The American Hero
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Rep. Peter King defends 5th Muslim-American radicalization hearing. � 6/21/12 |
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Monday, 23 July 2012 |
" target="_blank">Congressman Peter King
It takes great courage to ask the tough questions, and we commend Congressman Peter King for doing so.
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Rep. King questions how terrorist group member attended White House meeting |
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Saturday, 21 July 2012 |
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From The Hill "House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) has
asked the Obama administration to explain why a member of a known
terrorist group was allowed to enter the United States last week and
participate in high-level meetings at the White House and State
Department" 'King wrote
to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano on Sunday to ask
several questions about Hani Nour Eldin's visit last week. Eldin is a
member of Egypt's parliament, but he is also a member of Gamaa Islamiya,
or the the Islamic Group, which has been linked to violence in Egypt
and is a designated terrorist organization."
To read this story, please visit The Hill
Read Congressman King's letter: Letter
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Detective Bill Conn: Working To Keep Our Children Safe |
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Saturday, 10 September 2011 |
If serving in our armed forces in Afghanistan was the only thing Bill did to serve our nation, it would be more than enough. However, the truth is, Bill Conn has spent most of his life in service to others. Serving as a police officer for almost 25 years, Bill's most recent assignment, an assignment which he volunteered for in 2007, has been one of his most difficult, but it also has been very rewarding. For assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, he gets up and goes to work each and everyday to do what he can to protect our children, all of our children.
And with millions of children now using the internet, it's an extremely complicated task. The U. S. Department of Justice says "20% of children ages 10-17 receive unwanted sexual solicitations on line". Dedicated and determined, those who serve Ohio's ICAC have worked hard and sacrificed much to apprehend and prosecute Internet child predators and child pornographers, as well as to educate parents and children about Internet safety. And they have done an incredible job of both.
 As for convicting those guilty of internet crimes against children, it is no easy task. In 2010, "ICAC offices throughout the country worked together to train over 31,000 members of law enforcement, over 2,400 prosecutors and more than 9,000 other professionals working in the ICAC field". And the training is much needed, because it takes a special expertise to convict those guilty of these crimes against children. For in order to convict the guilty, the information must first be extracted from the computer, cell phone or other electronic device that was used in the crime. And that is where computer forensic experts such as Bill Conn come in. Using special programs, Bill Conn is able to extract the material that was used in the crime and verify it for the court. The truth is, without officers such as Bill, it would be difficult, if not impossible to see how these criminals could ever be convicted. Assigned to a number of major cases, Bill has been able help ensure that in the majority of these cases, these criminals have gone exactly where they should: Jail.
 One thing that makes Bill Conn stand out is that he asked to be assigned to ICAC. He did so when his second son was just a baby. And in fact, one of the reasons he volunteered for ICAC is that loving his own sons as he does, he realized just how much these innocent children, our most vulnerable victims, needed a voice, a person to protect them. And so he asked to be assigned to ICAC. Although members of law enforcement such as Bill Conn never complain. The truth is that no human being who cares about children can work with ICAC without paying a huge price. The incredible pain these children are forced to endure and the degree to which these innocent children are harmed stays with them always. Law enforcement members such as Bill succeed at ICAC because they care about children, but that is also why it is such an incredibly difficult job, but it's also one that is desperately needed. And one that by all accounts, he does extremely well!
“In addition to being a great friend, colleague and family-man, Bill
serves his community and country in so many ways. From a street cop,
to a leader in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or
responding as a reservist to the natural disaster in Haiti and our war
against extremist terrorism in Afghanistan, Bill is always willing and
proud to serve. He defines character, integrity, commitment and
patriotism, yet is one the most humble people you will ever meet. The
collective strength of our country remains resolute because of the
individual strength of Americans like Bill Conn.”
Charles Goss
Chief of Police
Strongsville, OH PD
"I have worked with Bill Conn in the past, during my time with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force. Bill should be recognized and commended for his tireless efforts on these crimes and his continued dedication to the law enforcement profession. His most recent assignment is with the task force, doing computer forensics. I couldn’t even begin to tell you the vast amount of cases that he has to analyze. He has attended numerous amounts of schools in order to become one of few investigators in the State of Ohio, certified to do computer forensics. Bill’s dedication to law enforcement, the City of Cleveland and the greater Cleveland area are second to none. His dedication goes beyond the Cleveland area, in that he served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and then joined the United States Air Force shortly after 9/11. It has been an honor to work with Bill and I look forward to many more years of working with him". -
Detective Tom Connor
Public Information Officer
Parma, Ohio PD
Thank you Bill, for all you do to help our children. Because of you, and officers like you, our children are safer and Moms sleep easier because we know you and other members of ICAC are working hard to keep our kids safe.
