[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING BLACKIE BLACK OF BAGDAD BUILDERS INCORPORATED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Blackie 
Black, and to thank him for patriotically helping our wounded war 
heroes who are returning home to their communities.
  The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. 
All across our country, people are donating their time and talents to 
improving lives and strengthening communities. We have a shining 
example of this in our very own backyard of Santa Rosa County.
  The most recent acts of kindness by Northwest Floridians have had a 
profound effect on people's lives and on the future of our country. 
They once again are going beyond meeting the essential needs in the 
communities, knowing the fulfillment that only comes from serving a 
cause greater than self. Many volunteers got started in the same way: 
because someone asked them. In our community that someone was Blackie 
Black of Bagdad Builders Incorporated.
  Blackie is constructing the 3,400-square-foot home in Clear Creek 
near Allentown, Florida for medically retired Army Staff Sergeant 
Dustin Tuller. Staff Sergeant Tuller came to Bagdad Builders to build 
his home, however it was County Commissioner Don Salter who sought 
donations from the community to pay for the home. Commissioner Salter 
rallied the local community to get involved and numerous contractors 
came on board to help complete the construction with such goods and 
services as free labor, insulation from Coastal Insulation, materials 
from Home Depot, free termite treatment donated by Terminix, free 
heating and air conditioning, and the list continues to grow.
  Blackie Black is a native Northwest Floridian, born in Milton. He and 
his wife Bonnie own and operate Bagdad Builders and have been involved 
in giving back to the community for years. He belongs to a religious 
builders group, which travels the globe building homes for 
disadvantaged people and churches for communities. He has been doing 
this for years, but now the dedicated, caring, Santa Rosa County 
resident is giving back to his neighbor who fought bravely for the 
freedom of the Iraqis.
  Recently, Dustin was asked in an interview, ``Do you think other 
communities can do this as well?'' Dustin responded, ``That's not the 
question. Will they? Not can they, but will they?''
  America is a compassionate and generous land. With their good works, 
volunteers are showing the heart and soul of our people, which is the 
greatest strength of our nation.
  In keeping with Commissioner Salter's motto, ``We take care of our 
own in Santa Rosa County.'' Dustin, Alisha, Dillyn, Zachery, Dammyn, 
and Lexi will always be grateful for the financial assistance and 
support the community and you have so generously given.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Blackie Black for the example 
he has set in his community. I offer my sincere thanks for all that he 
has done for Northwest Florida and this great nation.

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