21468 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 157, Pt. 15 December 20, 2011 RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTING AC- tion’s seniors aged 65 and over who have HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN TIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF proven themselves exemplarily in the areas of IN OUR ARMED SERVICES ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Community Involvement, Creativity, Good Neighbor, Love of Learning, New Beginnings HON. ANN MARIE BUERKLE HON. MIKE COFFMAN and Vitality. Sgt. Cheeks has proven himself OF NEW YORK OF COLORADO to be a role model of his community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES After having been honorably discharged Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from the military it was later discovered that Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I Sgt. Cheeks had contracted Agent Orange remember and pay tribute to our men and come to the floor today to introduce a resolu- and developed post-traumatic stress syn- women in uniform during this holiday season. tion highlighting the actions taken by the Gov- drome. Nevertheless, Sgt. Cheeks persevered While we must always remember those who ernment of Antigua and Barbuda, in the oper- and began actively assisting the people of make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, it ation of their financial and judicial systems, Canton with searches for employment and is especially important to remember them as that are manifestly contrary to the public policy with formulating and sponsoring extracurricular we celebrate this holiday season. What should of the United States. activities for the youth of Canton. He also be a time of joy, will be a difficult time for This resolution asks that all further direct or served as a volunteer crossing guard for Holy many families who are dealing with the loss of indirect aid or assistance, including assistance Child Jesus School in Canton for more than a loved one who has died in service to our derived from Federal funds, by the United 25 years. Nation. States Government to the Government of Anti- Two families in my own district are coping gua and Barbuda should be suspended until In 1975, Sgt. Cheeks took his 18 years of with the tragic loss of their loved ones this the Government of Antigua and Barbuda pro- experience in coaching little league baseball in year. Marine Corporal Kyle Schneider of vides complete redress of the violations by the military and sponsored a little league Phoenix, New York was killed by an impro- their government against the rights of Amer- baseball team in Madison County (MS). He vised explosive device while serving in ican citizens. also took the discipline and resourcefulness Helmand province, Afghanistan. He is survived Antigua and Barbuda should give full co- learned in the United States military to orga- by his parents, Richard and Lorie Schneider, operation in investigating the Stanford Finan- nize both Boy and Girl Scouts’ troops in Can- his brother Kevin, and his fiance´e Theresa cial Group fraud, and should agree to be ton, Mississippi. Lynn Dodge. bound by U.S. courts that adjudicate claims Chief Warrant Officer Brad Gaudet, a native arising from the Stanford fraud. Sergeant Cheeks’ commitment to individual of my colleague Mr. GOHMERT’s district, was The resolution also asks the Government of and community wealth building was the driving killed in Afghanistan after his helicopter Antigua and Barbuda to fulfill its obligations re- force behind much of his pledge to serving the crashed near Kabul. He is survived by his wife lating to the expropriation of the Half Moon citizens of Canton. To that end, he served as Ginny, of Liverpool, New York, and two young Bay Resort, which was owned by a group of the Chairman of the Madison County Union for daughters. U.S. citizens. Progress, a private organization that helps citi- In this season of giving we must remember I ask for its swift passage. zens seek and secure employment; he served not only those who have fallen, but also the f on the Board of Directors for the Canton families they have left behind. In addition to remembering those we have RECOGNIZING RETIRED FIRST Housing Authority, an organization in which he currently still serves as a chief advisor; he lost, we must continue to honor those who SERGEANT LANDRES CHEEKS currently serve. We must remember that there FOR HIS DEDICATION AND SERV- served on the G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center’s Board of Trustees and Madison Gen- are soldiers who will spend their Christmas in ICE TO COMMUNITY AND COUN- a war zone fighting for our freedom; soldiers eral Hospital’s Board of Trustees. Sgt. Cheeks TRY who have not seen their families for months. has also been the Utility Commissioner for the We must also remember veterans at this HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON City of Canton for three years in addition to holiday time. While their service is over, the OF MISSISSIPPI volunteering with the Full Gospel Fellowship debt of gratitude we owe to them for their sac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Church under the direction of Pastor Toni rifice should never be forgotten. Brooks to serve hot meals to senior citizens at Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Christmas is an important time to stop and their homes once a week. He graciously took pay tribute to our men and