[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14960]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE COMMITMENT OF HERB HICKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Herb 
Hicks as he celebrates his 40th year of perfect attendance as a 
Rotarian. A dedicated man, Hicks has been present for over 2,000 weekly 
Rotary meetings.
  Hicks helped found the Cantonment Rotary Club in 1948. He later 
became the club's fifth president. Furthermore, Hicks has received the 
honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary, a privilege 
reserved for those who have donated $1,000 to the club. At 93 years of 
age, Hicks is the last charter member of the civic organization; yet he 
continues to play an important role at his local Cantonment Rotary 
Club.
  Paul Frederick, current president of the Cantonment Rotary, 
explained, ``Herb is one of the exemplars in this club. He leads by 
example and attendance to Rotary functions is one thing this club 
stresses. No one in this area has a longer perfect attendance record.'' 
He also pointed out that Hicks hosts an annual picnic for Rotary 
members and family.
  Hicks is very clear on his priorities, saying, ``I think Rotary is 
important. I put church first and Rotary second in my life.'' Hicks 
admits to cutting many business meetings short in order to be present 
for his 12:15 p.m. Wednesday meetings. However, for circumstances that 
were unavoidable, Hicks had a backup plan. Rotary International allows 
missed meetings to be made up by attending other local Rotary club 
meetings. Hicks divulged, ``I have attended make-up meetings everywhere 
in the United States.''
  In total, Hicks has been a member of Rotary for 59 years. The 
dedication exemplified can only be explained by Hicks as he said, ``I 
like the fellowship and I like what Rotary does, I like its world-wide 
outreach and I believe in its principles and high ethical standards.'' 
To put it simply, Hicks asks, ``If you are not going to attend, why 
belong?''
  Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to Hicks as 
he has not only set a precedent for the Rotary, but also has challenged 
the commitment of those before me today. I take pride in Hick's 
determination, and I wish him all the best.

                          ____________________