[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
E X T E N S I O N O F R E M A R K S
MY COMMITMENT TO AMERICA
______
HON. JIM COOPER
of tennessee
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 24, 1994
Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following for printing in the
Congressional Record.
My Commitment to America
(By Autumn Cartmill, Post 1893, Winchester, TN)
Imagine--A knock at the door with the news of the passing
away of a distant relative, one who has left you a million
dollars. You can almost feel the excitement just thinking
about it. Well hold your enthusiasm. We have all inherited
such a gift, but its greatness is magnified a thousand times
over. This gift is commitment. The strong faith and
commitment of our forefathers gave them a plan for the ages.
This plan was embodied in a document that was destined to
secure the liberty and freedom of all Americans. It would
establish rights for each individual without discrimination.
They developed this Constitution through commitment. Those
steadfast beliefs enabled our fledgling country to develop
into a great and powerful nation. Our forefathers passed down
this torch of patriotism and loyalty to the next generation
in hopes that these ideals of freedom would live on and that
the flame that was ignited would, in those early words,
``forever be tended''. Today, my generation must guard this
birthright of freedom and liberty and do what is now our
obligation for future generations. I have been handed this
torch of freedom by my family. My father and grandfathers
have carried my right to freedom from the South Pacific
Islands of World War II, across the frozen 38TH parallel of
Korea, into the highlands of Vietnam, through Panama, and
back from the arid wastelands of Iraq. Unselfish acts of love
for the ideals of this country, for me, for you, and for
generations to come. Now, it is my turn to maintain the
strength and nobility of our United States. How will I, a
high school student, achieve this? With foresight and
perseverance? SURELY! With old fashioned grit and
determination? WITHOUT A DOUBT! With patriotism, love, and
sacrifice for my country? ABSOLUTELY! These are ideals that
determine my actions and define my heart and soul.
While I am a highly motivated person who has excellent
communication skills and the ability to confront any problems
that face me, I must rise to the challenge my country
presents me: I must spread the tenets of democracy and I must
defend the principles of equality, no matter what conflicting
views thwart me or how many discording voices assail me. I
must choose to set my goals high-striving only for what is
best for myself, my country, and future generations.
To be the best for our country is always important,
especially when we strive to maintain freedom for
generations. I intend to further my education by attending a
university where I can become knowledgeable in international
affairs. I have prepared for such a career while still in
high school by attending Governor's School for International
Studies, by hosting exchange students, and by leading youth
groups on missionary work. These activities have helped me in
understanding what the current issues of our nation are in
the international arena.
Though I cannot see the future, I can work for that future.
By participating actively in writing and speech competitions,
you will hear my voice speak out against apathy and for
involvement as it develops commitment in leadership. I will
work for and support the leaders of my generation to see that
America continues to safeguard the liberty that was long ago
won by the Revolution. I will take up as my battlecry the
belief that all men are created equal and have a divine
reason for being alive. Each American, black or white, male
or female, deserves to be treated humanely, with dignity, and
above all with honesty. I am committed to secure liberty for
every man, woman, and child under the American flag. So, long
after this competition is over and the tape has collected
dust on a shelf, I can guarantee that you will still hear my
voice as it fights to maintain and represent the most
powerful yet wonderful country--the United States of America.
I know what I am willing to do with my inheritance; what will
you do with yours?
____
VFW Announces National VOD Scholarship Winners
Kansas City, MO.--The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsor the Voice of
Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship Competition. The program is
now in its 47th year and requires high school student
entrants to write and record a three to five minute essay on
an announced patriotic theme. ``My Commitment to America'' is
this year's theme, and over 138,000 students participated in
the program nationwide.
Nathaniel Bennett, a junior at Minneapolis South High
School has been named the first place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $20,000
T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship Award provided by the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary. Nat is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bennett. His career goals are
undecided. Nat was sponsored by VFW Post 1149 and its Ladies
Auxiliary and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Brenda Gilbert, a senior at Central High School has been
named the second place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $15,000 Scholarship
Award provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies
Auxiliary. Brenda is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Millard
Gilbert and Brenda plans a career in journalism. Brenda was
sponsored by VFW Post 4663 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Clifton, Colorado.
Julie Willis, a senior at Hoisington High School has been
named the third place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $10,000 Scholarship
Award provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies
Auxiliary. Julie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Willis
and Julie plans a career in speech and english education.
Julie was sponsored by VFW Post 7428 and its Ladies Auxiliary
in Hoisington, Kansas.
Karen Rosenkoetter, a senior at Princeton High School has
been named the fourth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $5,500 Scholarship
Award provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies
Auxiliary. Karen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Morrow and Karen plans a career in occupational therapy and
music. Karen was sponsored by VFW Post 4323 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Princeton, Illinois.
Jeremy McCarter, a senior at Bishop McDevitt High School
has been named the fifth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $4,000
Scholarship Award provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars
and its Ladies Auxiliary. Jeremy is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Lawrence McCarter and Jeremy plans a career in government
foreign service or international law. Jeremy was sponsored by
VFW Post 710 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Steelton,
Pennsylvania.
