Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert ``Mongo'' Eikleberry, as a longtime LGBTQ advocate, business owner, community leader during this Pride Month.

Robert served in the Vietnam War as a young man, where he was given the nickname ``Mongo'', When he returned home in 1972, he began working as a senior electrician as well as working at bars. Here, Robert saw that while gay bars were some of the only places LGBT individuals could openly be themselves, many establishments weren't uplifting the causes of the LGBT community. Robert realized he should open a business in Des Moines that would provide philanthropic support to multiple causes impacting his community.

Robert opened the Blazing Saddles in Des Moines in 1983, 38 years ago, which is now the oldest gay bar in the Midwest. Robert's work has allowed him to create charities, such as the All Iowa AIDs Benefits to support Iowans suffering from HIV/AIDS during the height of the epidemic, as well as helping fundraise to support the needs of LGBT Iowans. Robert founded the Imperial Court of Iowa which funds educational scholarships for high school students and adult education seekers. He's known to pitch in for causes like voter education and advocacy, equal rights, and much more. Robert has always made sure his employees at the Blazing Saddles were paid competitive wages and had job protection to be themselves, protection that would not be given to most LGBT workers until 2020.

In his over 40 years of activism, Robert has come face-to-face with hate and discrimination right here in Iowa. His bar had their windows smashed, flags burned, received threatening letters, and various other acts of vandalism over the years. ``You can't make fear a part of your life'', he said, reflecting on that fact that the fight for LGBT equality has historically been met with violence and intimidation. ``But they can't scare us back into closet'' he said with a chuckle. Although LGBT equality has made strides recently, Robert has said there is still more work to do. ``Everyone needs a place to be themselves'' he said.

His bar was named after the 1974 movie, Blazing Saddles, where a plucky group of immigrants, railroad workers, white townsfolk, and a black Sheriff who pull together to save their town for those who wish them harm and in turn, live safely together. A fitting name indeed. Please join me in honoring Robert ``Mongo'' Eikleberry as our Iowan of the Week as we celebrate Pride this month.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Master Sergeant Bounthieng Egkhounmoung, a recently retired veteran, as Iowan of the Week. Bounthieng, or BJ as he's known, retired last week from the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard after over a total of 38 years in service to the country and the state of Iowa.

From the Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and the State of Iowa, BJ served his country through nearly four decades. He retires as a Master Sergeant from the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. The 132nd Wing, founded in 1941, has deployed in numerous conflicts throughout the world and played a critical role in our state's flood recovery over the last few decades. Their values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do was exemplified by BJ throughout his service.

As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month comes to an end, may we celebrate the diversity in our country and reflect on the challenges many in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities still experience. BJ's exemplary service to our country and lived the military values of duty, honor, and country. To quote General MacArthur who was reflecting on his own 30 years of military service said ``Those three hallowed words (duty, honor, country) reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.'' Master Sergeant BJ embodied these values in his 38 years of service.

Our country is safe and our communities are secure thanks to the service of the over 20 million veterans and active service members that protect our nation, including BJ's service. As I rise today in honor of BJ, I encourage everyone to reach out to veterans and military families in your life, hear their stories, and give your thanks. I will continue to work across the aisle in Congress, such as my recently passed Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans' Mental Health Act, to ensure our veterans get the care they need and deserve.

It is my honor to recognize BJ for his nearly four decades of outstanding service to our country. I thank BJ for his service, and I hope he has an enjoyable retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of our community, Iris Tun, by naming her for Iowan of the Week.

Iris is a co-founder and a family advocate at the Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center (EMBARC) of Iowa, which is Iowa's first and only refugee-led service provider that strives to address shared issues and uplift all refugee communities.

Refugees from Burma began arriving in Iowa in 2007 and 2008 as a priority class of refugees, part of the nearly 1.5 million refugees that have fled Burma since the early 1960s. EMBARC was created in 2012 to help these new refugees settle into Iowa. At first, Iris helped the team provide resources and videos translated from English to Burmese and Karen, but their operation has since expanded.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, EMBARC Iowa got to work creating videos and informational resources about the COVID-19 virus and aid that was available in 13 different languages to help those who had lost jobs, facing eviction and struggling with virtual schooling. Over the past year, more than 8,000 refugees and immigrants have received support from EMBARC and RISE AmeriCorps members--95 percent of whom were essential workers.