women in our Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- care of the personal needs of several senior armed services. We are privileged to live in er, I would like to take this opportunity to rec- citizens and hosted a talk show twice per the greatest nation in the history of the world ognize the many accomplishments of Retired month at WONG radio station that addresses because of their service and sacrifice. First Sergeant Landres Cheeks of Canton, various issues within the community. f Mississippi. First Sergeant Cheeks is a true patriot of our country and served as an inte- Not only is Sgt. Cheeks committed to eco- RECOGNIZING ERIC FOSS gral part of his community for more than 60 nomic equality and bettering the community, years. He dedicated his life, after serving our but he is also committed to civic engagement HON. KEVIN YODER and involvement. He currently sits on the country for three decades, to giving back to OF KANSAS Voter Registration committee and serves as the people of Canton. His mission to economi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cally empower, inspire and motivate the peo- the Chairman of the Membership Committee ple of Canton is one of great resolve. for the Canton Branch of the National Associa- Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Sergeant Cheeks served in the United tion for the Advancement of Colored People Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ac- States Army Medical Corps for 30 years par- (NAACP). Even with all this on his plate, Sgt. knowledge the hard work of Eric Foss, my leg- ticipating in World War II (Germany and Cheeks still made time to own and manage islative assistant. France) and the Vietnam War. He is a deco- Winn-n-Cheeks Grocery Store for over twenty Eric has worked in my office since I came rated serviceman, having received the Na- years after retiring from the Army. Sergeant to Congress and is leaving Washington, D.C. tional Defense Medal, Army Commendation Cheeks has been a pillar in his community to return to Kansas. He has been a valued Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cam- more than half a century and has served our and reliable member of my staff, and it has paign Medal, Army of Occupational Medal of country honorably; I cannot find anyone nobler been my honor to work with him as we serve Germany, Bronze Star Medal, World War II the great people of the State of Kansas. or better suited to have a federal building Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Eric is a proud Jayhawk, and a graduate of named in their honor. and 9th Good Service Conduct Medal. In 2001 the University of Kansas and KU law. He has he was awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me been a great source of information in my of- Ageless Hero Award. This honor is given in in recognizing First Sergeant Landres Cheeks fice, and my entire staff and I are sad to see celebration of the spirit and vitality of our Na- for his dedication to serving others. Eric leave. We wish him the best of luck in his

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF FLORIDA MILLER, Mr. GARAMENDI, and Mr. CARDOZA to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pay tribute to the life of David Lowry Widell honor the life and extraordinary accomplish- who recently passed away at the age of 44. ments of Evelyn Hausner Lauder, who passed Tuesday, December 20, 2011 His advocacy and passion for Central Califor- away at her home in New York City on No- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, nia’s wetlands, wildlife, and water issues made vember 12, 2011. Evelyn was a loving wife I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary him a distinguished community leader and no- and mother, a savvy business woman, a de- of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lau- table conservationist. He served our great voted philanthropist, and a noble citizen of our derdale. state in a number of capacities, most recently country who put the ‘‘active’’ in the word activ- The Association has a long, successful his- as the General Manager and Governmental tory of growth and success that mirrors the Affairs Director for the Grassland Water Dis- ist. community growth and economic development trict. Evelyn Hausner married into one of Amer- of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Dave was born on May 17, 1967 in ica’s most distinguished families, but her be- South Florida community. Watsonville, California, and was raised in the ginnings were humble. In 1936, Evelyn fled From its humble founding in 1922 by six agriculturally rich city of Los Banos, California. Nazi-occupied Europe with her parents, mak- local real estate professionals as the Fort Lau- Dave grew up hunting and fishing, and it was ing their way to America and eventually set- derdale Board of Realtors, the Realtor Asso- at this time that his deep appreciation for the ciation of Greater Fort Lauderdale has grown tling in New York City. While attending Hunter Valley’s wildlife and resources developed. His College, Evelyn met her future husband, Leon- over the past nine decades into one of the love of the Valley led to a fulfilling career, one ard Lauder. In 1959, they married and worked largest realtor Associations in the state of Flor- where he was able to seek political solutions ida. to some of Central California’s most pressing together to help grow the Estee Lauder Com- Today, the Realtor Association of Greater