E2908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 8, 2009 INTRODUCING THE DEPARTMENT Fort Gordon dates to 1940, when the United IN MEMORY OF JODIE MAHONY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISI- States Army recognized a need for a military TION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2009 installation near Augusta, that could HON. MIKE ROSS aid in combat during the ensuing Second OF ARKANSAS HON. STEVE BUYER World War. The groundbreaking actually took IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIANA place in 1941, and the base was originally Tuesday, December 8, 2009 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES named Camp Gordon after John B. Gordon, a Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Tuesday, December 8, 2009 general during the Civil War and former Gov- honor the memory of Joseph ‘‘Jodie’’ Mahony Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, I am ernor of Georgia. During World War II, Camp II of El Dorado, Arkansas, who passed away introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs Gordon was home to the 4th Infantry Division, on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the age of Acquisition Improvement Act of 2009. This leg- 26th Infantry Division, and 10th Armored Divi- 70. Having served 36 years in the Arkansas islation addresses serious long-term procure- sion of the Army until they were deployed to state legislature, Jodie was a legend in Arkan- ment problems within the Department of Vet- Europe. However, in 1948, Camp Gordon be- sas government and politics and his presence erans Affairs (VA) and would provide the VA came the home of the Signal Corps Training will be deeply missed. Jodie committed his life to making Arkansas with greater oversight of its contracting and Center—for which it is most commonly known a better place to get an education, to live and asset management processes. today. VA has annual expenditures of more than to work. He was first elected to the Arkansas $14.1 billion for supplies, services, and con- Throughout the Korean war the need for House of Representatives in 1970 and served struction. The Department of Veterans Affairs signalmen grew, and the Signal Corps Train- 24 years before winning a Senate seat in Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 is a first step ing Center became the largest single source 1994. In 2002, after two 4-year terms, when to provide a centralized oversight and policy for Army communications specialists. Camp newly adopted term limits kept him from seek- for contracting and acquisition within the De- Gordon was also made a permanent installa- ing re-election as senator, he ran for the partment by streamlining business operations tion in 1956 and was renamed Fort Gordon. House again, where he was still eligible to under an Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Further, during the Vietnam war era and after, serve two more 2-year terms. Jodie retired officially from elected office in Construction and Asset Management. This bill communications specialists became an abso- 2006, but his presence remained at the State will improve procurement processes by: lutely necessary component of highly techno- Establishing the position of the Assistant Capitol where he served as a part-time aide to logical and modernized warfare, and Fort Gor- the House Speaker during the 2007 legislative Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Acquisition, don was recognized as an exemplary institu- Construction and Asset Management who session. Throughout his career, Jodie filed tion for these soldiers as the Signal Corps would serve as the Chief Acquisition Officer 1,429 bills, with much of his efforts focused on for the VA. Training Center came to be known as the public and higher education, the develop- Providing an appropriate structure for acqui- Army Signal Center at Fort Gor- mentally disabled, child support enforcement sition policy and oversight over contracts and don. and natural resources conservation. In addition to Jodie’s public service, he and purchases. Fort Gordon and the troops and families sta- Requiring the Secretary to establish and his family have played an influential role in the tioned there were instrumental in Operations state’s legal history. The grandson and son of maintain a comprehensive centralized Depart- Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and during ment-wide acquisition program, and to develop lawyers, Jodie followed in his family’s foot- the 1990s the installation was responsible for steps to become a lawyer, and today, in its a streamlined approach to purchasing goods training most of the DoD personnel who oper- and services. 113th year, the Mahony law firm is the oldest ate and maintain satellites, as well as training Providing VA the authority to use personal operating law firm in the State of Arkansas. services contracts to ensure patients at VA signal troops of allied and former nations. Jodie also served in the U.S. Marine Corps in medical facilities are provided quality contract Currently, approximately 19,000 soldiers are active duty and the reserves. Our State is better for Jodie’s service to it care without unnecessary expenses. stationed at Fort Gordon, and Augusta has Authorizing the VA to have complete re- and its people. I never thought of Jodie as a been a welcome home to all of them. To this politician, but rather as a statesman. He had sponsibility and auditing authority for the two day, the base continues its tradition of suc- Federal Supply Schedules delegated to the the respect of every legislator for his knowl- cess in the Signal Corps, as it trains soldiers edge, fairness and commitment to our great VA by the General Services Administration. for deployment into theater in Iraq and Af- Providing a clear definition for small busi- State. I had the privilege of serving with Jodie ghanistan. On behalf of Georgia’s 11th Con- ness concerns to be listed in the database of during my time in the Arkansas state legisla- gressional District, I am proud of the continued veteran-owned businesses maintained by the ture from 1991 through 2000 and he was a VA. dedication to the safety and security of the friend, a role model and someone I trusted for I am pleased to be