When Iris is not making videos for EMBARC Iowa, she translates voter registration forms at her church for free. In Iowa, it's illegal for the state to translate official government forms, including election forms, which makes it hard for non-fluent English speakers to collect voting information.

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it's important to note the difficulties the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities still face here in America. This week, the House passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to highlight the increased violence Asian American and Pacific Islanders have encountered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iris's work is vital to putting an end to these hate crimes because her work as a translator allows folks to communicate and better understand each other. That's why I would like my colleagues to rise with me and recognize this exemplary woman, Iris Tun, as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, as Mental Health Month begins, I rise to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Drake University Graduate Professor of the School of Education's Department of Leadership, Counseling and Adult Development, Robert Stensrud.

Professor Stensrud has been serving Iowa and its residents since he moved from Minnesota in 1970. He has dedicated his career to serving those with mental health needs and disabilities. He began his post- college career working with the Iowa Department of Education's Rehabilitation Education and Services Branch. It was here where he provided vocational rehabilitation at the State Mental Health Institute serving inpatients experiencing acute psychosis, substance abuse, and related disorders. In this position, he began to understand the importance of having a solid, dependable, and loving community. Most people who were released from his care did not have a community to return to, so they often struggled to survive in society.

Professor Stensrud has since dedicated his career to ensuring that all people feel important and seen. Some of his recent research highlights the childhood to prison pipeline and school to prison pipeline, where without a sense of community and belonging, many individuals find themselves in less than ideal circumstances to combat their feeling of being an outcast. Professor Stensrud understood that in order to make a difference, it is essential to work with students from a young age to help combat these issues. Professor Stensrud has done research through a LAUNCH Grant funded by Drake Head Start and the Iowa Department of Public Health on how mental health consultation can help improve coordination services for kids and their families, as well as how to train teachers and first responders to identify signs of trauma in children and act accordingly.

Professor Stensruds next project will center around documenting the history and current operations of legacy farms in Iowa. Maintaining long-standing legacy farms is no easy task, and the pressures often become too much for farmers. These stressors have been a large contributing factor to the increasing rate of suicide among farmers. Professor Stensrud wants to ensure that farmers in Iowa feel seen and appreciated while honoring their family's legacy and incredible accomplishments.

If Professor Stensrud's had one message to leave people with, it would be to show kindness and compassion to others. It is essential that we take care of those around us who struggle with their mental health or who are in a tough situation. His greatest joy and the motivation he has for being a professor is watching his graduates go on to positively impact others and make the world a better place. As Professor Stensrud would say, you may not be able to change the world, but you can change a life that goes on to save another life, and another after that. Making people feel loved and wanted is the first step, and one I believe we should all strive to achieve. We should not allow people to suffer in silence, rather be an ear for them. It is my honor to recognize Professor Robert Stensrud as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, in honor of Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, I would like to recognize Jacque Howell, director of Red Oak Child Development Center. Jacque has led the way in expanding childcare options in her rural community of Red Oak, Iowa.

Childcare is an especially scarce resource in Iowa. In 2018, 41 percent of our cities had children but no known childcare and 48 percent have some childcare but fewer slots than there are children. As you might imagine, this has a significant impact on our workforce and economy as many families struggle to balance parenthood and employment. In Montgomery County where Jacque and her family live, there were 1,183 children under the age of 9 but only 435 available spaces in existing licensed childcare facilities.

In 2019, Jacque attended a meeting with the Iowa Women's Foundation and was faced with many of these same statistics and was blown away by the lack of available quality care in Iowa. That's when she sprang into action and gathered others to start the Red Oak Child Development Center. Jacque was hired as director of the center in January 2020 and raised an impressive $1.2 million in funds to bring this dream to reality.