issues. pany. Fort Lauderdale serves more than 7,500 mem- Dave’s reverence for the San Joaquin Val- With only six products when she joined, bers across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami- ley was enhanced by the knowledge he Evelyn recalled that ‘‘it was a baby com- Dade counties who in turn assist tens of thou- gained through his education. Upon grad- pany’’—something to grow and nourish. sands of South Floridians. uating from Los Banos High School in 1985, Since its inception, the Realtor Association Today, Estee Lauder stands as one of the Dave studied at Modesto Junior College, and most respected companies in the world. Eve- of Greater Fort Lauderdale has helped its then transferred to the University of California, lyn herself created the Clinique product line membership conduct thriving businesses and Davis, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and was an integral part of the fabric of the along the way has promoted the highest in History in 1990. standards of professional practice in the real Dave spent his adult life working in the company. estate community. public’s best interests. He served our nation in Evelyn’s real fame, however, was found in As a Member of Congress, I have been par- the United States Air National Guard and ticularly proud of the Association’s work over her role as an advocate for the one in eight served our state in several capacities, such as the years as a constant champion for con- women in the United States who develops a field representative for former Assembly sumers in our local communities. breast cancer. Evelyn herself was a survivor. In cities and towns across America, realtors Member Rusty Areias, and later as Assistant When she learned of her cancer diagnosis in provide expert advice and guidance to current Secretary at the California Resources Agency. 1989, she fought back—and won. She went Dave also worked for the City of Los Banos as and future property owners on what often is on to personally help build the Evelyn H. Planning Commissioner, and Director of the the biggest investment a family makes. Real- Lauder Breast Center, founded the Breast tors promote affordable housing, expand home Merced County Farm Bureau Board. In 1992, Dave joined the Grassland Water District and Cancer Research Foundation, and launched ownership, and work to end housing discrimi- the Pink Ribbon campaign. Evelyn’s pink bows nation wherever it exists. served as Assistant General Manager. today are recognized symbols of hope for a The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Prior to returning to the Grassland Water Lauderdale does all of these things while District in 2007 as General Manager, Dave cure for breast cancer, as does her lipstick maintaining the highest level of profes- dedicated his time to a number of organiza- Pink Ribbon. sionalism. The Association’s realtors study tions, and served in a number of roles, includ- I have always admired Evelyn’s work from long hours to hone their professional skills and ing Chief Deputy Director of Governmental Af- afar, and I have the honor and privilege of fairs at the California Waterfowl Association adhere to the Code of Ethics set out by the representing her son, Gary Lauder, her daugh- and as Director of Conservation Policy for National Association of Realtors. ter-in-law, Laura Lauder, and grandchildren, The last few years have been extremely dif- Ducks Unlimited. Dave’s breadth of experi- Ellie and Josh, and having them as my dear ficult for the housing market nationally, and ence gave him a unique combination of intel- especially in South Florida. Yet, realtors have lect and enthusiasm, which allowed him to friends. stood ready to assist with the challenges of serve the San Joaquin Valley—and its people, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me the current market because they know—as all water, and wildlife—with tact and influence. in extending our deepest condolences to Eve- of us who live in South Florida know—that our Whether he was working on issues impor- lyn Lauder’s husband, Leonard Lauder; her community is one of the best places in the tant to the Valley or spending time with his children, William Lauder and Gary Lauder; her country to live, work, and raise our families. son Ty, currently a student at Purdue Univer- daughter-in-law, Laura Lauder; and her be- sity, Dave lived a full and rich life. His dedica- I am pleased to join in celebrating the Real- loved grandchildren. Evelyn Lauder’s life is in- tor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale on tion and service will leave a lasting legacy, structive to all of us of the significance that their 90th anniversary and wish to honor all of and we will miss his insights and his humor. Florida’s realtors who serve our communities. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join one person can have for an entire nation . . . I look forward to continuing to work with the us in paying tribute to the life of David Lowry to literally insert an issue into the national dia- Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale Widell, a respected and joyous man with a logue and consciousness. As the poet wrote, as it continues its long tradition of excellence steadfast commitment to protecting the Central ‘‘and so she passed on, and all the trumpets to the South Florida community. Valley’s natural resources. sounded on the other side.’’

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