Amy Bice, a senior at Madison High School has been named
the sixth place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $3,500 Minnesota
Scholarship Award. Amy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Russell Bice and Amy plans a career in Psychology. Amy was
sponsored by VFW Post 3012 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Rexburg, Idaho.
Bryan Venable, a junior at Northwood High School has been
named the seventh place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $3,000 Department of
Indiana and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. Bryan is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Wayne Venable and Bryan plans a
career in education. Bryan was sponsored by VFW Post 7328 in
Saltville, Virginia.
Michael Martel, a senior at St. Dominic Regional High
School has been named the eighth place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $2,500
Daniel Sean Wallace Memorial Scholarship Award. Mike is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Martel and Mike plans a career as a
Funeral Director. Mike was sponsored by VFW Post 9459 and its
Ladies Auxiliary in Lisbon, Maine.
Carrie Warner, a senior at Belmont High School has been
named the ninth place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $2,000 Jesse A. Lewis
Memorial Scholarship Award. Carrie is the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. C. Terry Warner and Carrie plans a career in music.
Carrie was sponsored by VFW Post 1272 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Russell DiSilvestro, a senior at Bloomington High School
North has been named the tenth place National winner at the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500
Joseph O. Hansen Memorial Scholarship Award. Russell is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank DiSilvestro and Russell plans a
career in either politics, business, or law. Russell was
sponsored by VFW Post 604 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Bloomington, Indiana.
Robert Waite, a senior at Randolph High School has been
named the eleventh place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Department of
New Hampshire Jean A. Loud Memorial Scholarship Award. Rob is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Waite and Rob plans a career
in engineering. Rob was sponsored by VFW Post 7333 and its
Ladies Auxiliary in Randolph, New Jersey.
Lara Hadrys, a senior at Joppatowne High School has been
named the twelfth place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Department of
Illinois and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. Lara is
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hadrys, Jr. and Lara
plans a career in either the education or entertainment
industries. Lara was sponsored by VFW Post 5838 in
Joppatowne, Maryland.
Meredith Borel, a junior at Fort Mill High School has been
named the thirteenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Rothbart
Family Memorial Scholarship Award. Meredith is the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Borel. Her career goals are undecided.
Meredith was sponsored by VFW Post 9138 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Berianne Bramman, a senior at Spaulding High School has
been named the fourteenth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Larry
W. Rivers Scholarship Award. Berianne is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Marvin Bramman and Berianne plans a career in the
performing arts. Berianne was sponsored by VFW Post 790 in
Barre, Vermont.
Kimberly Tupa, a senior at Bismark High School has been
named the fifteenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Department
of Missouri and Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. Kim is
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tupa and Kim plans a
career in biochemistry. Kim was sponsored by VFW Post 1326
and its Ladies Auxiliary in Bismark, North Dakota.
Daryl Finizio, a junior at Westerly High School has been
named the sixteenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,500 Department
of New Mexico Scholarship Award. Daryl is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Norman Finizio and Daryl plans a career in political
science and government. Daryl was sponsored by VFW Post 8955
and its Ladies Auxiliary in Westerly, Rhode Island.
Emily Roach, a senior of Defiance High School has been
named the seventeenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Francis
Tallman Memorial Scholarship Award. Emily is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. James Roach and Emily plans a career in the
medical field and social services. Emily was sponsored by VFW
Post 3360 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Defiance, Ohio.
Marc Mulcahy, a junior at Washington High School has been
named the eighteenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Robert A.
Stock Memorial Scholarship Award. Marc is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Michael Mulcahy. His career plans are undecided. Marc
was sponsored by VFW Post 788 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Paige Roiger, a junior at Liberty Christian School has been
named the nineteenth place National winner of the 1994 Voice
of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Walter and
Doris Marshall Scholarship Award. Paige is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Roiger and Paige plans a career in
banking. Paige was sponsored by VFW Post 4099 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Sidney, Montana.
Benjamin Hladilek, a senior at Walden III Alternative High
School has been named the twentieth place National winner of
the 1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the
$1,000 Cooper T. Holt Scholarship Award. Ben is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. James Hladilek and Ben plans a career in either
political science or international relations. Ben was
sponsored by VFW Post 1391 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Racine, Wisconsin.
Claire Sisco, a junior at Alexandria Senior High School has
been named the twenty-first place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Mr.
and Mrs. James H. Black Scholarship Award. Claire is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sisco and Claire plans a
career in education. Claire was sponsored by VFW Post 1736
and its Ladies Auxiliary in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Andrew Ruppar, a senior at Copperas Cove High School has
been named the twenty-second place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Jane Young Memorial Scholarship Award. Andrew is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ruppar and Andrew plans a career in
government service and law. Andrew was sponsored by VFW Post
8577 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Copperas Cove, Texas.
Beth Shapiro, a senior at Rome High School has been named
the twenty-third place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Department of
Alabama Scholarship Award. Beth is the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. I. Robert Shapiro and Beth plans a career in broadcast
journalism. Beth was sponsored by VFW Post 4911 and its
Ladies Auxiliary in Rome, Georgia.