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Cleveland Detective Conn Assigned To Internet Crimes Against Children Leaves To Serve In Afghanistan |
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Saturday, 10 September 2011 |
So many of us were deeply touched by the attacks on September 11th . So many died; so many injured, so many missing. And some, surrounded by smoke and fire and no way out, were forced to jump. We were shocked to the very core of our being. And for days, time stood still as we gathered together to watch as the tragedy unfolded and to help in whatever way we could. It was horrific; it was incredibly sad, and it was life changing for all of us.
But as shocked and appalled as we all were by the events of September 11th, it also brought out the very best of the American people. Those who could volunteered for days, some months, at the Twin Towers. From all across the nation, American families sent donations of all kinds. And at home, we spent more time with our families and our friends, we were kinder to our neighbors, and we began, once again, to realize what was truly important in our lives. Songs of courage and faith filled the airways. Churches were filled to overflowing. And as the light of faith spread through out our country, we remembered once again exactly who we were and just how incredible the American people really are. And we were proud, and grateful, to be American.
And as everyone joined together in praying for our nation and each other, some of our nation's bravest and most selfless men and women chose to answer the call to serve our country by joining our armed forces. Determined, even at the risk of their own lives, to ensure the safety of the American people, they put it all on the line-for us. And they are still doing so today. Their selfless courage and sacrifice have ensured our nation's freedom, and has kept our families safe.
 And that's exactly why Bill Conn re-enlisted just a few months after September 11th. And it's why he left for Afghanistan last week. Deeply touched by the events of September 11th, he was determined to do what he could to help ensure that September 11th did not happen - again. And on August 29th, 2011, he left as a member of our armed forces Afghanistan.
As Moms, we'd life to thank Detective Bill Conn and his family, and all of those serving alongside him, for their courage and their sacrifice. And for keeping our country, and our children safe. May God Bless them, each and everyone, and keep them safe. And may we remember to thank them all when they come home.
To learn more about Detective & Air Force Tactical Sergeant Bill Conn, please use the below links:
Detective Bill Conn & ICAC, Keeping Our Children Safe
Detective & Air Force Tactical Sergeant Bill Conn, Putting Faith & Family First
Faith Story, Bill Conn, U.S. Air Force
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Detective & Air Force Tactical Sergeant Bill Conn: Putting Faith & Family First |
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Saturday, 10 September 2011 |
Bill Conn is many things to many people. An amazing father and husband. A good detective, a loyal friend. A dedicated member of ICAC , he works a very difficult job to keep our children safe. And as a member of our armed forces serving in Afghanistan, his courage and selflessness are clear. But what defines Bill Conn more than anything else is his faith and his love for his family. For it is these two, faith and family, that not only lead him to serve people both as a police officer and as a member of our armed forces, but they are what enables him to serve with honor, courage and compassion.
 Some of us spend our whole like trying to figure out what we most want to accomplish in our life. What is it that is truly the most important to us? But Bill Conn already knows what matters most to him. For if there was only one, single goal that he could accomplish in this life, he would want to make sure that both of his sons grew up centered in Jesus Christ. He hopes that they will one day become good examples of Christian men for other people. And he hopes they will one day grow up to be good Christian husbands and fathers who will find all the love, happiness and strength they could ever need or wish for.
Thankfully Bill arrived safely in Afghanistan and did get to call home, but he didn't share much with Suzanne. Just as he didn't with ICAC. Not because he couldn't, for Suzanne is his best friend and he loves her, but because he refused to burden her with it. But the truth is, everyone needs to share some burdens with someone. And Bill will share them, for Bill brings the burdens of his day to the same One he always has, Jesus Christ. And then, for him, as it is for many truly selfless men, that will be it. He will move on to another group or person in need. And he will do what he can to help, because that's what Bill has always done best,love God, love his family and serve others.
We'd like to thank Bill and Suzanne, and their children, for when one person serves in our armed forces or in our police departments, the entire family serves. It requires great courage, compassion, and a willingness to put the welfare of others far before you own.. Their lives are an amazing example of what "loving thy neighbor" really means and we are very grateful to both of them for sharing their story. May God Bless them always, and may He keep them safe.
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Faith Story from Bill Conn, U.S. Airforce\ |
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Sunday, 11 September 2011 |
" target="_blank">Faith Story from Bill Conn, U.S.Air Force
Video Via You Tube By Parma Heights Baptist Church
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The American Hero Series: Meet Mike Catan: Putting Faith, Family and Children First! |
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Monday, 05 September 2011 |
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Meet anyone of the Catan Family in person, and you’d never know they owned a multi-million dollar business or that they have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to help children both through charities and to local schools. From giving to children’s homes such as the Berea Children’s Home and Parmadale, to supporting organizations such as the Singing Angels and Providence House to taking on the huge task of leading the effort to build a football stadium for their local high school with private funds to reaching out to individual children who are in need, the list of children whose lives have been touched by the Catan Family is so long, it cannot be counted.
