Floor Statements

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Madam President, today I rise in celebration of Robert Joseph Nuelle's 95th birthday, who has and continues to live a life defined by service.

Born on April 7, 1928, in Jennings, MO, to Eugene and Sophie Nuelle alongside 11 siblings, Robert attended McBride High School in St. Louis. Following World War II, he chose to serve his Nation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, the same path of his older brother Kenny. Both served as SeaBees. While serving, Robert was stationed in Pensacola, FL, and later served on a destroyer in the Korean war.

He played baseball for the Navy's team, and in a very unforgettable moment, he had the opportunity to play with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams. And following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Robert played for the minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves and played semi-pro baseball for another team. While an accident at work unfortunately ended his baseball playing career, Robert found success in other arenas.

Robert worked at Telegraphic Services, later renamed to TSI Graphics, a company that specialized in ``Lino-Type,'' which entailed printing books using hot lead. While at TSI Graphics, Robert transformed the company by expanding their business to major publishers in New York and ensuring that the company operated as good corporate citizens. He retired in 1993.

Following his retirement, Robert became heavily involved in philanthropic efforts. He volunteered at Wings of Hope, a humanitarian aviation organization, serving as the charity's chairman for their golf tournament alongside helping in the charity's other efforts. Robert also became involved with Friends of Kids with Cancer, where he still volunteers to this day. He has been the chairman of their golf tournament, delivered food to kids going through chemotherapy, and aided in the charity's mission, which is to support children going through cancer and their families. He still remains a cherished member of their organization. Robert also volunteers at a food pantry every Monday, undeterred by the pandemic.

Robert and his first wife, JoAnn, married in 1955 and moved to Creve Coeur, MO. They had two children, Robert, Jr., and Mark. JoAnn passed away in 2005 after 50 loving years of marriage. Robert was remarried to Peggy Hummert in 2009. Outside of public service, Robert plays golf every week, weather permitting, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Robert truly embodies sacrifice and service. Having served proudly in the military, spent his entire career at a single company, raised a loving family, and dedicated his retirement to philanthropy, he is a shining example of a great Missourian.

Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and memory of T.E. ``Jake'' Fisher, of Portageville, MO.

Jake Fisher was well known for his time as director of the University of Missouri's Delta Research Center, in Portageville, MO, which was renamed the ``Fisher'' Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center in Jake's honor after his retirement in 2011. Jake began his career at the Delta Research Center in 1961 and worked his way up from farm worker to director by 1989, until his retirement after more than 50 years with the University of Missouri. To commemorate Jake's service to the University of Missouri, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources created the T.E. Jake Fisher Scholarship Fund, to continue Jake's huge legacy of encouraging students from the Bootheel region to attend Mizzou.

Jake's devotion to his community and the State of Missouri will never be forgotten. He served on numerous boards over the years and maintained connections with folks across the State. One of his most passionate roles was president of the Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, a position he held until his retirement in September of 2022. He also held positions on the boards of the M&A Electric Power Cooperative and the Associated Electric Cooperative.

Jake was a fine man that will forever be remembered for possessing a heart of gold and an enormous friendly presence. I had the distinct honor of meeting Jake at the Annual Fisher Delta Research Center Field Days, an event where thousands of guests from across the State of Missouri gather to celebrate agriculture, Southeast Missouri, and life- long learning. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Jake Fisher, and I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Shelly, daughter Stacey, and remaining family and friends during this difficult time of mourning.