D. Peterson is an outstanding eral Ben Hodges graduated from the United beginning of the event, and local amateur as- soldier, friend, husband and father. He is a States Military Academy in May 1980 and was 1985 graduate from the prestigious academy tronomers from Kankakee Area StarGazers, commissioned as an Infantry Officer. After his of West Point, graduating with a Bachelors of the Naperville Astronomical Association, and first assignment as an Infantry Lieutenant in Science and from the U.S. Army War College the South West Astronomy Observers Group Germany, he commanded Infantry units at the with a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. come to help others recognize the various ce- Company, Battalion and Brigade levels with Col. Peterson was awarded the Bronze Star, lestial bodies. the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and three Army Commendation Medals, two Army in combat during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. I commend Homer Glen for joining Flagstaff, Achievement Medals, the Armed Forces Expe- Arizona, Borrego Springs, California, and Sark His most recent operational combat assign- ditionary Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, ment was as the Director of Operations, Re- Island in the English Channel as an Inter- and the Bronze Order of the deFleury Medal. gional Command South, in Kandahar, Afghani- national Dark Sky Community. The residents Col. Peterson’s work has greatly enhanced stan during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. of this village have shown initiative and leader- the state of West Virginia and the world Major General Hodges has served in a vari- ship in appreciating our night sky and I hope around him. Congratulations to Col. Peterson ety of Joint and Army Staff positions to include others will follow. on his numerous accomplishments. Tactics Instructor at the Infantry School; Chief

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 11, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JY8.006 E10JYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS