[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E726-E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MOORESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the 
invaluable services provided by the Mooresville Volunteer Fire 
Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time 
so that we may all feel safer at night.
  Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being 
a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These 
firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while 
expecting nothing in return.''
  Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they 
have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire 
fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the 
knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a 
volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School 
in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training.
  When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that 
should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and 
qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so 
graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not 
be taken for granted.
  By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us 
all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for 
their service and sacrifice.

[[Page E727]]



                       IN HONOR OF JIMMIE CANNON

                                 ______


                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable 
dedication and accomplishments of a constituent in my district, Mr. 
Jimmie Cannon of El Centro, CA. Jimmie has been the band teacher at 
Central Union High School for the past 30 years. He is soon retiring 
and I would like to take a moment to commend his devoted service to his 
job and to the students he has touched with his spirit and gift for 
teaching.
  A native of Oklahoma, Jimmie joined the Army in 1952. He attended 
college at Philander Smith in Little Rock, AR where he met and married 
Maxine Sutton. After moving to Mahaska, KS, Jimmie began teaching music 
to children from the kindergarten to 12th grade level.
  In 1964, the Cannon's moved to El Centro, CA, where Jimmie taught 
music at Wilson Junior High School until the fall of 1966 at which time 
he began teaching at Central Union High with the ``Great Spartan 
Band.'' The Great Spartan Band has been very active in the community by 
performing annually at a number of the local schools in the Imperial 
Valley area. The band has also been an important participant at a great 
number of local charity organization events, while at the same time, 
committing to annual performances at such events as the Brawley Cattle 
Call Parade, American Heart Association, Red Ribbon Awareness Fair and 
the Special Olympics. Since Jimmie's time with the Great Spartan Band, 
they have received letters of commendation from such individuals as 
former Mexican President Louis Echeverria, Governor Ronald Reagan, and 
Brig. Gen. Harry Mendelson. The Great Spartan Band has also received 
special honors from a variety of national organizations including the 
Hawaii Invitational Music Festival, U.S.C. Concert of the Bands, 
Holiday Bowl Music Festival, Mardi Gras, Disneyland Parade and Concert, 
and Disneyworld Magic Kingdom.
  In an era when our children have become less interested in their 
education, our Nation's teachers have become more vital in influencing 
the lives and future of their students. It is encouraging to know that 
teachers like Jimmie still endure. For the past 30 years, Jimmie has 
been able to share his love and appreciation of music with many 
students who will long remember his spirit and talent that touched so 
many of their lives. I would like to join these many grateful students 
in thanking and wishing Jimmie Cannon great happiness in all his future 
endeavors.

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