Red Oak Child Development Center is a special organization as they partner with their local school district to make the care more accessible. They have also opted to offer infant care, a service that isn't provided by other care facilities in their community. The center is currently working on expanding its location to house two additional infant care rooms. Currently, they have 100 children enrolled in their care and they see an average of 70 to 75 of those children daily. They were baffled by how quickly they were able to fill their spots and continue to receive enrollment applications daily. Red Oak Child Development Center aims to provide quality, affordable childcare to their community. They accept childcare assistance with just over a quarter of their children receiving that support. It's clear that they are filling a significant need as some families drive up to 30 minutes one-way just to take their children to care.

Jacque says that educating the next generation of lowan's is something that has been a lifelong passion of hers. She understands that children are truly our future and she endeavors to provide children with support, love, and encouragement. As the director of the Red Oak Child Development Center, she's been able to help build an organization that believes in quality over quantity, supports the social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children. Jacque also recognizes the importance of her amazing staff members and their ever-supportive community as they work together to continue to build what is already an incredible child development center.

Jacque's dedication to the children in her community is not only vital to the development of the children but also empowers families to reengage in their local economy as they are able to get back to work and rest easy knowing their kids are in good care. Because of that, it is my honor to recognize Jacque Howell as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an Iowan, a Marine, and a fallen hero, Brandon Ketchum.

I am also here to make a promise to his mother, Bev. When I introduced this legislation, I told Bev that Brandon's story was one that would ensure that other veterans get the mental health help that they need. Today, we are here to take that next step in keeping that promise.

Five years ago, retired Sergeant Brandon Ketchum took his own life when he was unable to get the mental healthcare he needed. Sergeant Ketchum had served two tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan. In his first tour alone, he helped clear 92 roadside bombs in 7 months, service that earned him the Combat Action Ribbon.

His heroic service wasn't his only role, however. He was a loving father, son, brother, and friend. But like many veterans, Sergeant Ketchum struggled with depression, addiction, and PTSD related to his time in uniform.

After his service, Brandon volunteered and spoke publicly to students about his experience with PTSD. But despite receiving therapy and addiction treatment after returning from his tours, Brandon had a hard time adjusting to civilian life.

When he sought inpatient hospitalization in 2016 from an Iowa VA, the treatment rooms were full, and he was turned down for the care he needed. Hours later, Sergeant Ketchum took his own life.

We all know that veterans do not have enough mental health resources across this country. Nearly 17 veterans die by suicide every day, and a recent HHS study found that only 50 percent of returning vets who need mental health treatment will receive it. And, in particular, these mental health services are even harder to find in our Nation's rural areas, areas that I and my Iowa colleagues represent here in Congress.

The truth is sad, but it is pretty simple. We are failing our veterans. Brandon asked us for help, but he was turned away because of a lack of resources. So, we must make sure, in his memory and for the sake of others still serving, that when our soldiers return home, they can get the treatment that they need.

My bill will increase mental health facilities in rural areas by establishing three new Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement programs, known by their acronym RANGE. RANGE programs provide rural veterans with more mental health resources, including access to a team of experts who can provide intensive addiction and mental health treatment, helping veterans reintegrate into their communities.

My bill will also study how the VA is currently meeting the needs of rural veterans with mental health issues and what resources may be needed to improve their care so that we can actually address the root causes of mental health issues in our rural areas and with our veterans.

Not only is this an important cause, but it is a bipartisan one, too. As mentioned, all four members of our Iowa delegation have joined together and signed on to this. I would like to thank them all for doing that, my incredible cosponsors, and, of course, Chairman Takano and subcommittee Chairwoman Brownley for their support of this bill, as well as their constant dedication to our veterans.

Veterans put their lives on the line and serve our Nation with honor. When they come home, they should be able to receive the care that they need regardless of ZIP Code.

We can't simply accept that Brandon's death is a tragedy, and that is just what it is. We have to use his story to make the changes that are long overdue and to ensure that no other veteran falls through the cracks.

We must take action to address the rural health shortages and the mental health needs of our Nation's veterans. I urge all of my colleagues to honor Sergeant Ketchum's legacy with a ``yes'' vote on this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Miller, the retired West Des Moines police officer who is currently walking across the entire state of Iowa in honor of his sister Linda, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease.

