[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.

                          ____________________