But you’d never know that from meeting them, because they don’t talk about it. That’s because the Catan Family has one reason and one reason only for their service-helping kids and their families. For what started as a family tradition with their Mom and Dad has become a way of life for the entire family, and because of that thousands of children have been helped.
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Read more...
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Get to Know Today’s Driving Force Behind Pat Catans, Both In Business & In Service: Mike Catan |
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Monday, 05 September 2011 |
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As
Moms, we wanted to know more about Mike and his family. How did they,
during the difficult times we have all faced these past few years: stay
together, love one another and their neighbors, and succeed in an
economic environment in which so many of us have struggled.. We are
grateful to Mike for sharing with us and hope you will enjoy reading the
below.
Q: If there was on thing that has defined you and guided your life, what would that be? A:
Father Petkash of Walsh Jesuit High School shared the "Prayer for
Generosity - St.Ignatius Loyola" with me and I have been living by it
and sharing it ever since.
Prayer for Generosity - St. Ignatius Loyola:
Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve as you deserve:
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not to seek for rest;
To labor and not to ask for reward;
Save that of knowing I am doing your will.
Q. In this day and age, where so many good businesses have fallen victim
to hard times, what do you feel has allowed to Catan’s to survive and
flourish?
A. The business world
is a much harder place than it was a few years ago. For sure there
are no short cuts. Reputation and staying on course and most
importantly surrounding yourself with great people gives you the best
chance to be a winner...
Q. It’s clear that
loving thy neighbor and helping others, especially children has been a
huge part of your life. What has meant the most to you, and why do you
feel that has been such a huge part of Catan’s. If there is one
charitable endeavor that has been your favorite, what was it and why?
A.
We have been blessed with the ability to give back, as a family and a
company, it is a priority to find the next project that will hopefully
make an impact on people’s lives. My favorite would be the house we
built for the young couple that had two handicap children. The love
this couple have for each other and their commitment to make their
girls’ life something special was a once in a lifetime event for me to
be part of….the new house gave them the hope and the physical facility
to make a difference.
Q. What are some of the other organizations and projects that you have been involved with that you have enjoyed? A.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce and The Strongsville Schools
Stadium Project, Walsh Jesuit High School, Berea Children's Home, Camp
Cheerful and Boys/Girls Hope. All great organizations that do so much
for so many.
Q. Why do you think Catans has made it when so many hundred year old family business fell?
A. Faith/family and a lot of luck…
Q. Your business has always been deeply involved in the community, do you feel this has helped Catans?
A.
My biggest fault is no patience, I would love to go back to many
situations that this may have caused conflict or pain to others....
Q. What do you love about your community the most?
A. That my family lives in it !!!
Q.
Under your leadership, Catans has made huge strides in both growing,
and in impacting its’ community. If you had one goal that you would
still like to realize, what would it be?
A. To double the pay of all my employees.
Q. If you could pick four mentors or people in your life who you feels made the most difference for you, who would that be
A. My wife Lori
My Dad
My good friend and attorney Morlee
My good friend and business associate Travis
Q. If you had a role model, who would it be?
A. My dad
Q. If you were struggling with a decision that had to be made, who would you turn to for advice?
A.
My buddy Travis along with a few others, but I was lucky to meet Travis
during the crazy financial crisis in 07. The business world gets
tougher every day, when I met him I had almost lost hope that I would
ever find another morally guided person again in our industry....I was
lucky he came along, he is a special guy and woke me up to believe again
that "good" people still can be successful
Family:
Q. What do love about being married the most?
A.
Waking up every day and seeing what a cool wife I have. Along with
fabulous children and grandchildren! I truly ask myself everyday …why
am I so Lucky !!!
Q. How long have you and Lori been married
and why do you feel that in a world where so many couples, despite
their efforts don't make it, you and Lori have? If you and Lori could
give one piece of advice to people who are about to get married, what
would it be?
A. Lori and I have been married 35 years.
Lori’s patience was and is the key to our happy marriage and putting
your partner first…
Q. What do you love about being a father the most?
A.
I love it all and it's a moving target. I love to mentor and I love to
watch them all grow and become spouses and loving parents themselves.
Q. The Catan family has always been close, which is an amazing gift. Why do you think that is?
A. It started with my parents and has filtered down through the years…we love each other, it's really as simple as that. |
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George W. Bush Flight 93 Memorial Speech, September 10, 2011 |
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Sunday, 11 September 2011 |
" target="_blank">President George Bush On September 11th, 2011
"One of the lessons of September 11th is, evil is real and so is courage"
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