Jeff has been hiking across the state for about a week now in the hopes of raising money and awareness for Alzheimer's disease. He started his cross-state journey on Saturday the 24th in Akron and plans to follow

Highway 3 to Dubuque, which is approximately 325 miles east, documenting his journey via YouTube along the way. Jeff has been camping when he can, but the kindhearted people of Iowa have also opened their homes and sponsored hotel stays for Jeff so he can be well rested enough to resume his treks the next day. Jeff has also opened his walk to anyone who wishes to walk alongside him, if only for a mile or two.

Jeff's sister Linda was diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's in 2012 and lost her battle five years later. According to Jeff's page on the Walk to End Alzheimer's website, Linda always referred to Jeff as her ``bratty little brother,'' but you can't doubt the closeness the two shared as he makes his way to the Mississippi River.

Jeff is asking for donations to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Linda and those who have been affected by the disease. The Alzheimer's Association provides care to all those facing Alzheimer's. Their goals and missions are to drive research toward treatment, prevention and, ultimately a cure, as well as speak up for the needs and rights of people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Jeff's goal with this hike is to raise awareness and donations, but he also wishes for it to be a beacon of hope and understanding for people. He hopes it reminds Iowans to love their family and friends, and to hold each other as close as they can for as long as they can.

It is incredibly honorable to use your voice to raise awareness for those who cannot always raise awareness for themselves, but actions sometimes speak louder than words. Jeff's devotion to his family and to the cause are undoubtedly admirable, and we as Iowans will continue to cheer Jeff on in his mission to bring awareness to Alzheimer's disease. It is my honor to recognize Jeff Miller as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Emily Lang and Kristopher Rollins, the cofounders of RunDSM, as well as Leah Waughtal- Magiera and Jalesha Johnson as Iowans of the Week. April is National Poetry Month, and Emily and Kristopher have given students in the Des Moines Public Schools system an opportunity to express and better themselves through poetry, spoken word, and open mic through their programs at RunDSM.

RunDSM provides marginalized students access to a culturally conscious curriculum, urban art forms, and opportunities for student- centered community activism through the different programs they offer such as ``Movement 515,'' ``Urban Leadership Summit,'' and ``Minorities on the Move.'' Through Emily and Kristopher's leadership, they have been able to create a representative, culturally conscious climate within Des Moines Public Schools.

When Emily and Kristopher first came to the Des Moines Public Schools system, they had no idea what their experience would evolve into. Ten years later they have built a coalition of hundreds of students who have been impacted by RunDSM. The program was so inspiring for Leah and Jalesha they decided to come back and help run the program and turn it into what it is today. Students say that RunDSM has been a medium to discover and express their voices.

National Poetry Month is a great opportunity to highlight some of the incredibly talented and creative minds in Iowa. Emily, Kristopher, Leah, Jalesha, and everyone at RunDSM truly inspire students to find their voices and show them how powerful it can be. I will continue to fight in Congress for programs like RunDSM and advocates like Emily and Kristopher who invest in our students and make them better people through poetry. It is my honor to recognize them as Iowans of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mrs. Kitty Williams, a Holocaust survivor and tireless advocate, as our Iowan of the Week. Mrs. Williams is a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is a public speaker who travels to schools with the goal of educating the youth of America about her experiences as a survivor and to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust and the horrors of hate, bigotry, and discrimination are never forgotten. She is described as extremely resilient and tough as nails and I couldn't be more proud of the work she has done to educate youth and people from all walks of life.

Through Kitty's imprisonment at Auschwitz and later in Allendorf, she endured unspeakable atrocities. While she suffered greatly, she survived and worked to make a life for herself. She ultimately made her way to the United States. In her first marriage she experienced heartbreak and the loss of her son. She had been pressured to hide her Jewish heritage and her past but struggled to deny her heritage and the horror she experienced. Eventually, she became a working single mother and trained bank tellers. She remarried and found a loving husband who embraced her past.

