Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa Kloiber of Great Falls, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for her service to her country and leadership in her community.

With a family tradition of service in our country's armed forces stretching back generations, Mrs. Kloiber joined the United States Air Force immediately after high school. She served our country's men and women wounded in action as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician from 1992 to 1996 on both active duty and in the Air Force Reserves.

In 2011, Melissa's 6-month-old daughter Jacey was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Doctors said it was unlikely Jacey would make it to her second birthday. But with undaunted spirits, Melisa and her husband Allan, also an Air Force veteran, helped Jacey beat the odds, and, thankfully, Jacey started 2nd grade this year.

Mrs. Kloiber is using the knowledge and experience she gained in helping her daughter to help others. She started Jacey's Journey, a non-profit organization that provides education and assistance to families with children suffering from neuromuscular disorders. To assist Jacey, the Kloiber's developed a unique mobility device known as an Angel Arm, and through Jacey's Journey, more than 200 of the devices have been provided for children around the world.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Melissa Kloiber for her dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Louis Loader of Hobson, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Loader served his country proudly in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist aboard the U.S.S. Boxer. He was on active duty in the Korean Theater during the Korean War. He also served for 6 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring from duty in 1960.

Mr. Loader's contributions to his small community of Hobson are felt on many levels. He is appreciated by the elderly in town for voluntarily cutting their grass or meeting their needs no matter what the call.

He is appreciated by the fire and rescue personal for being a willing volunteer and responding to emergencies in the remote Sapphire Village area.

Mr. Loader is appreciated as a ``model citizen'' and an ``integral part of this small community,'' says Hobson neighbor Christy Potter.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Louis Loader for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Douglas Mason of Corvallis, a recipient of the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Mason joined the United States Army in 1981 and served with the Second Ranger Battalion, seeing action in Grenada in 1983. His military career included service as a Special Forces Green Beret Sergeant, and after being commissioned an officer through ROTC, he obtained the rank of Captain in the Infantry. He is a decorated veteran, and among his commendations are the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Valorous Unit Award, which recognizes extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States.

After serving his country, Mr. Mason became Post Commander of Corvallis American Legion Post 91, using his leadership skills to promote patriotism and respect for veterans and the military. He helped establish the Corvallis Veterans Monument, expanded the Memorial Day parade, and established the Veterans Day Parade. He was a driving force behind the creation of U.S. and POW flag displays along Corvallis' Main Street and each year he teaches flag etiquette to students in the community.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Douglas Mason for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ronald Merwin of Ronan, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Merwin served 21 distinguished years in the United States Navy as a submarine specialist. A member of the ``silent service,'' Mr. Merwin was a valued shipmate and officer on conventional and nuclear submarine deployments during the height of the Cold War. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his retirement in 1981.

Mr. Merwin is actively involved in numerous veterans and civic organizations serving his community. As Commander of VFW Post 5652 in Ronan, Mr. Merwin was awarded the rare honor of being named a VFW All American Post Commander. He coordinates fund-raising events, youth programs, community celebrations, and was a board member of the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana for 15 years.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Ronald Merwin for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alfred Olson of Miles City, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Olson is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from 1956 to 1962 in the 4061st Civil Engineer Squadron, earning the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and attaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class.

Serving his community as a dedicated Senior Corp RSVP volunteer, Mr. Olson has driven nearly 100,000 miles and logged over 10,000 hours transporting veterans to medical appointments. But Mr. Olson provides much more than just transportation. His kindness and dedication to the needs of Montana's veterans enhances their quality of life with friendly interaction, meals, and comfort.

Mr. Olson never hesitates to go the extra mile. On one occasion he spent an unplanned three days on the road giving comfort and care to a veteran who had surgery in Helena.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Alfred Olson for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martel Reum of Wolf Point, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Reum served for 13 years in the United States Army. His service included two tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was also an Army recruiter. Mr. Reum was recognized by the Army for his meritorious service and achievements and awarded multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Gold Recruiter Badge.

In service to his community, Mr. Reum is a Student Success Advocate at Fort Peck Community College, where he helps students and veterans reach their educational goals through the college's TRIO program. He is continuing his own education in Human Services with the goal of helping members of his community be free from chemical addiction.

As a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Mr. Reum is helping to promote the traditions of his tribe and preserve the Assiniboine language, teaching language classes at Fort Peck Community College. He also serves on the Fort Peck Assiniboine Council and volunteers at tribal and community ceremonies.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Martel Reum for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ladd Paulson of Billings, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Paulson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1983 and served two deployments in the South Pacific with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. He rose to the rank of Corporal through four years of active duty and two years as a reservist.

Mr. Paulson served the Billings community as a law enforcement officer. He was active in the domestic violence task force and instrumental in organizing local businesses to help in the prevention of domestic violence. He was awarded the Montana Law Enforcement Medal of Honor for his bravery under fire while apprehending an armed and dangerous criminal. Even after a service-connected injury forced him to retire in 2002, he remains active serving others through his advocacy for disabled law enforcement officers.

Mr. Paulson also volunteers his time in the Adopt-A-Cop program at area schools, as a

law enforcement liaison to the Montana Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council, and as a lunchroom aide at Arrowhead Elementary.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Ladd Paulson for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding.

This farm bill is a win for Montana's farmers and ranchers who work the land, feed our country and the world.

As they know too well, weather and markets bring uncertainty. This farm bill gives our farmers and ranchers a strong safety net that protects them against the impact of natural disasters and unpredictable, unfair trade practices of other countries.