joined by a number of United States of the men and women at Fort sincere advice and counsel. My thoughts and prayers and those of every members in introducing this much needed leg- Gordon and thank them for their nearly 60 Arkansan are with Jodie’s family during this islation, and urge my colleagues to support years of service to this Nation. Georgia has difficult time, especially to his wife, Bettie the bill. been blessed with an abundance of willing men and women who are committed to ensur- Anne; his two sons, Joseph K. Mahony III and f Michael Emon Mahony; and three grand- ing freedom and liberty for America, and I COMMENDING THE SOLDIERS AND children, Jordan, Alexandra and Joseph K. thank each of them for their service. CIVILIAN PERSONNEL STA- Mahony IV. TIONED AT FORT GORDON I believe that the brave men and women at Jodie will be deeply missed, but never for- Fort Gordon and every military installation who gotten. Although he is no longer with us, SPEECH OF sacrifice for our present freedoms deserve our Jodie’s many contributions to improving our HON. PHIL GINGREY fullest support. Our Nation’s service men and state will continue on forever, serving as a re- women represent the best our country has to minder of his hard work and many good deeds OF GEORGIA throughout an accomplished legislative career IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES offer, and they must be treated with the re- spect and honor they deserve. As we ask and life. Monday, December 7, 2009 these courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen, f Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I and marines—and their families—to do more IN HONOR OF MRS. EDITH rise today as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. and more, it’s only right we continue doing all ARMSTEAD GRAY 206, a resolution commending the soldiers we can for them. Commending the accom- and civilian personnel stationed at Fort Gor- plishments and service of our troops at Fort HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. don and their families for their service and Gordon is just one small example of the grati- OF GEORGIA dedication to the United States and recog- tude that every American should express to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nizing the contributions of Fort Gordon to Op- eration Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring our troops at home and abroad. Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Freedom and its role as a pivotal communica- With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my col- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I tions training installation. leagues to support this resolution. rise today to honor the life and the legacy of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:24 Dec 09, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08DE8.014 E08DEPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS December 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2909 Mrs. Edith Armstead Gray. Mrs. Gray passed cated earthly service, she has now claimed board 1972–1978; member President’s Com- away December 1 at the age of 99. Mrs. Gray her crown of righteousness. mission on White House fellowships 1975; was a lady of style, grace, and compassion. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Gray served on Federal Energy Administration Con- But, most of all, Mrs. Gray earned the highest family and thank them for sharing this special sumer Affairs/Special Impact Advisory Com- honor that could be bestowed upon any of us: woman with the world for so many years. mittee 1974–1976; and served for 7 years as ‘‘Servant.’’ f a representative for the United States on the Mrs. Gray was born in Galveston, , in Organization of American States Inter-Amer- 1910 to Henry and Millie Armstead. She en- TRIBUTE TO SENATOR PAULA ican Drug Abuse Commission. rolled at Tuskegee Institute, now University, as HAWKINS Senator Hawkins is survived by her hus- a student majoring in home economics. She band Gene Hawkins of Winter Park, Florida accepted her first and only teaching job in HON. JOHN L. MICA and three children, Genean McKinnon of Win- Conecuh County, Alabama, and returned to OF FLORIDA ter Park and Montreal, Kevin Hawkins of Den- summer school to earn her B.S. degree from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ver, Colorado and Kelly McCoy of Orlando, Tuskegee in 1940. Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Florida, as well as, 11 grandchildren and 10 During her extraordinary teaching career, great-grandchildren. Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, it is with sad- she became a great role model for thousands f of young men and women who entered her ness that I report to the House of Representa- classroom. But, her commitment and dedica- tives the passing of former United States Sen- SPEECH ON AFGHANISTAN tion to humankind did not limit itself to the ator Paula Hawkins. Florida’s former State classroom. Public Service Commissioner and U.S. Sen- HON. IKE SKELTON Shirley Chisholm once said that ‘‘Service is ator died Friday, December 4 in Orlando, Flor- OF MISSOURI the rent that we pay for the space that we oc- ida. With Paula Hawkins’ passing, we have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cupy here on this earth.’’ Mrs. Gray paid her lost a remarkable public servant and trailblazer Tuesday, December 8, 2009 rent and she paid it well. She gave dedicated for women and all Americans in the state and service to many community organizations to national political landscape. Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, on Friday include: the Conecuh County branch of the A resident of Winter Park, Florida, who December 4, 2009, I had an opportunity to ad- NAACP; the Evergreen Housing Authority began her public career in nearby Maitland, dress the American Security Project Con- board of directors; the Neoteric Club, now as- Florida, was born Paula Fickes in Salt Lake ference regarding the situation in Afghanistan. sociated with Neoteric Clubs of Alabama; the City, Utah, on January 24, 1927. She received This speech followed a hearing of the House Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church; the County Re- her education from the public school systems Armed Services Committee, which I chair, the tired Teachers Association; and a life member in Salt Lake City and Richmond, Utah, as well day before. My address is as follows: of the advisory board at Reid Technical Col- as, , Georgia, attending Utah State Uni- [Speech given at the American Security lege. Because of her dedicated service to versity from 1944–1947. Project Conference, Dec. 4, 2009] Reid Technical College, the library and tech- In 1972, she became the first woman in BEYOND THE SURGE: ASSESSING THE nology center now proudly bears her name. Florida elected statewide with her winning a PRESIDENT’S AFGHANISTAN STRATEGY Mrs. Gray was a trailblazer. She was a seat on the Public Service Commission. With (By Ike Skelton) founding member of the Conecuh branch of her election and work to reform Florida’s State First, let me take a moment to thank Ad- the NAACP and the Neoteric Club. She Utility Commission, she gained the name as miral Gunn for that introduction. You’re too worked tirelessly to make sure that citizens in the battling ‘‘Maitland Housewife.’’ In 1980, kind. I’d like to extend that thanks to Sen- her community exercised their power of the she became the first woman elected to the ator Hart and the American Security Project ballot. without being proceeded as a whole. You’re doing great work, and I Mrs. Gray married Philander A. Gray in in office by a husband or family member. appreciate your efforts. I’d also like to say happy birthday to Evelyn Farkas, here at 1936. From that union came three accom- In the United States Senate, she authored ASP. I would also like to thank our brave plished children: Phyllis Hallmon, my chief of the Missing Children’s Act in 1982. During her men and women in uniform. We have asked staff, Frederick Gray, and Jerome Gray. Upon 6-year term, she championed children’s and much of them in the past decade, and they the death of her husband in 1953, as a single women’s issues and created a public dialogue have not failed to deliver. parent, she reared her three children and on the subject of missing, exploited and Two months ago, I wrote a letter to the passed on to each of them a love for people abused children. ‘‘Senator Paula Hawkins was President saying, essentially, that he should and public service. All of them have had dis- tireless, tenacious and an incredible champion listen to his commanders in the field. Being tinguished careers and are making their mark for America’s children,’’ said Ernie Allen, a member of Congress, it took six pages to say that, but that was the basic message. I on the world because of their mother’s strong President of the National Center for Missing & made that same point in private conversa- influence. Frederick has served for many Exploited Children. ‘‘We will cherish her mem- tions with the President. And so it pleased years as a United Methodist pastor. His ory and miss her very much.’’ me the other night when the President charge has been to bring souls to Jesus Christ Senator Hawkins was also responsible for agreed to provide General McChrystal with for His service. Jerome has served as the the passage of Radio Marti legislation and a additional forces needed to make this new State Field Director for the Alabama Demo- number of measures assisting women in the strategy work. cratic Conference. Like his dear mother, he workforce. She Chaired the Investigation and But before assessing the overall strategy, I Oversight Subcommittee of the Senate Labor think we should take a moment to remind has devoted his life and work to the expansion ourselves why we’re in Afghanistan and the of political and civic opportunities for African- and Human Resources Committee. In addi- threat we face there. Americans. He has been involved in many ca- tion, the Senator served as Chair of the Sen- Al Qa’ida presents a serious threat to our pacities at the local and state levels in the ate Subcommittee on Children, Family, Youth nation. Osama bin Laden and his minions fight for civil rights and equal opportunities. He and Drugs and was responsible for estab- have attacked us or attempted to attack us currently serves as a Deputy Commissioner of lishing the U.S. Senate Child Care Center. many times over the years. The most re- Agriculture for the State of Alabama. Phyllis Mrs. Hawkins was instrumental in building markable attack involved the murder of 3000 has also had a distinguished career, serving the Republican Party, both at the state and civilians—men, women, and children—but it national level. She began her GOP work at was hardly the only attack. And I do not be- as a public school teacher, government law- lieve that anyone has a good reason to be- yer, legislative director to a United States Sen- the local level, served as National Republican lieve that they have given up their attempts ator, and chief of staff to two Members of the Committeewoman from Florida and co-chaired to attack us. United States House of Representatives. In the 1984 Republican Convention Platform Following our invasion of Afghanistan in the same vein as her mother, she has distin- Committee. Senator Hawkins was also state response to this attack, al Qa’ida largely fled guished herself as a woman of hard work and co-chair in Florida for several successful Re- to the border regions of Pakistan. Their compassion. The legacy of Mrs. Gray will live publican Presidential campaigns. Taliban allies, meanwhile, continue to esca- on through each of them and their progeny. Senator Hawkins received numerous late their attacks in an attempt to over- Her legacy of good will is something that we awards and was honored by selection to Flor- throw the Afghan government and drive out the international coalition. all should seek to replicate. Our country and ida’s Outstanding Women’s Hall of Fame. Others have differing opinions on this, but our world are better because Edith Armstead Prior to election to the U.S. Senate she I do not believe that we can ultimately de- Gray passed this way. She will be sorely served as a vice president of Air Florida stroy al Qa’ida if we cannot prevent them missed. I know that after 99 years of dedi- 1979–1980; director, Rural Telephone Bank from recreating a safe haven in Afghanistan.

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