Through a challenging life, Kitty has persevered and survived. She has taken these experiences and--despite great heartache and trials-- has touched the lives of countless individuals and made a lasting impact on the lives of those she interacts with. While the pandemic had brought a halt to her ability to do presentations, she has since been able to secure a vaccine and fully intends to continue her work at the age of 96 educating and giving speeches to school children.

During Women's History Month it is crucial to remember the hard- fought rights and freedoms gained by women like Kitty. Her bravery and determination highlight the efforts taken by those who came before us. While stories like Kitty's aren't often told or shared, her grit and force of will show how women can and must persist.

We can never forget our past and the atrocities that have been committed as there are still too many instances of bigotry and hate occurring today. It is through stories like Kitty's that we can bridge the experiences of those in the past and connect to the battles still to come.

Kitty's efforts to educate others and be an advocate is inspiring and I hope she can soon return to schools to remind the next generation to stay vigilant in the face of adversity and to be allies to those who face discrimination. I am proud to represent constituents like Kitty Williams, who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and ensure the next generation doesn't forget the past. In this third week of Women's History Month, I couldn't be happier to name Ms. Kitty Williams our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Trish Bergren of Clarinda, Iowa as Iowan of the Week. Trish is a respected leader in the Clarinda and Page County community who has touched countless lives through her work as the Executive Director of the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum and as the curator for the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum. Trish has a deep love, and passion for preserving the history of her community and being a guardian of the knowledge of the past for future generations.

Trish's family is no stranger to Page County and has family roots in the area that go back more than 160 years. This deep-seated passion for local history and helping young people engage in this history drove her to a career she loves and even a book that covers the subject. Despite having moved away from the area for a time, she made the decision to return and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Her love for the community she works is truly heartwarming to hear. Those who work with her claim she has both improved their lives and changed their outlook for the future for the better.

As part of her duties with the Historical Museum, Trish formed the Adopt-A-Grave program in 2013. The program, under the Historical Society, has worked to clean, find lost headstones, and rehab more than 750 headstones across the 50 pioneer cemeteries in Page County. This undertaking has a group of students at Clarinda High School who manage the program, while more than 39 students and 12 adults have assisted with various projects. This is just one tangible initiative run by Trish to give dignity to the history of those who came before us and ensure the pride the community holds in honoring the past.

In addition to her already busy service to the community, Trish serves on the Clarinda School Board, where she was elected in 2019 as a new member.

In consideration of the dedication to serving the community, Trish is a pillar of the community in not only Clarinda but the State of Iowa. Her reputation as a kind and selfless person precedes her and her work speaks for itself. Clarinda is a strong community because of the individuals, like Trish, who make it such a wonderful place. The work Trish has performed, and that which she has inspired others to take upon themselves will ensure that the history of the community will endure. Stemming from this dedication to serve the community and preserve the story of its past for future Iowans to learn from and enjoy, I am proud to recognize Trish Bergren as Iowan of the week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Annie Orsini, Assistant Principal at Westridge Elementary School and Jordan Creek Elementary School in West Des Moines, as Iowan of the Week.

Assistant Principals across Iowa's Third Congressional District and our entire country play a critically important role in the overall success of the schools where they serve--working tirelessly to foster strong relationships between the school and the community, establish a positive and inclusive learning environment for students, make sure parents are informed and involved, effectively lead both instructional and support staff, monitor the day-to-day logistical operations of their educational facilities, and more. An Assistant Principal's plate is always full, always being added to, and often includes a plethora of 'other duties as assigned' tasks to complete. Our schools, students, and communities all benefit from their dedication to making a positive impact on early education.

In Annie's case, her efforts are doubled as she serves as Assistant Principal for two elementary schools. With roughly 1,500 students and families and approximately 125 instructional and support staff under her care, she has a big job to tackle every single week. Whether it's mentoring teachers, analyzing data to create impactful plans, addressing logistical and operational issues such as transportation and scheduling, working on extra- and co-curricular programs, or nurturing positive peer relationships between students, her days are filled with meeting the needs of others. She sets the vision, inspires others, maximizes available resources, and constantly innovates in order to create an optimal learning environment for students and staff.