Mr. Speaker, this farm bill has Montana's fingerprints on it, and it addresses many of our key priorities. It protects Montana's sugar beet growers and processors, and it supports the Agricultural Research Service, which includes several experiment stations in Montana.

It helps Montanans throughout the State by providing a grant for rural emergency services, training, and equipment, particularly in our rural areas. It improves how we manage our forests by empowering county governments to improve management of neighboring national forest lands. It also improves rural broadband that is so important to our small communities.

Mr. Speaker, this farm bill works for Montana. I urge my colleagues to give America's farmers and ranchers the certainty they need and vote for the farm bill conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Len Albright of Bozeman, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Albright is a four-year veteran of the United States Air Force and served his country in the 55th Recon Squadron during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Albright became heavily involved in serving the veteran community following his time in the Air Force. He is Commander of American Legion Post 14, Vice President of Veterans Alliance of Southwest Montana, a Mentor Coordinator for the Veteran Eligible

Treatment Services Court, and Chairman of the Memorial Day Parade committee. He is also active in Honor Guard, Color Guard, and other veteran organizations. In addition to his work with veterans' groups, he serves as a community sports advocate and official.

Mr. Albright is the son of a World War II and Korean War veteran, and he has inspired his son and grandson to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Len Albright for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Alex of Libby, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Alex served his country in the United States Air Force for more than two decades, including service in the Vietnam War. Beginning his career in 1953, he retired a Senior Master Sergeant in 1976, working as an Aircraft Jet Engine Maintenance Superintendent.

Mr. Alex's leadership and dedication to the community is evident through his many years of service at area schools as an administrator and school board member.

On Veterans Day, Mr. Alex proudly speaks to area students about his 23-year military career. According to Libby resident and schoolteacher Chrys Marchant, ``He makes everyone feel welcome and valuable in all situations.''

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending John Alex for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harry Armstrong of Belgrade, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Armstrong joined the United States Marine Corps in 1964 and competed in shooting sports throughout the United States for the Marine Corps Shooting Team. He completed his 12-year active and reserve duty military career in 1976, retiring with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Since 2014, Mr. Armstrong has served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps League Robert Ellard Detachment 1050. His passion for shooting sports has led him to open a private shooting range on his ranch for veterans to gather, talk, and in some cases, heal. On the day before Memorial Day each year, Montana veterans and their families join Harry and Louise Armstrong on their ranch where they are treated to a special day in remembrance of their fallen comrades and loved ones.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Harry Armstrong for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald Bost of Lewistown, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Bost was a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees Mobile Construction Battalion 58 in 1968 and 1969. For his service in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense Ribbon and the Vietnam Service Medal.

In Lewistown, Mr. Bost has been a steadfast contributor to numerous community and veteran projects. He is the Commander of American Legion Fergus Post 16 and has donated countless hours working on the Veterans Memorial Park and various events.

As an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce for 34 years, Mr. Bost helped boost the area's economy by working to establish the Nexus Treatment Center and Western Transportation Institute facilities in Lewistown. He readily participates in more than a dozen local business, civic, and veteran organizations, and his involvement with local historic attractions helps keep the area's tourism industry vibrant.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Donald Bost for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Micah Fink of Manhattan, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Fink served with the U.S. Navy SEALs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, receiving the Bronze Star and other honors for his actions. In his 10 years as a Navy SEAL, Mr. Fink conducted operations for United States Pacific Command, United States Central Command, and National Tasking Deployment using land and undersea mobility platforms.

In Manhattan, Mr. Fink founded Heroes and Horses, a non-profit organization that seeks to help veterans coping with PTSD. Mr. Fink and his organization take veterans into the Montana wilderness where they are challenged to perform under pressure during weeks-long excursions. The challenge of a trying environment without the combat element allows veterans to reclaim those parts of themselves they left behind in war, Mr. Fink says.

Mr. Fink's tireless efforts have aided veterans who may need a unique way to heal from the aftermath of war.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Micah Fink for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Garrison of Helena, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community.

Mr. Garrison served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 2005 in the Judge Advocate General's Corps and saw duty during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Garrison received numerous honors for outstanding service and achievement in the Army, including the Legion of Merit, the Army Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He completed his 30-year military career as an Army Colonel.

Mr. Garrison spends countless hours working for Montana Joining Community Forces, a community coalition made up of veteran service providers and organizations committed to aiding service members and their families. Often at his own expense, Mr. Garrison has helped veterans in danger of becoming homeless. He has also staged successful interventions for veterans dealing with substance abuse and used his legal expertise to help veterans navigate the justice system.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Stephen Garrison for his dedication and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harold ``Pete'' Godtland of Butte, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and dedication to his community.

Mr. Godtland served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 7th Infantry Division in the Pacific Ocean theater. Mr. Godtland fought at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, persevering alongside his fellow infantrymen in the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater of World War II. Mr. Godtland remained with the Army until 1946, returning home from his posting in Korea following the end of World War II.

Mr. Godtland routinely honors his fellow veterans as a bugler at military funerals as a member of United Veterans Council's Honor Guard. He has further lent his musical talents to St. Timothy's Memorial Chapel Summer Music Festival at Georgetown Lake, and has been a member of the Butte Symphony. He also volunteers his time and expertise as an architect helping with various community projects such as the Butte Carousel and swimming pool.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Pete Godtland for his dedication and service.