E286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 29, 2012 At home, however, Georgia confronts the knew would resonate throughout the entire Keeping with the practice started by their unresolved conflicts in Abkhazia and South DRS workforce. Through the years that fol- founders, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Society Ossetia. In December, I chaired a briefing by lowed, he has raised about $600,000 to sup- still meet once a month on a Sunday after- the Helsinki Commission that examined the port the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and their noon and their Annual Summer Picnic, now a conflicts in the Caucasus, including Abkhazia efforts to build a world-class, state-of-the-art well-known community tradition, is still held on and South Ossetia as well as Nagorno- physical rehabilitation center at Brooke Army a mid-summer Sunday afternoon. Though Karabakh. I was impressed by the witnesses’ Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mark times and the needs of members have expert testimony but concerned by their warn- also helped raise over $500,000 to assist the changed, the Society continues to make a dif- ing about the possibility of renewed hostilities USO with the initiative ‘‘Operation Enduring ference in the lives of those in need, strength- in this strategically important region. Care,’’ becoming a Global Partner with the ening the bonds of friendship and community Despite mediation by the OSCE Minsk USO in the process. In 2009, Mark helped from one generation to the next. Today, as Group, the parties seem no closer to a resolu- raise over $600,000 for the building of the they celebrate their 100th Anniversary, they tion of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute than state-of-the-art Intrepid Center of Excellence can proudly look back on their rich history and they were years ago. Prospects for settling the to research, diagnose and treat Traumatic be secure in the knowledge that the Thaddeus conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia are Brain Injury (TBI) suffered by those injured Kosciuszko Society will remain a source of even more remote, with Russia having recog- while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and just support and encouragement for many more nized the independence of those separatist re- last year Mark made it his personal mission to families in the years to come. gions, where OSCE monitors have also been support ‘‘Operation Mend’’ at UCLA Medical f excluded. Center matching the $240,000 donated by RECOGNIZING LOUISIANA’S Of course, the U.S. Government has for DRS leadership with $240,000 of his own LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE years been involved in negotiating a settle- money. His patriotism and philanthropic initia- ment of these conflicts, through participation in tives supporting military charities makes him a HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER hero in his own right. the Minsk Group and by attempting to move OF LOUISIANA Mr. Speaker, I ask House—me in recog- Russia toward a constructive approach in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Geneva talks on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. nizing Mark S. Newman’s contributions and Washington’s efforts have unfortunately not re- thanking him for his dedication to our service- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 sulted in a resolution of these protracted dis- men and women. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of putes. f the United States Congress, it is with great We have seen how quickly so-called ‘‘fro- HONORING THE THADDEUS pride that I rise today to recognize Louisiana’s zen’’ conflicts can come unfrozen, with terrible KOSCIUSZKO SOCIETY AS THEY longest-married couple, Norman and Norma consequences. It is my understanding that CELELBRATE THEIR 100TH ANNI- Burmah. Secretary Clinton is planning a trip to Georgia. VERSARY The Marksville couple, who celebrated their I hope this is a sign that the region will receive 81st wedding anniversary, will be inducted into a continuing and high priority in U.S. diplo- HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO the Louisiana Family Forum’s Marriage Hall of macy. Fame, and were recently commended by Gov- OF CONNECTICUT ernor Bobby Jindal in a reception held in their f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor on Valentine’s Day. IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MARK S. Wednesday, February 29, 2012 After an introduction by Norma’s friend, the NEWMAN Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me couple began their courtship in 1930 at the great pleasure to rise today to join the many Roof Garden Dance Hall in New Orleans. The HON. GEOFF DAVIS families and community leaders who have following year, Norman and Norma were mar- OF KENTUCKY gathered today to celebrate the 100th Anniver- ried at Holy Ghost Church in the Crescent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sary of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Society—a City. Known as ‘‘Maw’’ and ‘‘Paw’’ to their loved Wednesday, February 29, 2012 remarkable milestone for this very special or- ganization. ones, they are the proud parents of two Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise Like so many others of its kind, the forma- daughters, and have been blessed with six today in recognition of Mr. Mark S. Newman, tion of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Society was grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of rooted in the common need of immigrants to After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home DRS Technologies, as he retires after thirty- support one another. Milford, Connecticut was in 2005, Norman and Norma relocated to nine years of dedicated service to the defense an ideal location for Polish farmers who had Marksville where their strong commitments to industry and our servicemen and women. recently immigrated to America to settle be- each other, family and God have continued. Mark’s leadership and inspirational concern cause of the agricultural opportunities the land It is an honor to recognize Norman and for providing our warriors with the very best presented. In a new country