Annie is an educator who truly believes not only in the power of teaching and empowering kids to learn, but also in the very real impact effective teaching has on the system as a whole. Her efforts extend beyond improving more traditional classroom instruction of subjects like math, English, and history to include social emotional learning and addressing mental health. She's working with staff on efforts that help kids get organized, show empathy, make decisions, see other people's perspective, and more. In being more intentional about nurturing both the head and the heart, Annie is creating environments in which students can feel safe, special, and develop their unique gifts before striking out into the world.

Throughout the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed incredible burdens on many areas of our society, and few places have been as directly challenged as our schools. Originally planned for implementation over three years, Annie and her team had to roll out a scaled-up online learning program in only six months. They had to figure out how to get kids to school safely and keep them safe while they were in the classroom, and neither challenge came with a playbook. Time and again, Assistant Principals like Annie have been called upon to work even harder than usual to best support students, educators, support staff, families, and their communities as everyone navigates the global health crisis.

For that reason amongst others, I am proud to support a House Resolution calling for April 5th-9th to be recognized as National Assistant Principals Week. These folks deserve our thanks and this opportunity for all Americans to reflect on their meaningful contributions to our communities.

For nearly two decades, Annie Orsini has dedicated herself to furthering the growth and achievement of young students, teachers, and local schools. Her passion is clear and inspiring. Each day she makes a difference, and our future is brighter because of her efforts. I am proud to recognize her as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, as Women's History Month comes to an end, I rise today to recognize a strong woman who is a pillar of our community. Laurie Schipper is retiring from her position at Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She was nominated by her coworkers because of the significant impact on their lives as a mentor and supervisor and has changed the lives of many Iowans and survivors of domestic violence.

Laurie Schipper joined The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) in 1993 as its only staff person. Much has changed since 1993 and in the following 28 years, Laurie has changed her community, ICADV, and the state for the better. ICADV is now in strong hands with a diverse multigenerational staff of 12.

Laurie received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree in 1985 from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Laurie has worked within the Battered Women's Movement for nearly 40 years, prior to Ms. Schipper's work with the Coalition, she worked in a battered women's shelter and rape crisis center in Ames, Iowa for 10 years. Over the years Laurie provided technical assistance and training to domestic violence advocates and other professionals who interface with battered women and their children. Laurie served on the Iowa STOP Violence Against Women State Coordinating Council, participated in national training and curriculum development, and consulted on public policy as it relates to domestic violence.

In thirty years of work, Laurie strengthened our domestic violence laws and protections, regionalized the state service delivery network, and made Iowa a national leader in responding to survivors' economic and housing needs. Laurie's leadership style at ICADV was one in which she surrounded herself with brilliant people and did her best to both challenge and support them and always had their backs when the going got tough. Ms. Schipper empowered and inspired the people around her to be the best of themselves.

It is clear from the praise Laurie has received from her friends and coworkers that her work with Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence will continue long past her tenure with the organization, which is why I am proud to name her Iowan of the Week. Please join me in congratulating Laurie Schipper for her 40 years of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tammy Ross and The East Union ASPIRE ``More'' Learning Center in Afton, Iowa for the tenacity and persistence they show daily to serve the people of their community. Tammy, ASPIRE More, and the town of Afton are the blueprints for what being an Iowan is all about, and what it means to support your neighbors.

ASPIRE More was opened in 2012 after they received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to assist with their original funding. Every morning and afternoon ASPIRE offers their services to students in transitional kindergarten through the 5th grade. It's on an income- based tuition, and they also work with DHS childcare assistance. During this time, they offer homework assistance, general enrichment activities, and activities that help with social and emotional learning.

Tammy's original goal was to help the parents of their community by offering before and after school support to k-5 students, but Tammy and the volunteers of ASPIRE More have adjusted their services over the years based on the needs of their community. Now, not only does ASPIRE offer before and after school care, they also provide food and clothing to their community via their food pantry and thrift store.

