[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H6902-H6903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SKYLINE MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask permission to address the House for 5 
minutes.

[[Page H6903]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to rise and commend the 
Skyline Membership Corporation for its enormous contributions not only 
to the Fifth District of North Carolina, but also to our Nation and the 
global war on terror. It is my pleasure to congratulate them upon 
receiving the 2006 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's 
Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. It is of great 
note that they are only one of 15 recipients this year.
  This award publicly recognizes employers for exceptional support for 
the National Guard and reservists above Federal law requirements. This 
award, the ESGR, as it is commonly known, is the highest in a series of 
Department of Defense awards that honors employers who provide 
excellent support for their excellent Guard and Reserve employees.
  The Skyline Membership Corporation is a local member-owned 
cooperative established in 1951 to help bring telephone service to 
rural communities, and I am a member. Since its inception it has grown 
into the second largest of the nine telephone cooperatives in North 
Carolina. Today it serves over 360,000 access lines, covering an 840-
square-mile area in northwest North Carolina and Tennessee.
  Skyline Membership Corporation is governed by a nine-member board of 
directors and operates with a staff of 125 employees. Today it has 
expanded to provide a number of telecommunications services and has 
promoted job growth and economic development. It is a leading example 
of a prosperous business that also played an integral role in community 
development.
  The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that was established in 
1972 by the Secretary of Defense William Perry with the sole purpose to 
gain and maintain active support for the National Guard and Reserve 
from all private and public employers.
  I am honored and thrilled that such a fantastic business in North 
Carolina has been one of the 15 chosen out of thousands of companies 
across the country. It goes to show that in the Fifth District of North 
Carolina, we have some of the hardest-working people who are dedicated 
to our country and have a steadfast resolve to support our Nation. They 
are committed to shield it from terrorism and ensure our Nation is 
protected by their brave employees who choose to answer the call of our 
country.
  This is a true honor for Skyline Membership Corporation. It is being 
recognized alongside major businesses such as DuPont, Starbucks, MGM 
Mirage and various large public agencies for its contributions to the 
Guard and Reserve units. This award exemplifies the commitment and 
leadership of the corporation and their determination to encourage 
their employees to answer the call of their Nation in a time of need.
  While fighting the global war on terror, companies such as Skyline 
are inextricably linked to our Nation's security by sharing their most 
valuable asset, their employees. One example of its steadfast 
dedication, not only to the global war on terror, is that they ensure 
their employees have the best possible accommodations overseas.
  One example is the recent action the Skyline Membership Corporation 
took to support their employee's unit overseas in Iraq. Upon learning 
that an employee's unit was in dire need of lightweight cabin cots for 
shelter from insects, sand, heat and other elements, the Skyline 
Corporation sent 44 cots in a matter of days to that employee's units.
  Skyline has gone above and beyond the call. That is why they have 
been chosen for such a prestigious award. It has supported its 
employees who are serving their country by answering the call to go to 
such places as Iraq and Afghanistan. Skyline has provided everything 
from continued benefits during deployment to care packages. Not only 
are the folks at Skyline making a difference in their employees' lives, 
but they are supporting our military and Nation's security.
  Skyline has been such a successful business because of the strong 
leadership it has shown. It recognizes that when hiring National Guard 
and Reserve members, it can expect superior employees whose military 
training instills them with virtues such as efficiency, dedication, 
loyalty and teamwork. These employees share dedication to excellence, 
which has made Skyline a successful business, and, in turn, Skyline has 
returned the favor by encouraging and supporting its employees in every 
way possible to serve our country.
  Skyline recognizes the importance of national security and serving 
our Nation. Its actions are truly deserving of the honor of such a 
prestigious award.
  I wish Skyline all the best, and I have a message for them. Keep up 
the good work. You have made North Carolina and our Nation proud
  I am pleased to be able to commend Skyline Membership Corporation for 
its tremendous contributions to our Nation and to its employees. In a 
post 9/11 world their work, support and leadership exemplifies the best 
there is in North Carolina and highlights the exemplary work of the 
people of Western NC. Again, I commend The Skyline Corporation for its 
service, support and dedication.

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