mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ROLAND HAYES
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , in advance of Purple Heart Day 2019, we are taking the time to honor those who have earned the Purple Heart for sacrifices in service to this Country. Today, we recognize Roland Hayes, who received not one or two, but three Purple Hearts while serving in the Vietnam War. prgtoken As a young man, Roland Hayes admired the work of the military. He first learned about radio waves as a student at Lackawanna High School and was fascinated by the idea of wartime communication. He was also inspired by the bravery and skill of the Army's 101st Airborne Division, a specialized infantry division trained in air assault operations and the first troops that dropped into action during World War Two's Invasion of Normandy. In 1966, Hayes, just 18 years old, answered the internal tug to serve, voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division known as the ``Screaming Eagles.'' The 101st Airborne Division fought in 45 different operations over almost 7 years and was the last Army division to leave Vietnam. During this time, the 101st made the important transition from utilizing planes and parachutes to landing helicopters. prgtoken Hayes quickly experienced the same risky operations that inspired his military career, plunging him and his unit into the depths of enemy territory. He was consistently part of the first landing unit, an incredibly dangerous position reserved for a group of highly-skilled soldiers. These men constantly faced the possibility of death or injury given the uncertain nature of their job. His division was the Army's most highly decorated airborne unit and Captain Paul Bucha from his battalion was awarded with the prestigious Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War. prgtoken Hayes' tour in Vietnam had an action-packed start. He arrived right before the Tet Offensive, a major attack by the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong on five cities in South Vietnam. The coordinated attack took place at the end of January, 1968 during the Tet, a Vietnamese New Year celebration that was traditionally a time of decreased fighting. The Offensive was a huge surprise to the U.S. military and South Vietnamese troops. During the Viet Cong attack on the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, the 101st Airborne made up the assault force of paratroopers that landed on the roof of the embassy and successfully removed the Viet Cong from the premises. While this battle was a technical victory for the United States, the Viet Cong succeeded in inflicting psychological damage on the American people and military alike. The public had believed that the Vietnam War would be an easy victory, but the attack on the embassy foreshadowed a military endeavor that was longer and more complicated than anyone could have predicted. prgtoken On March 14th, 1968, Sgt. Hayes was injured in action for the first time. While working as an assistant machine gunner, a bullet ricocheted off the barrel
RECOGNIZING SNOHOMISH CONSERVATION DISTRICT MANAGER MONTE MARTI FOR 20 YEARS OF DEDICATION TO CONSERVATION IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise to recognize Monte Marti, the district manager at the Snohomish Conservation District and valued member of our community, in honor of his retirement on August 9th, 2019. Mr. Marti has a long history of active participation in the betterment and support of Snohomish County in Washington state. Raised on a farm in the Columbia Basin in Eastern Washington, Mr. Marti's interest in agriculture and our environment began early in his life. He pursued this path academically, achieving a Master's degree in Agriculture Economics with an emphasis on natural resources from Washington State University. That was certainly not the end of Mr. Marti's work in conservation. In 1983, Mr. Marti began volunteering at the Snohomish Conservation District, becoming a volunteer board member. Almost a decade later, he took on another volunteer position as secretary-treasurer for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts. His illustrious career continued as he served on the WACD Plant Material Center Advisory Board, and finally as the district manager at Washington's own Snohomish Conservation District. I cannot fully express how much his dedication to our state and our community means to all who have the pleasure of meeting him. prgtoken For the past 25 years, Mr. Marti has never ceased his conservation efforts. As district manager he worked tirelessly to build strong relationships between with environmental groups and his reputation as a collaborator is well deserved. Thanks to Mr. Marti's interest in agriculture and natural resources, he brought passion to his work that will not be forgotten, and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mr. Marti, for your unwavering love of our state, our region, and the importance of conservation.
IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Converse, Texas for their work in fostering better police and civilian relationships through the National Night Out program. prgtoken Currently celebrating its 36th Anniversary, the National Night Out (NNO) is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Founded in 1984, it has grown from a small idea to a national event celebrated by civilians and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. With over 38 million ``neighbors'' and 16 thousand communities participating, it provides a unique opportunity for civilians to learn more about the law enforcement in their community. prgtoken Throughout its history, it has worked to foster positive community relationships between civilians and law enforcement. It actively engages participants in fun, informational activities that heighten awareness of law enforcement efforts in crime and drug prevention, prgtoken while also increasing participation in community-based crime deterrent programs. It strengthens neighborhood spirit and encourages law enforcement and community partnerships, sending the message that neighborhoods are organized and ready to fight back against crime. prgtoken Madam , I am honored to recognize the City of Converse for their leadership in supporting the National Night Out program. I encourage all Converse residents to join forces with the thousands of other communities across the county in promoting cooperative crime prevention; your support is vital in the fight against crime.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CARL EUGENE PORTER, SR.
