Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan Vernickas, 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 214, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jonathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jonathan 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 Jonathan Vernickas for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Jonathan in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adam Zeller, 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 180, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Adam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Adam 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 Adam Zeller for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Adam in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Ted Nelson of Liberty, Missouri. Ted served in the United States Navy. He fought for our country during the Korean War.

Mr. Nelson enlisted in the United States Navy before he had the opportunity to graduate from high school. He continued to serve in the Navy during the Korean War. He served honorably and returned to Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Nelson recently received his high school diploma from the Marcus School District in Marcus, Iowa.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Ted Nelson. His many years of distinguished service and commitment to serving his country have been an inspiration. I commend him for his service, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Chad Brenton, 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 320, 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 Brenton for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Chad in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Johns, 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 393, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bradley has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Bradley 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 Bradley Johns for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Bradley in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Martha C. Stonum of Lawson, Missouri. Martha will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 31, 2007, and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone.

Mrs. Stonum was born in Lathrop, Missouri where she began her education in a one-room school house, before ultimately attending William Jewell College. Mrs. Stonum is a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to two sons, one step son, four grandchildren, two step grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three step great- grandchildren, and one step great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Stonum is still an active member of her community, visiting her beauty shop and church weekly.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Martha C. Stonum. It is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best for many more birthdays in the future.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher D. 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 351, 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 D. Roberts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Christopher in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evan S. Knoll, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan 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 Evan S. Knoll for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Evan in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David I. Hon, 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 351, 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 I. Hon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent David in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenneth G. Sampsell, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kenneth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kenneth 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 Kenneth G. Sampsell for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Kenneth in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas J. Moore, 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.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. When Nicholas achieved the rank of Eagle Scout this summer at Bartle Camp, he became the first Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 900. Over the many years Nicholas 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 Nicholas J. Moore 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 Sean T. Cowden, 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.

Sean has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Sean 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 Sean T. Cowden for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Sean in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan E. Mose, 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 in 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 E. Mose for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Ryan in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Keeney, 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 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bradley has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Bradley has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. It is with extreme pleasure that I commend the dedication Bradley has shown.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bradley for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am proud to represent Bradley in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about a very special Missourian.

Larry Stewart has spent the past 27 years selflessly giving to the people of Kansas City. Mr. Stewart is a kind-hearted businessman from Lee's Summit, Missouri, and until recently, was known to many only as the ``Secret Santa.'' Every December since 1979, Mr. Stewart has wandered the streets of Kansas City quietly searching for people in need, and handing them $100 bills.

This honorable tradition began with a generous tip to a stranger. Mr. Stewart had just been fired from his job, the week before Christmas, and drove to a drive-in restaurant to cheer himself up. As soon as he saw what the $20 bill he had handed the waitress meant to her, he withdrew $200 from his bank account and drove around looking for people who seemed like they could use a lift. He has been handing out cash to people in need every December since. This year, with the help of a few special elves and four specially trained Secret Santas, he will hand out $165,000.

Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart will also be spending this December fighting his esophageal cancer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to keep Mr. Stewart in their thoughts, and use him as an example of kindness and generosity this holiday season.