Brad R. Wenstrup

Mr. Speaker, imagine winning a war for a country that didn't yet exist and had no government. That was our beginning.

What our Founders did have was freedom-loving people who believed that our rights come from God. There were 13 independent Colonies that united for a common purpose to form the United States of America. Eventually, they formed three branches of government: the executive, judicial, and legislative. Here we are in this beautiful Chamber right now.

Growing up, I watched ``Superman,'' and each show began with the motto: Fighting for ``truth, justice, and the American way.'' I bought in, and I truly believe that most of America does, as well.

At a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I didn't imagine that that would lead to military and legislative careers as well. That is my version of the American Dream, I suppose.

I have loved every chapter, not knowing that they all would overlap, and, on occasion, God would put me right where I could serve best. Sometimes he would perform miracles: Long live Majority Leader Steve Scalise, an American hero.

When one chapter ends, another chapter begins. With the priorities of God, family, and country in mind, I will return home to further elevate my roles as husband, father, coach, and provider, while God, family, and country are all still priorities.

I cherish all the great Americans who I have served with along the way. Thanks for keeping me company. I have been blessed.

My wife, Monica; and my children, Brad and Sophia, are my blessings, as well.

Farewell for now. God bless all of you, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible football season of the 2024 Ironton Tigers, capping it off with a 28-17 victory over Liberty Center in the Division 5 State Championship. This is Ironton High School's third state title and their first in thirty- five years.

Finishing the season with a fifteen and one record, the Tigers outscored their opponents by nearly six hundred points throughout the season as they dominated teams from Southern Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Led by Senior quarterback, Brayden Schreck, and Senior wide receiver, Shaun Terry, the duo combined for twenty-three receiving touchdowns, more than half of Schreck's season total of thirty-seven. Terry finished the season with more than 1,500 yards, ranking him in the top twenty-five nationally for reception yards.

I am so proud of the Ironton Tigers' phenomenal season, and I am even more proud of how they distinguished themselves with a victory in the state final. The Ironton School District's motto is ``To Teach, To Nurture, To Serve'' and now they can add ``To Win'' to the list as well.

Congratulations to all of the Ironton community and especially to the coaches and athletes that made this victory possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible achievement of Tim Massa, Chief People Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations at The Kroger Co., and his induction as a Fellow into the National Academy of Human Resources (NAHR).

Since its creation in 1992, the NAHR has only recognized 195 individuals for their leadership, innovation, and service to the human resources profession. Tim's induction is a testament to his incredible leadership in and commitment to the profession.

Between his 21-year tenure with Proctor and Gamble and his 14-year career at Kroger, Tim has demonstrated unparalleled leadership development and employee engagement throughout his career. As Chief People Officer at Kroger, Tim leads critical HR and labor relations functions, which have set the standard for the culture at Kroger and throughout the Country.

Not only has Tim committed more than thirty years to two stalwart Cincinnati companies, but his commitment to civic engagement, which includes serving on the boards of the Cincinnati Zoo, the City of Cincinnati Workforce Innovation Center, and the American Health Policy Institute, has benefited all Cincinnatians and underscores his belief in the power of good leadership.

Tim Massa's induction into the NAHR is a recognition of his tireless and his ability to lead change. As Chairwoman of the NAHR Tracy Keogh said, ``Members of the 2024 Class of Fellows have been acknowledged by their peers as reaching the highest level of achievement in the Human Resources profession.'' Tim Massa embodies this standard of excellence and has consistently demonstrated vision in driving transformative initiatives.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tim Massa on this extraordinary achievement. His work has not only elevated Kroger and Cincinnati but has also made a lasting impact on the human resources field, exemplifying the very best of leadership, integrity, and service.