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Carl Eugene Porter, Sr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An Army veteran and hall of fame athletic coach, he passed away on the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the age of 88. He was well known to many as ``Coach Porter''. prgtoken One of four children, Coach Porter was born on February 10, 1931 in Columbia, Missouri before moving to Baton Rouge to attend Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education. After graduating, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served four years. He married his college sweetheart, Ivory Hawkins, on December 30, 1954. prgtoken After his service in the Army, Coach Porter began a career in education. His career began at Scotlandville Junior High School, where he led the Athletic Department to many championships over a nineteen- year period. In 1976, Coach Porter transitioned to Southern University Laboratory School as the Athletic Director where the Fighting Kittens earned many State Championships during his twelve-year tenure. With a record of 129-25 under his watch, many of his players went on to have successful collegiate and professional sports careers. Coach Porter was also well known for placing an emphasis of academics for the athletes under his tutelage. prgtoken Coach Porter's thirty-one-year coaching career led him to be inducted in the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. He also remained an active community and civic leader through his contributions to the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Kiwanis, the Fisherman's Club, and the Anna T. Jordan Recreation Center. prgtoken Coach Porter was widely known for his love of family, friends, church, music, and humanity, and many regarded him as a local icon. As a mentor, advocate, leader, and friend, Coach Porter left an indelible impact on all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of dedication and service to the Scotlandville community will be remembered now and many years to come. Coach Porter is survived by his wife, Ivory Hawkins Porter, his children, Carl, Jr Tracy, Rudy, Rodney, and Lonzella, as well as his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , I celebrate the life and legacy of Carl Eugene Porter, Sr.
SALT LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AWARD
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , public health departments have long provided a line of first defense, protecting the well-being of local communities. From monitoring air and water, to inspecting food safety in restaurants, to offering life-saving vaccines, public health department employees serve tirelessly. Utah's largest public health department is now getting well-deserved national recognition for its service. prgtoken The Salt Lake County Health Department has been honored as ``Health Department of the Year'' by the voice of the nation's nearly 3,000 local government health departments--the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). Judges scored award applicants on their innovation and creativity, implementation, impact in the community and engagement of community and diverse partners. prgtoken The Salt Lake County Health Department stood out on several fronts, including its response to the county's hepatitis A outbreak from 2017 to 2019; innovative use of real-time public health data; and a new public health center in downtown Salt Lake City that features co- located clinical services provided by Community Health Centers, Inc. prgtoken The award comes the same year that the health department celebrates the 50th anniversary of its current form as a combined city-county health department, its 120th anniversary as a county agency and its 170th anniversary of providing public health services to the Salt Lake Valley. prgtoken Utahns can go about their daily lives, secure in the knowledge that behind the scenes, public health department professionals are on the job. Whether it is designing innovative programs to improve air quality or providing flu vaccines to prevent illness, the Salt Lake County Health Department is an important partner in keeping Utahns safe, healthy and able to enjoy an excellent quality of life.
RECOGNIZING LUCIO ``CHIO'' GONZALES AND BUTTER TORRES GONZALES
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the leadership of Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales and Butter Torres Gonzales. Together, this couple has dedicated over 60 years of community and public service to the city of Delano, California and the Central Valley. prgtoken A native of Blythe, California, Mr. Gonzales settled in the Central Valley in the 1950s after spending his early years working as a migrant farmworker in the region's rich agricultural fields. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales met in the historic farmworker community of Delano and were married on November 24, 1956. The couple took over ownership and operation of the People's Market in 1969, and the two worked together side by side managing the grocery store in Delano for 40 years. prgtoken Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales formed a strong bond over the years with the Filipino Community of Delano. The two have served as advocates and allies for the inclusion and representation of Filipinos in Delano civic life. They played an instrumental role in electing Leonard T. Velasco to the Delano City Council in 1972, the first Filipino American to serve on the elected body. prgtoken Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales have also worked to ensure the success of Delano's Philippine Weekend community celebration for the last 45 years. They have helped build the event from a small community gathering all those years ago, to a large month-long festival that draws thousands of visitors from across the country. It is fitting that Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales are being honored by the community with the 2019 Mabuhay Award. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales and Butter Torres Gonzales for their dedication and service to the Filipino Community of Delano, the city of Delano, and the Central Valley.
IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES SMITH ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF THE MISSOURI NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the achievements of Mr. Charles Smith, a man who has dedicated his life to the betterment of the public education system in the great state of Missouri. Mr. Smith is retiring after six years as President of the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), six years as Vice- President of the same organization, and decades as a public-school teacher. He leaves behind a legacy of magnanimous leadership and a passion for public service, which will continue to impact the lives of young people throughout Missouri. prgtoken As Mr. Smith retires from his position as President of the Missouri National Education Association, he will be greatly missed by his peers and colleagues. In this role, he oversaw 35,000 members, while serving as the official spokesperson for the organization, as well as acting as a liaison between local and national leaders. Upon graduation from Northwest Missouri State University, his extensive career began in Kansas City's Center School District. He spent twenty-seven years there, teaching communication arts and advising the journalism program, eventually becoming the chair of the department. Mr. Smith directly impacted the lives of thousands of students throughout his tenure in the Center School District, instilling in young people ambition to pursue their dreams. George Washington Carver once said, ``Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.'' Mr. Smith's work in education has truly brought that precious freedom to the youth of Missouri through a lifetime of dedicated service and steadfast commitment. prgtoken Mr. Charles Smith has a passion for social justice and bettering the lives of others, which is evident by the time he has spent as an activist for the African-American community. He served as the first Vice President of the Missouri NAACP for fourteen years, later becoming the organization's President for the next six. He spent time as the National Chairman of the NEA Black Caucus where he advocated for over 400,000 African-American teachers, education support professionals, college students, retired members, and administrators. He has worked to create an inclusive community in which all people are afforded equal rights and opportunities. Mr. Smith's commitment to advocating for the African-American community in Missouri not only speaks volumes to his meritorious character, but also reflects the legacy he leaves behind, as an educator, activist, and proponent of necessary change. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Mr. Charles Smith on his retirement, as he has gone above and beyond the duty of a citizen to give back to his community time and time again. He leaves behind a legacy of great leadership, as his accomplishments continue to grow and touch every corner of our community. He will be greatly missed by his peers, colleagues, and the community that has benefited from Mr. Smith's leadership. I am proud t
RECOGNIZING REMARKS OF RABBI DR. ISRAEL ZOBERMAN
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to include in the Record a statement from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the Jewish community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions. Consider ``Day of Caring'' To Honor Beach Victims (By Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman) At this trying and beclouded time of grief and sorrow, we gradually and painfully come to grips with the enormity of our losses diminishing us all as well as our newly discovered vulnerabilities. Our beloved Virginia Beach and the entire Hampton Roads community lost its beautiful but dangerously blinding innocence on that fateful Friday afternoon. How could we imagine that the mass shootings in other regions would not reach us too? Truth to be told no one is insulated and immune in the wide American landscape. What happens around us near and far is bound to affect us at home. However, we are obligated to protect ourselves as best as we can given whatever limitations we face. We are called upon now to pick up together the shattered pieces of a complex and confounding reality to reemerge rededicated and reenergized to make our threatened world, inwardly and outwardly, a safer home and better place for one and all. Our fallen 12 heroes who so callously and cowardly were taken from their loving families, co-workers, neighbors, friends and all of us, deserve no less. For their cherished memories' sake and our very survival and future let us engage more than ever with those around us, particularly the ones we deem to be beyond our intimate circle of close associates. We acknowledge that the social phenomenon of alienation is a hallmark of our challenging times. Pleasant surprises do await us when willing to reach out beyond the familiar and engage others in simple but