Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Guptill of Kansas City, 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 1247, 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 Guptill 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 James Fluker of Kansas City, Missouri. James 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 1247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

James has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years James 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 James Fluker 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 Trevor Parrish of Blue Springs, Missouri. Trevor 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.

Trevor has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Trevor 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 Trevor Parrish 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 David Roland Cook of Blue Springs, Missouri, for the great achievement of winning the 7th season of American Idol.

For the past 7 years, tens of thousands of Idol hopefuls from across the Nation auditioned for a shot at being the next American Idol. David started his journey by traveling from Blue Springs to the regional auditions in Omaha, Nebraska where he impressed the judges with his version of Bon Jovi's ``Livin' on a Prayer.'' David's performance earned him a trip to Hollywood to compete on the show.

Throughout the season, David showed great strength and a commitment to his music by putting his own personality into each of the songs he performed, and quickly stood out among the contestants. With the support of his family, friends and all of Blue Springs, David never gave up and due to his hard work and passion for music he became the new American Idol.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating David Cook on being named the new American Idol. I am proud to represent such a hardworking and gifted individual in the Sixth Congressional District. I know that all of Blue Springs joins me in wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Frank Buckles, the last remaining American veteran of World War I. Mr. Buckles was born on a farm near Bethany, Missouri in 1901. Mr. Buckles lied about his age to enlist after turning 16, and fought in France and Germany. Later, in World War II he became a prisoner of war for 39 months after the Japanese invaded the Philippines.

Mr. Buckles' life represents the last of a generation that fought for our country to protect the freedoms that this country was founded upon. It is his service, and the service of those that he fought with that we will always remember and pay tribute to. Mr. Buckles is planning to honor his Commanding General John J. Pershing by visiting his boyhood home on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Frank Buckles, a true patriot that represents all those who have served to protect this nation. It is truly an honor to serve Mr. Buckles in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Chad Evan Dale Roberts, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Chad has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chad 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 Chad Evan Dale Roberts 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 Paul Cody Jameson, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Paul has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Paul 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 Paul Cody Jameson 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 Joseph K. Johnsen, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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 Joseph K. Johnsen 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 Andrew Gorski, 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 395, and in 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 Andrew Gorski 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, William S. Robbins III, 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 395, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William 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 William S. Robbins III 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 David James, King 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 900, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David 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 David James King 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 Christopher Saving, 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 395, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christopher 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 Christopher Saving 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 Aaron Paul Price, 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 205, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Aaron 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 Aaron Paul Price 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 Ms. Alesia Hamilton, an exemplary individual and first grade teacher at Edison Elementary in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In 2004, Ms. Hamilton, in accordance with her character of compassion and service, invited Mr. Alferd Williams, 70, into her class of 25 students in order that he may finally learn to read. Her generous nature and commitment to the task of working with Mr. Williams demonstrates her willingness to go above and beyond what is required as a public school teacher. Ms. Hamilton was also recently recognized as the St. Joseph School District Teacher of the Year.

In accordance with my Resolution to recognize the roles and contributions of America's teachers through National Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment to individually recognize Ms. Hamilton as an educator selflessly committed to the development of our nation's students.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alesia Hamilton for her service to America's students and for her efforts put forth in working with Mr. Williams. It is an honor to serve both of these individuals in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize, Ms. Alesia Hamilton, an exemplary individual and first grade teacher at Edison Elementary in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In 2004, Ms. Hamilton, in accordance with her character of compassion and service, invited Mr. Alferd Williams, 70, into her class of 25 students in order that he may finally learn to read. Her generous nature and commitment to the task of working with Mr. Williams demonstrates her willingness to go above and beyond what is required as a public school teacher.

In accordance with my Resolution to recognize the roles and contributions of America's teachers through National Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment to individually recognize Ms. Hamilton as an educator selflessly committed to the development of our nation's students.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alesia Hamilton for her service to America's students and for her efforts put forth in working with Mr. Williams. It is an honor to serve both of these individuals in the United States Congress.