[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE REDEDICATION OF COMMANDER WILLIAM C. McCOOL 
                        ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
rededication and the opening of the new Commander William C. McCool 
Elementary/Middle School on Naval Base Guam. The recent completion of 
this modern, state-of-the-art educational facility houses separate 
wings for the elementary and middle schools, administrative areas, a 
gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, a media center, cafeteria, and capacity 
for 850 students. Commander McCool embodied the ideal of being a 
lifetime learner, and his never-ending thirst for knowledge took him 
into space--an accomplishment that continues to inspire students and 
educators alike today.
  Commander William ``Willie'' McCool attended Dededo Middle School in 
Dededo, Guam and John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning, Guam. After 
his graduation from the United States Naval Academy, Commander McCool 
was selected as a Navy test pilot and guided the space shuttle Columbia 
on Mission STS-107 in 2003. A son of Guam, Commander McCool carried the 
flag of Guam on that mission.
  From the flight deck of the Columbia, Commander McCool stated, ``From 
our orbital vantage point, we observe an Earth without borders, full of 
peace, beauty and magnificence, and we pray that humanity as a whole 
can imagine a borderless world as we see it and strive to live as one 
in peace.'' These words will inspire students at this school for many 
years to come.
  On February 22, 2003, I introduced H.R. 672, a bill to rename the 
Guam South Elementary/Middle School, previously located in Apra 
Heights, Guam, in honor of Commander McCool. The bill was signed into 
law by President George W. Bush on April 11, 2003, and today, as we 
commemorate the rededication of the new Commander William C. McCool 
Elementary/Middle School, there is no doubt that Willie McCool's legacy 
continues to touch the hearts and minds of us all.
  I would like to congratulate former Commander Naval Forces Marianas 
RADM Patrick W. Dunne, former Commander Naval Forces Marianas RADM 
Charles J. Leidig, former Department of Defense Education Activity 
(DODEA) Superintendent Mr. Michael Diekmann, and former school 
Principal Mr. William Hall for their guidance, leadership, and 
oversight in the design and construction of Commander William C. McCool 
Elementary/Middle School. I would also like to congratulate Commander 
Naval Forces Marianas RADM William D. French, DODEA Superintendent Dr. 
Gayle Vaughn-Wiles, and Principal Mr. Stanley Chop for their roles in 
the completion of the new Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle 
School.
  I would like to commend the family of Commander McCool for their 
strength and to honor them for their commitment to furthering his 
legacy. I want to first recognize his wife, Lani Vallejos McCool and 
his three sons Sean, Christopher and Cameron. I also want to recognize 
his parents Barry and Audrey McCool and his parents-in-law Albert and 
Atilana Vallejos. Our community thanks all of you for your graciousness 
in helping us to commemorate Commander McCool's life through the 
dedication of this school and for sharing his memory with the students 
and faculty. Through this tribute, we want you to know that you have a 
very large extended family and this school is your school; these 
students are your students; this tribute is your living memorial.
  As our community gathers to rededicate this school on September 30, 
2008, let us renew our commitment to excellence exemplified by the hero 
whose name graces this structure. On the occasion of the rededication 
of Commander William C. McCool Elementary School, let us recall his 
inspiring words, of ``. . . an Earth without borders, full of peace, 
beauty and magnificence . . .''.

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