[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE WINNER SCHOOL DISTRICT

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the Winner 
School District for its exceptional support to their National Guard and 
Reserve Employees. The Winner School District is one of 15 employers 
selected from across the Nation to receive top honors as a 2008 
Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest 
recognition given by the Department of Defense under the auspices of 
the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to an employer for their 
outstanding support to their National Guard and Reserve employees.
  The school district was nominated by 2LT Derris Buus of the 155th 
Engineer Company, South Dakota Army National Guard. Buus had glowing 
remarks for his employer, ``The School District has always supported me 
and my family during times of deployment or training. Mary Fischer and 
Jim Drake have all made it a point to ensure that my family had 
everything they needed during my absence. They always made it very easy 
for me to pursue my career in the SDARNG as well as my career as an 
educator.''
  The Winner School District provides a pay supplement for the entire 
length of deployment for its Guard and Reserve employees. Deployed 
employees received numerous care packages from the school board and the 
students. Daily e-mails were sent to deployed employees from students, 
teachers, principals, and the superintendent. Returning servicemembers 
teach the same grade and in the same classroom as they did prior to a 
deployment.
  School board members also aid the families of deployed employees. 
School board members mowed lawns, took children to athletic events, and 
in one instance, tended to an expectant mother throughout her 
pregnancy.
  The Winner School District is a shining example of patriotism, and it 
sets a golden example for all employers to follow. I hope we all may 
take to heart the excellence and dedication of the Winner School 
District.

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