E1052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 8, 2006 Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield, Mas- and community activities. Not only did Bella TRIBUTE TO BUDDY CANNON sachusetts, is proud of its history as a promi- support her husband’s endeavors, in her own nent Orthodox synagogue, which has made right she contributed in significant ways to the HON. JIM COOPER important contributions to the strength and vi- educational and social programming of the OF TENNESSEE tality of the Jewish and general communities. synagogue. For all of their accomplishments, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kodimoh honors Rabbi Alex and Dr. Bella Kodimoh’s story reflects the common immi- Wednesday, June 7, 2006 grant’s success story and parallels the growth Weisfogel at a dinner celebrating the 90th an- of the city of Springfield. niversary on June 11, 2006. Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Kodimoh which means ‘‘forward’’ or f recognize the outstanding achievements of ‘‘progress’’ in Hebrew was founded in 1916 by one of Nashville’s most respected music pro- a segment of the Jewish community with a TRIBUTE TO JUDGE LEONARD fessionals, Buddy Cannon. Just two nights spirit of optimism caught up in the success of PERRY EDWARDS II ago, Buddy was named by his peers as the the first generation of Jewish immigrants and Producer of the Year at the Academy of Coun- the boom of Springfield as an important eco- HON. ANNA G. ESHOO try Music Awards in Las Vegas. nomic urban center. The name further sug- OF CALIFORNIA Buddy has worked with a long-list of chart- gests the desire of the founding members for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES topping recording artists during his years in the congregation to fit in to the American way Wednesday, June 7, 2006 Nashville. Kenny Chesney, Chely Wright, Reba McEntire, John Michael Montgomery, of life. The Jewish community formed in Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I join my col- Sara Evans and George Jones have all bene- Springfield primarily in the North End section leagues Mr. HONDA and Mr. FARR today to of the city in the mass immigration from East- honor a distinguished American, Judge Leon- fited from his work as a producer. In addition, ern Europe in the last decades of the 19th ard Perry Edwards II, who is retiring after he helped launch the careers of stars such as century and early 20th century. When the first nearly 25 years as a Judge of the Santa Clara Shania Twain, Sammy Kershaw and Billy Ray generation of Jewish immigrants prospered County, California, Superior Court, and who Cyrus while a recording company executive. and achieved economic success, a segment served as Supervising Judge of the Juvenile While his award this week honors him for his desired to provide for itself a better standard Dependency Court from 1993 to 2005. work as a producer, he is also well known and of living. Judge Edwards’ excellence in public service celebrated as a songwriter with songs re- The move to the beautiful new neighbor- mirrors that of his father, Congressman Don corded by artists from Mel Tillis to Alabama, hood of Forest Park began, and a synagogue Edwards. He was born in Michigan, earned his George Strait and Vern Gosdin. was needed. The first meeting of Kodimoh B.A. from Wesleyan University and his J.D. According to those who have worked with took place in the home of Moses Ehrlich, the from the University of Chicago. Before becom- Buddy, his gifts extend beyond the world of first president of the congregation. Kodimoh ing a Judge he registered black voters in Mis- music. Buddy is known throughout the music was founded to maintain Orthodox standards sissippi during the Civil Rights movement, community for his generous spirit and his will- and practices in modern America. English served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, taught ingness to spend time with young artists who rather than Yiddish would be the language of law in Norway, served as a Public Defender are still in search of their own sound. Kenny sermons, while the synagogue and its mem- and practiced law. In 1981, he was appointed Chesney, honored by the ACM as Entertainer bers would participate in civic affairs. Tradition Superior Court Judge of the Santa Clara of the Year, said recently that ‘‘Back before I would feel at home in a new world. County Court by Governor Jerry Brown. even had a record deal, Buddy was writing The first building was completed in 1923 on Judge Edwards founded Child Advocates of songs with me at Acuff-Rose and he gave me Oakland St. and an adjacent school building Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Kids in a lot of respect as someone trying to find their was built in 1937. Through the ’50s, as more Common, Juvenile Court Judges of California, way, and he taught me a lot about respecting Jews moved to the Park, Kodimoh took its Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Coun- songs—even before he was part of my team.’’ place as a prominent institution in the Jewish cil, the Greenbook Project and the Forensic Buddy Cannon’s passion for music and re- community and in the city. The congregation Human Services Certificate Program. He has spect for musicians is well known in Nashville maintained traditional Jewish practice and ef- held office in more than 25 professional orga- and the music world. I join with so many oth- fectively educated the new generation. The nizations, and most recently served as Presi- ers in congratulating Buddy on his latest membership required more space for the bur- dent of the National Council of Juvenile and achievement—being named Producer of the geoning program of services and activities, Family Court Judges. He has received more Year. But I also join with so many others in and the current modern facility was built in than 40 national, state and local awards for thanking Buddy for his many important con- 1963, a short distance away on Sumner Ave. his excellence and service, including the Wil- tributions to the global music community and While a large segment of the Jewish commu- liam H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excel- to my hometown of Nashville. nity and several synagogues moved to Long- lence, given by the National Center for State f meadow, an adjacent suburb, the leadership Courts. He has published more than 40 arti- PERSONAL EXPLANATION of Kodimoh decided to keep the synagogue in cles and written two books, one with his wife, Forest Park. Inger J. Sagatun-Edwards. Judge Edwards The new building witnessed extensive has lectured in 43 states and eight foreign HON. CANDICE S. MILLER growth through the ’70s as Kodimoh continued countries. His next career will be as a consult- OF MICHIGAN to follow its mission of maintaining Orthodox ant for California’s judicial system which will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Judaism, involvement in the broader Jewish enable him to teach his innovative methods to Wednesday, June 7, 2006 community, and local affairs. As the economic judges around the State. Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, had opportunities in Springfield declined, the syna- Judge Edwards has earned the esteem of I been present for votes on June 6, 2006, I gogue also saw many young people seek jobs his colleagues and the admiration of the fami- would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on roll call votes num- elsewhere. However, Kodimoh remains a vi- lies to whom he has devoted his career. Be- bered 223, 224, 225, and 226. brant and important religious center which cause of his tenacity, his creativity, his com- makes a vital contribution to the community. passion and his belief in others, thousands of f We have faith that Springfield will continue to families are now rehabilitated and functioning TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMIE L. strengthen itself and the synagogue will ben- well. ADAMS, USAF efit. It is a special privilege for us to honor Judge Many important rabbis have served the con- Leonard Edwards and his extraordinary ca- HON. BOB INGLIS gregation. Rabbi Isaac Klein continued his reer, and we are proud to call him our friend. OF SOUTH CAROLINA prominent career in Buffalo, while Rabbi Nor- Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES man Lamm became the President of Yeshiva in honoring this great American who exempli- University. Rabbi Alex Weisfogel from 1959– fies the best in citizenship and whose career Wednesday, June 7, 2006 1982 led the synagogue during the construc- in jurisprudence sets the gold standard for our Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tion of the Sumner Avenue building and country. As Judge Leonard Edwards retires, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Jamie L. oversaw the congregation’s growth. As Rabbi he has the gratitude and respect of the entire Adams on the occasion of his retirement from Emeritus, he has remained in the community House of Representatives. He has made our the United States Air Force after more than 30 with his wife, Dr. Bella Weisfogel. Together community and our country stronger and bet- years of distinguished service to the Depart- they continue their involvement in synagogue ter through his leadership and public service. ment of Defense and his country.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:23 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07JN8.071 E08JNPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with REMARKS June 8, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1053 A native son of South Carolina, Jamie grew systems acquisitions, or steering a large De- nessee, who was recently recognized here in up in Greenville, just a stone’s throw from my fense agency through the white waters of Washington by the American Bar Association. home in Travelers Rest. After graduating from change, Col. Adams served with unwavering She received the Paul G. Hearne Award for Carolina High School in Greenville, he set out diligence, integrity, and competence. On the dedicating her personal and professional life to on a military career, heading across the state occasion of his retirement from the United improving the lives of people with disabilities to Charleston, and enrolling in The Citadel, States Air Force, I offer my congratulations to in her community. earning a degree in business administration one of South Carolina’s finest sons and wish Thirteen years ago when she began to have and a commission as a second lieutenant in him and his wife, Sandra, well in their future trouble walking, Ms. McKown was diagnosed the United States Air Force in 1973. Now, pursuits. with a rare, degenerative neurological condi- some 33 years later, this highly respected Air f tion. It has grown increasingly worse over time Force acquisition professional will end his mili- and severely restricted her mobility, but any- tary career while serving as the chief of staff TRIBUTE TO CHRIS SWECKER one who knows her will tell you nothing can of the Defense Contract Management Agency hold this very special woman back. (DCMA). DCMA is a worldwide organization of HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK Paul G. Hearne, for whom the award was 11,000 military and civilian personnel respon- OF NORTH CAROLINA named, was born with a connective tissue dis- sible for ensuring that the supplies and mate- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES order that limited his growth and restricted his rials going to our men and women in uniform movement. But with hard work and determina- are delivered on time and are of the highest Wednesday, June 7, 2006 tion, he fought through it and created opportu- quality. Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to nities for himself and others. Like Hearne, Ms. As a newly commissioned officer, Jamie honor and recognize Chris Swecker, the Fed- was assigned to the procurement office at McKown’s life is marked by similar achieve- eral Bureau of Investigation’s Assistant Direc- ments despite daunting physical setbacks. Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. It was there tor for the Criminal Investigative Division and Since 1996, she has worked at the East that his ascent to the top echelons of the De- Acting Executive Assistant Director for Law Tennessee Technology Access Center in fense acquisition community began. Displaying Enforcement Services. On July 13, 2006, Knoxville as their public awareness coordi- a penchant for understanding the intricacies of Agent Swecker will be retiring from the FBI. nator and systems change advocate and ana- Federal contracting, he blazed a career path His years of service to America have been in- lyst. The Access Center is the region’s only that in the ensuing decade took him to various valuable, and he will be missed. contracting assignments throughout the United nonprofit agency that helps people with dis- Assistant Director Chris Swecker has served States and saw him rise through the junior-of- abilities gain knowledge of assistive tech- in the FBI since June 13, 1982. In his early ficer ranks. nology. It serves people with disabilities in 24 years in the Bureau, he served as a special In the mid-1980s, Jamie was named chief of counties—helping them learn, work, play, and agent in Charlotte, North Carolina and in Okla- the contracting division of the 67th Tactical lead more productive, independent lives. homa City, Oklahoma. Later, he served as a Reconnaissance Wing at Bergstrom AFB, supervisor in the Civil Litigation Unit, Legal A tireless spokesperson for the rights of Texas, and promoted to the rank of major. Council Division, at FBI Headquarters, as act- people with disabilities—whether they were While there, he earned a master’s degree in ing Special Agent in charge in Miami and born with a disability or became disabled business administration, an academic creden- Houston, and as an Inspector with the Inspec- through an accident, illness or old age—Ms. tial that would serve him well as he took on tion Division. He later returned back to Char- McKown has fought for their rights to live with positions of increasing authority and responsi- lotte, North Carolina, to serve as Special dignity and choice. Her achievements on the bility within the pressure-packed realm of Air Agent in Charge from 1999 to 2004. In 2004, behalf of the disabled are too numerous to list, Force acquisition management. In 1999, after he was promoted to Assistant Director for the but several deserve mention here on the having been promoted to the rank of colonel, Criminal Investigative Division. He has also House floor. he was tapped to be the chief of contracting been serving as Acting Executive Assistant Di- In Anderson County, where she lives, she for the Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, Il- rector for Law Enforcement Services since has served on the County Commissioner’s linois, a demanding job in which he led a February of 2006. Americans with Disabilities Act Oversight com- cadre of more than 600 contracting profes- Chris has served our country in all these dif- mittee since its inception in 1995 and now sionals who exercised stewardship of $1.4 bil- ferent roles with honor and distinction. His serves as its chairwoman. Ms. McKown has lion for procurement in support of America’s work has made America a safer place. During also provided her expertise to the Tennessee strategic and tactical airlift mobility network. his time in the FBI, he dismantled a Hezbollah Disability Coalition, the lead agency for 35 dis- But all that was prelude to his capstone as- terror cell in Charlotte, served as the com- ability-related organizations statewide. signment for the past two years as DCMA mander of FBI operations in Iraq, and cap- Through her work with the Coalition’s Project chief of staff, a position that showcased his tured the top 10 fugitive Eric Rudolph. In addi- Vote, Ms. McKown helped drive improvements acquisition knowledge, his human-relations tion, he has helped streamline and upgrade to polling stations that increased voting access skills, and his results-producing leadership. the criminal investigation divisions in the FBI for disabled citizens of Anderson and Knox With Col. Adams in the vanguard, DCMA suc- so that they are more efficient and effective. Counties. cessfully adopted the principles of perform- He has fought public corruption, violent gangs, ance based management, ensuring effective, Ms. McKown’s energy and caring touch has protected America’s children, and has outcome-centered support to its customers— reached from Anderson County across the even formed special child abduction response principally the military services and National State of Tennessee. Because of her involve- teams. Aeronautics and Space Administration. He ment with the Coalition, when the State re- consistently demonstrated a blend of technical Chris has accomplished all this, while being wrote the code governing the Department of competence and affability, reconciling diver- a loving husband and a father to three daugh- Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities gent points of view and catalyzing the agen- ters. I know I speak for everyone back home in 1999, she was asked to be one of five inde- cy’s pursuit of acquisition excellence, work- when I say thank you Chris, for all your hard pendent reviewers of the final draft. Her rec- force re-engineering, and customer satisfac- work. We are safer because of you. Congratu- ommendation that group homes across the tion. This past spring, in firm testament to his lations on your retirement, and best of luck. State for people with developmental disabil- stature within in the Defense acquisition com- f ities should be less crowded was accepted. munity, Jamie was a featured presenter at the Now instead of eight people, they are only TRIBUTE TO LOUISE MCKOWN Institute for Defense and Government Ad- permitted to house half that many, greatly im- vancement-sponsored Defense Acquisition proving the quality of life for these physically 2006 forum, where he shared his insights on HON. ZACH WAMP challenged Americans. contingency contracting and the management OF TENNESSEE Ms. McKown’s life is an example for other of contractors on today’s battlefield—a chal- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Americans, showing that nothing and no one lenge of considerable import over the past can hold you back if you put your mind to Wednesday, June 7, 2006 three years. achieving what you want. In the words of her Whether he was approving base-level pur- Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to friends, she is truly a woman on a mission and chase orders, maintaining vigilance over major honor Louise McKown of Oak Ridge, Ten- I am proud to stand here on her behalf today.

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