Claudia Chandler, a senior at Ruskin High School has been
named the twenty-fourth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Georgia James H. ``Sloppy'' Floyd Memorial
Scholarship Award. Claudia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Luther Chandler, Sr. and Claudia plans a career in medicine.
Claudia was sponsored by VFW Post 9997 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Rachel Pierce, a senior at Oak Hill Academy has been named
the twenty-fifth place National winner of the 1994 Voice of
Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Department of
Georgia R.D. ``Bulldog'' Smith, Jr. Scholarship Award. Rachel
is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Dale Pierce and Rachel
plans a career as an attorney. Rachel was sponsored by VFW
Post 2098 and its Ladies Auxiliary in West Point,
Mississippi.
Nadia Singh, a senior at the National Cathedral School has
been named the twenty-sixth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Ohio Chester J. Koch Memorial Scholarship
Award. Nadia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Singh and
Nadia plans a career in medicine. Nadia was sponsored by the
Department of District of Columbia and its Ladies Auxiliary.
Marcus Stubbles, a senior at Brookings High School has been
named the twenty-seventh place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Connecticut and its Ladies Auxiliary
Scholarship Award. Marcus is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell
Stubbles and Marcus plans a career in international relations
and law. Marcus was sponsored by VFW Post 2118 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Brookings, South Dakota.
Stacy Havener, a senior at Brookfield High School has been
named the twenty-eighth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Stephen and Elsie Riordan Scholarship Award. Stacy is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bellnier and Stacy plans a
career in environmental law. Stacy was sponsored by VFW Post
10201 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Cynthia Hutcheson, a senior at Caldwell County High School
has been named the twenty-ninth place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Illinois Scott Post 4183 Scholarship Award.
Cindy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hutcheson, III and
Cindy plans a career in either accounting or pharmacy. Cindy
was sponsored by VFW Post 5595 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Princeton, Kentucky.
Barry McFarland, a junior at Lexington Senior High School
has been named the thirtieth place National Winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Capitol Hill Post 2400 Scholarship Award. Barry is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Max McFarland and Barry plans a career in
education. Barry was sponsored by VFW Post 5136 and its
Ladies Auxiliary in Lexington, Nebraska.
Joanna Byrd, a sophomore at Smyrna High School has been
named the thirty-first place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of California and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship
Award. Joanna is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Byrd and
Joanna plans a career in English education. Joanna was
sponsored by VFW Post 8801 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Clayton, Delaware.
Stacey Boozer, a senior at Balboa High School has been
named the thirty-second place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipients of the $1,000
Bernard J. Michels, Post 9610 and its Auxiliary Scholarship
Award. Stacey is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Boozer
and Stacey plans a career in elementary education. Stacey was
sponsored by the Department of Panama Canal.
Lanson Relyea, a senior at Pioneer High School has been
named the thirty-third place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Juanita Crowe, Department of Tennessee Scholarship Award.
Lanson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Relyea and Lanson
plans a career in engineering. Lanson was sponsored by VFW
Post 374 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Arcade, New York.
Tamara Kelly, a junior at Franklin Pierce High School has
been named the thirty-fourth place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Cramer/Harrell Scholarship Award. Tamara is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kelly and Tamara plans a career in
teaching. Tamara was sponsored by VFW Post 969 and its Ladies
Auxiliary in Tacoma, Washington.
Kjirsti Nilson, a senior at San Marcos High School has been
named the thirty-fifth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Ervin
and Lorraine Rothenbuhler Scholarship Award. Kjirsti is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bjorn Nilson and Kjirsti plans a
career in teaching. Kjirsti was sponsored by VFW Post 11460
in Goleta, California.
Autumn Cartmill, a senior at Saint Andrews Sewanee has been
named the thirty-sixth place National winner of the 1994
Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000 Fridley VFW
Post 363 and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Award. Autumn
is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Cartmill and Autumn
plans a career in medicine. Autumn was sponsored by VFW Post
1893 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Winchester, Tennessee.
Annmarie Tenn, a sophomore at Manchester Central High
School has been named the thirty-seventh place National
winner of the 1994 voice of Democracy Program and recipient
of the $1,000 Silver Spring Memorial Post 2562 Scholarship
Award. Annmarie is the daughter of Doctor and Mrs. James Tenn
and Annmarie plans a career as a lawyer. Annmarie was
sponsored by VFW Post 8214 and its Ladies Auxiliary in
Manchester, New Hampshire.
Michelle Durgin, a sophomore at Patch American High School
has been named the thirty-eighth place National winner of the
1994 Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Massachusetts Edward A. Nardi Scholarship
Award. Michelle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Durgin
and Michelle plans a career in medicine. Michelle was
sponsored by VFW Post 10810 in Stuttgart, Germany (Department
of Europe).
Allan Brinkmeyer, a senior at St. Joe High School has been
named the thirty-ninth place National winner of the 1994
Voice of Democracy Program and recipient of the $1,000
Department of Michigan and its Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship
Award. Allan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brinkmeyer
and Allan plans a career as a cartoonist. Allan was sponsored
by VFW Post 4681 and its Ladies Auxiliary in Leslie,
Arkansas.
The remaining fifteen students will each receive a minimum
scholarship of $500.
____________________