Recently, Union County SCICF awarded the East Union ASPIRE ``More'' Food Pantry $5,000 towards a crisis grant during this crisis. The East Union ASPIRE ``More'' Food Pantry was able to serve hundreds of people in the school district in the last seven months of 2020. With the crisis grant and the generosity of local individuals and organizations, they are able to meet the needs of the people of Afton as they all continue to work together through this pandemic.

Tammy insists that the only way they have been able to reach and help so many people in Afton is because of the support of the school district and the community. When they first started the store, there was some doubt of it being able to make a dent in the way it helped people in their small town. Through the hard work of Tammy and the volunteers, as well as the support and love from the people of their community, however, they built it up into something that genuinely reaches and helps people. 4H groups, churches, and other local organizations have all helped out through their time and donations, allowing everyone to take part in some way to give back however they can.

ASPIRE considers the work they do very rewarding, and the community of Afton is incredibly grateful for the way their neighbors have all pulled together whenever there is a crisis or a need, and the way their fellow Iowans seem to always give more than they have. I am proud to recognize Tammy Ross and The East Union ASPIRE ``More'' Learning Center as my Iowan of the week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Beverly Erskine, the program manager of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System Women's Veteran Program, as Iowan of the Week. Women are the fastest-growing population within the veteran community, and the Women's Veteran Program at the Central Iowa VA gives the heroines who served in uniform access to a full continuum of health care from primary care to mental health services.

With Beverly's leadership, the Women's Veteran Program provides critical services and resources that help our female veterans lead healthy lives, including: inpatient medical, surgical, and mental health care; physical rehabilitation; substance abuse treatment; longterm care and pharmacy services; and on-site mammogram services that offer 3-D imaging. Beverly and her team also arm program patients with helpful information and skills that they can use in their daily routines to better take care of themselves through the Whole Health Program. Mindfulness practices, yoga, and Tia Chi are just a few of the offerings in Whole Health to help female service members thrive. And to protect women veterans from potentially dangerous domestic situations, Beverly and her team provide careful, confidential screening conducted by trained Intimate Partner Violence colleagues.

One of the most special components of the Central Iowa VA Women's Veteran Program is the baby shower program Beverly and her colleagues facilitate each year. They invite women veterans who are pregnant, spouses of Veterans, Veterans who have adopted, and those who have had invitro fertilization to a special baby shower thrown in their honor. Attendees receive gifts, originally donated from partner organizations in Iowa, that help the expectant mothers prepare for the arrival of their newborns. The event is promoted during Women's Health Week and it offers the health care system to give back to those who have already sacrificed so much. As much as it makes the expectant moms feel special, it's truly a highlight for Beverly in her work.

Women's History Month is an opportunity to highlight some incredible work being done by women for women in communities across our country. Beverly is a shining example of how empowering female leaders creates opportunity for our nation to reach its full potential. I will never stop fighting in Congress to expand opportunities for women like Beverly and those who served our nation in uniform and am proud to support programs like the one Beverly leads for our women veterans. It is my honor to name Beverly Erskine our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Angelina Hemphill, a newly minted Eagle Scout with Ankeny Troop 188, as our Iowan of the Week. Angelina is a member of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts nationwide and one of the first-ever from Iowa. She hopes to inspire others to work hard and never settle for less than what they deserve. Her goal is to help people believe in themselves even when they're faced with challenges and to help them look for the good in the world.

To rise to the rank of Eagle Scout, Angelina has invested a lot of time and energy in educating herself and in giving back to her community. She completed 21 merit badges for tasks such as climbing, tying knots and fishing. In all, Angelina completed nine more electives than she needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Angelina also organized and led a conservation service project with a crew of volunteers who removed invasive species at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Through her accomplishments, she has learned numerous first aid and outdoor skills and how to be a positive, contributing citizen. She has also learned valuable leadership skills that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.

As one of the first women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Iowa, I can attest that being the first at something is never easy. Angelina's bravery and determination, and her belief that young women should have an equal chance to learn about leadership and valuable life skills makes me so excited to see what the next generation can achieve. 1 am proud to represent constituents like Angelina who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and take a chance at doing something new. During this first week of Women's History Month, I couldn't be happier to name trailblazing Angelina as Iowan of the Week.