Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jordan Carlisle, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 31, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Jordan has shown an extraordinary commitment to scouting as evidenced by earning over 30 merit badges.

Jordan's Eagle Scout service project consisted of restoring the landscaping near the sign of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church of Savannah, Missouri. This project continues the long tradition of community service established by the Boy Scouts of America.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Carlisle for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Grant Dickson Lang of Gladstone, Missouri. Grant is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1155, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Grant has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Grant Dickson Lang for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to personal reasons.

On Monday, September 22, 2008, I missed rollcall votes 616, 617, and 618. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall votes 616 and 617 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 618.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dylan Marcus Legler of Blue Springs, Missouri. Dylan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1138, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Dylan has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Dylan has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dylan Marcus Legler for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Johnson of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Kevin is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 138, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Kevin has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Johnson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Strammel of Liberty, Missouri. Michael is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Michael has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Strammel for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Taylor McElhaney of Kansas City, Missouri. Taylor is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Taylor has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Taylor has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Taylor McElhaney for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Leland Hucke of Liberty, Missouri. Leland is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Leland has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Leland has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Leland Hucke for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Joseph Dillman of Liberty, Missouri. Matthew is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Matthew has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Joseph Dillman for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric Jordan Staves of Liberty, Missouri. Eric is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Eric has been involved with

Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Jordan Staves for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Tom G. Ross on the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of serving and protecting others in law enforcement.

Tom began his career in July of 1967 and faithfully served as a law enforcement officer for more than forty years, including twenty-eight years in the City of Long Beach, California and more than 12 years in the City of Smithville, Missouri. Over the years, Tom has received special recognition from his command staff due to his strong personal qualities, professional skills and his willingness to put his country and fellow citizens before himself.

Tom has earned the gratitude and respect of his fellow officers and fellow citizens of Smithville, Missouri. His life's dedication and hard work should serve as an example to the rest of us on how we can better serve each other and our great nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Tom Ross for his dedicated service to ensuring the safety of the people of Smithville, Missouri. I know Tom's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to others and wishing him happiness and good health in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brendon Thiry of Lee's Summit, Missouri. Brendon is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1255, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brendon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brendon has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brendon Thiry for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Donaldson of Liberty, Missouri. Ryan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Donaldson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cameron Crooks of Kansas City, Missouri. Cameron is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Cameron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Cameron has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cameron Crooks for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Maxwell Bowers of Kearney, Missouri. Maxwell is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Maxwell has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Maxwell has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Maxwell Bowers for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.