and beginning Norma Burmah and give my heartfelt con- technology this nation can produce has led to new farms, these families faced many chal- gratulations to them on this truly incredible the development and fielding of products lenges. Seeing the need to have someone or event in their lives. I ask my colleagues to join which have directly saved lives on the battle- something available to them to assist in a time me in extending best wishes to Louisiana’s field, created enhanced situational awareness crisis, a group of seven men met on Sunday, longest married couple. and provided superior advantages to our April 1, 1912, and established an organization f armed forces. He has, for his entire career, through which they could not only help each sought to place equipment in the hands of our other, but also future generations. Their mis- EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS MONTH troops that ensured they not only completed sion, as stated in their original bylaws was IN MISSOURI their missions, but returned home safely. simple: ‘‘To promote social activities, recre- Mark joined DRS Technologies in 1973, four ation and mental improvement among its HON. RUSS CARNAHAN years after the company’s founding, and was members and to provide relief benefit therefor OF MISSOURI named a director in 1988. After serving many in cases of sickness or trouble.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years as the company’s Chief Financial Offi- From that handful of farmers, the Society cer, he was named President and CEO in has grown throughout the years. Many of to- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 1994, and in 1995 was elected Chairman of day’s seventy-five members are descendents Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to the Board. Under his watch, the company of the original seven. Throughout its 100-year bring the important issue of earthquake aware- grew from a small specialty electronics sup- history, the Society has often been a source of ness to the attention of the members of the plier to a highly diversified defense technology comfort and support for newly immigrated fam- House. provider with 10,000 employees—over 15% of ilies. Over that time, the Society Treasury, February is Earthquake Awareness Month in whom have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. funded by member dues and modest fund- Missouri. My district lies within the New Ma- In short, Mark has built a company that is a raising events, has enabled the Society to pro- drid Seismic Zone, the nation’s most active true American success story. vide financial support to relatives and sur- earthquake zone east of the Rocky Mountains. In 2005, Mark established the DRS Tech- vivors of the sick and deceased as well as Every year there are more than 200 small nologies Charitable Foundation, with a focus more than $50,000 in scholarships to students earthquakes in this region and there have on helping those who serve—a cause he of Polish decent seeking higher education. been earthquakes as strong as magnitude 7.0

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:58 Mar 01, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29FE8.024 E29FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS February 29, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E287 in the past. These natural disasters aren’t pre- On March 1, 2012, I will be attending Kid- non-profits, and local-residents to work with dictable so we must remain vigilant in our ney Action Day on the Hill in order to raise federal agencies including the EPA, Depart- preparation for and awareness of the hazards consciousness and spread knowledge that ment of Agriculture, and Army Corps of Engi- associated with earthquakes. could potentially mitigate the tragic effects of neers to address this huge challenge. This month I had the opportunity to speak this disease. I ask my fellow members of the Under President Obama, many of these ef- with high school students from my district House to join me on March 1, 2012 to recog- forts were integrated into a new program about what they are doing to prepare them- nize Kidney Action Day and National Kidney called the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, selves for an earthquake. On February 7th Month all across the United States so that we which is proving effective at addressing the they joined other students from 414 Missouri may spread awareness and lend a hand in enormous needs facing our Great Lakes. schools in the 2012 Great Central US Shake- saving the lives of those we serve. Through the GLRI, specific areas of concern Out. We discussed how the students can pre- f like the Cuyahoga, Maumee, and Black Rivers pare their schools and homes for an earth- are receiving much needed federal dollars to quake and they told me about their experience PERSONAL EXPLANATION improve these watersheds. practicing an earthquake drill. The safety of After years of work to develop the Ottawa our children is of the utmost importance and HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY National Wildlife Refuge, the GLRI is helping schools play a key role during disasters so OF CONNECTICUT expand their efforts in wetland habitat restora- when they are well prepared the whole com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion and enhancement. munity benefits. In the Black River, we are removing steel The Saint Louis University Earthquake Cen- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 mill slag and restoring habitat for native fish ter is a world leader in the field of earthquake Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, species. seismology. I had the opportunity to tour this on February 28, 2012 I was unavoidably de- This fall in Sandusky, we dedicated a new facility and to learn about the groundbreaking tained and missed rollcall vote 79. If present, research vessel for Lake Erie—The ‘‘USS research they are doing. As part of this year’s I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Muskie.’’ Earthquake Awareness Month, Saint Louis f And, the University of Toledo is undertaking University hosted a seminar entitled ‘‘Earth- a study to assess the benefits provided by a quakes: Mean Business’’ that focused on dis- SUPPORTING GREAT LAKES WEEK newly created wetlands to prevent agricultural aster preparedness and business continuity runoff that can produce algal blooms and in- planning. The St. Louis Science Center also HON. MARCY KAPTUR crease nearshore health concerns, such as e hosted an Earthquake Awareness Day to in- OF OHIO coli and other bacteria. I, along with a broad range of costal stake- troduce our citizens to the science behind IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES earthquakes. holders, continue to work closely with the I applaud the citizens and businesses of the Wednesday, February 29, 2012 agency officials to ensure that the most fragile St. Louis region for their vigilance in preparing Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this week in Great Lakes ecosystem—Lake Erie—receives for earthquakes and I encourage our contin- Washington is Great Lakes Week. It could not funding levels in line with the great need. ued investment in studying and preparing for come at a more important time. And, it is essential that our Great Lakes del- these potentially devastating natural events. Last Thursday, the Administration released egation work with my colleagues in Congress f the 2012 Asian Carp Control Strategy Frame- to ensure that we continue sufficient funding to work, which is important in establishing the the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative HONORING NATIONAL KIDNEY fight to protect our Great Lakes against America has done so much to help certain MONTH invasive Asian carp that threaten our $7 billion areas like the Everglades and expanses of fishing industry. No lake is more important Alaska that few Americans will ever get to HON. TOM MARINO than Lake Erie—The largest fishery on the enjoy. More than one quarter of our country OF PENNSYLVANIA Great Lakes. lives in a Great Lakes state and depends on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We should be thankful that President healthy lakes for water, farming, business and Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Obama is elevating Asian carp as a priority. I pleasure. During this Great Lakes Week, and through- Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage him to do more to stop the carp out the upcoming months in which we will de- ask the House to join me on March 1, 2012 from migrating into our precious ecosystem. termine our spending priorities, I urge my col- in recognition of Kidney Action Day and rec- Last month, another important study was re- leagues, especially those in our region who ognition of March as National Kidney Month. leased, outlining a necessary path forward to have not already gotten on board, to support With over 31 million Americans affected by separate our Great Lakes from the Mississippi the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and kidney disease, it is critical that we make watershed. This is the only real solution for other programs to protect these national and every effort to raise awareness and stress the stopping the enemy at the gate. global treasures for today and tomorrow. importance of early detection and treatment of For the same reason, I am a cosponsor of the nation’s 8th most deadly disease. the Stop Asian Carp Act, which calls for that f The effects of chronic kidney disease can barrier to be built now, not delayed for over a RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL go undetected for years without showing any decade. Too much is at risk. RARE DISEASE DAY symptoms but can evolve into a condition with I represent the largest portion of costal Ohio the worst of consequences. As a survivor of along Lake Erie—which contains more native HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP kidney cancer, I know the importance of get- fish than all the other Lakes combined. We OF NEW YORK ting checked and beginning the fight at the must protect this valuable ecological treasure, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES earliest possible stage. A blood or urine and the local multi-billion dollar economy it screening can determine whether an individual supports. This involves the lake itself, the mar- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 is showing signs of a renal condition and in itime industry, coastal tourism, recreation, Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I early stages, the disease can be treated with wildlife refuges, energy protection, industrial rise to recognize the fifth International Rare medication along with a diet and exercise pro- plants and so much more. Disease Day, a day reserved to promote gram. These endowments extend far beyond awareness of the approximately 6,800 rare However, if left untreated, kidney disease Asian carp. This year, lakeside communities diseases afflicting 30 million Americans. may harbor other conditions such as diabetes again are grappling with an expanding algal In the United States, a rare disease is one or hypertension which increases the risk for a bloom that can be poisonous if ingested, cre- that affects fewer than 200,000 people. The stroke, heart attack, or other cardiac-related ates biological dead-zones, and just plain National Organization of Rare Disorders esti- issues. Dialysis may be needed in the later stinks. mates that one in ten Americans are suffering stages of chronic kidney disease as it aids in Residents stay inside to avoid the putrid today from a rare disease. Thanks to patients cleaning the bloodstream of toxins and in the smell, charter boat captains suffer as fishing and their families, the medical community, and most severe cases a kidney transplant may be declines, and hotels and restaurants in pop- organizations established to advocate for needed. While there is no cure for chronic kid- ular vacation spots sit empty as travelers take greater awareness and research, advances ney disease, proper lifelong treatment can their recreational dollars elsewhere. have been in the diagnosis and treatment of slow the onset of kidney failure and help con- Under the Western Lake Erie Basin Partner- many of these diseases. With a renewed com- trol the symptoms of this devastating disease. ship, I have brought together researchers, mitment to scientific research and discovery,

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