far-reaching acts of human interaction that hitherto we regarded as too threatening and non-consequential. There is much to be learned, gained and prevented by exercising our extraordinary ability of ordinary communication in our wonderfully diverse human environment in Hampton Roads in which too many may feel lonely, unnoticed and undervalued. So called ``strangers'' cease to be strangers once we encounter and appreciate our common humanity and shared American dream in which we all have a critical stake. The Bible wisely instructs us that a celebration is not complete without including the strangers in our midst so they may transform their status, claiming their rightful place in society and in our hearts. Spreading more and more conscious but random acts of kindness and goodness in our shared garden of life and civic exchange, is bound to grow beneficial returns in k
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SCHOLARSHIP OF HISHAM AHMED
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and scholarship of long time Saint Mary's College professor, Dr. Hisham H. Ahmed. prgtoken Hisham was born in 1963 at the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem, Palestine. Despite being born without eyesight, Hisham committed himself to his studies as a child and scored third in the Palestinian National Exams, enabling him to study in the United States. prgtoken Hisham began his academic career at Illinois State University earning a bachelor's degree in political science in 1985. He went on to earn a masters and doctorate in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986 and 1988, respectively. Over the next 30 years, he would teach at Florida International University, the University of North Dakota, Bir Zeit University in Palestine, and ultimately here in Contra Costa County at Saint Mary's College of California. prgtoken Hisham was a renowned scholar of Middle East politics and international relations, as well as an expert on terrorism and the Hamas movement. In 1993, he served as a Fulbright Scholar in Palestine. Hisham worked constantly to improve international understanding through teaching and research, and co-founded several international bodies to enhance peace, democracy, and human rights in the Middle East. prgtoken Beyond his professional achievements, Hisham wrote poetry and was well-versed in Arabic literature. He was a loving husband and father, and had a wonderful sense of humor. As a teacher, scholar, and advocate, he spoke truth to power to remove walls, build trust, and empower others. prgtoken Please join me in honoring the life of Dr. Hisham Ahmed. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students.
HONORING THE WORLD WAR II, KOREAN WAR, AND VIETNAM WAR VETERANS OF ILLINOIS
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-8-9

. Madam , I rise to honor the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on August 7, 2019 with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country. prgtoken The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on August 7th answered our nation's call to service during several of its greatest times of need. Across the world, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed. prgtoken I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude. Lawrence F. Anaszewicz, Walter J. Anczerewicz, Glenn R. Anderson, Gerald H. Arnott, John L. Augustine, Thomas Bartholomew, Randall E. Beck, William F. Bike, Dominic Biondi, Clarence Bowling, Matthew F. Bryla Jr Raymond G. Cartwright, Frank R. Catuara, Leroy Cobb, Giuseppe Cursio, Thomas H. Diamond, Eugene G. Dilling, James F. Doddato, Ward W. Dunlap. George J. Dusek, Sylvester R. Dziedzic, Florian C. Dziedzic, David Charles Eaton, George A. Eckberg Jr David D. Evans, Theodore Rawland Floyd, Felix Grzelinski Jr Vito Gulotta, Denis Harbison, Kastytis V. Ilginis, Howard A. Ischinger, Lauren Ray Jackson, Ronald E. Jacobsen, Richard J. Jaime, Ben F. Jimms, William R. Johnson, William J. Juneau, Melvin D. Keef, Gary L. Keen, Thomas F. Keith. Thomas W. Kellner, Thomas M. Kelly, John Kennaugh, Joseph M. Kiefer, Howard L. Kirby, Lawrence P. Klaus, Daniel A. Konczak, Sr Barbara A. Lloyd, Edward Ludwig, Charles Luhan Jr Samuel J. Maggio, Joseph P. Maloney, Robert S. Mamrot, William D. Margwarth, Joseph Martinek, Ramon J. Mayer, Weems McCullum Sr Robert E. McDonald, Bruce McElhose, Raymon O. Meredith, Jr Thomas A. Mlynek, Loren H. Monsess, Frank F. Montefalco. Larry Moton, Wallace Myers, Gary A. Nelson, George R. Nuter, Thomas G. Obmascik, Frank W. Passananti, Donald James Phelps, Phillip F. Pintor, George W. Podowski, Louis G. Puhl, Thomas Reddish, Andrej A. Remec, Ronald Riopel, Irwin Rosenson, Fred Roberto Rymar, Robert C. Sanders, Reynold Sanfilip, Allan F. Schaefer, Roger P. Schaff, Charles E. Schindler, Curt O. Schumacher, Edward Schwartz, Richard E. Scott. Dennis F. Shea, Thomas A. Shumpert, Norman Simone, Robert Dennis Smith, David J. Smith, James S. Sowinsk