Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing United States Army Private Victor Fontanez, a soldier who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and the United States of America in his service to our country in World War II. Beginning his service in January of 1941, Victor served with the honor and integrity that we have come to admire.

In his military service during World War II, Victor landed in the 9th Infantry Division Company B 47th Infantry 1st Battalion engaged in the African section of the European Front. During an operation in April of 1943 located in Tunisia, Private Fontanez took shrapnel fire and was rewarded the Purple Heart. After recovery he was transferred to the 36th Infantry Division as a Combat Engineer in the Italian Campaign. After the liberation of Rome and victories throughout Italy, Victor and the 36th Infantry Division invaded Southern France on August 15, 1944.

During this invasion of France by the 36th Infantry, Private Fontanez had witnessed the explosion of an Allied plane over the beach. The plane and crew crashed into a lagoon nearby and Private Fontanez acting without hesitation rescued some of the injured flight crew. It was this act of selflessness and bravery that earned Private Fontanez the Soldiers Medal for Heroism.

Victor Fontanez's service to the United States of America in defending freedom will never be forgotten. His courage and dedication when his country needed him the most is something to be admired. I am honored to represent one of America's great heroes and I ask the United States Congress to join me in honoring his service.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler R. Boggess, 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 397, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities including High Adventure and the Brownsea Leadership Camp. Over the 11 years Tyler has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. The city of Kearney, Missouri benefited from Tyler's leadership in the re-roofing of nine shelters at the Lions Park in Kearney for his Eagle Scout Service Project.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brady Miller, 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 249, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brady has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. For his Eagle Scout project, he constructed a 114 foot walking trail off the main trail at Platte Ridge Park for the Platte County Parks and Recreation Department. Over the many years Brady has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cole S. Klawuhn, 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 94, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daniel James Green, 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.

Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He is currently serving as the Senior Patrol Leader, is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and is a Member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout Project, Daniel chose to build bookcases for four classrooms for Liberty Junior High School. Over the many years Daniel has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ormer Rogers, Jr., the District Manager for the Mid America District of the United States Postal Service. Ormer is retiring after 37 years in the United States Postal Service. He has served the Postal Service with dignity and respect throughout his career.

Ormer began his career in the Postal Service in 1969 as a letter carrier in Dallas, Texas. Over the years he has held management positions in Texas, Ohio, Indiana. Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. As the current District Manager for the Mid America District he is responsible for providing postal services to more than 1.5 million customers in Missouri and Kansas. He manages over 13,000 employees in 710 post offices and six mail processing plants. Ormer has a reputation of treating people with dignity and respect, managing by the philosophy of, treat others how you wish to be treated.

Ormer has always been committed to service. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's Degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University in Dallas, Texas. He also served as a paratrooper in the United States Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has just recently completed serving two terms as Chairman of the Kansas City Federal Executive Board. He also serves on the board of the Heart of America United Way, the board of Visitors of Park University and is president of the Heart America Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Ormer Rogers, Jr. His commitment to service and dedication to the United States Postal Service are greatly appreciated. He will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication over the years. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeffrey B. Roe. After 12 years by my side, Jeff recently retired as my Chief of Staff. Since meeting him in 1994, while I was serving in the Missouri State House of Representatives, Jeff and I have maintained a unique bond; he has been there throughout my entire political career, offering guidance and expertise.

Jeff and I began working together in 1994, when he was an intern and I was a State Representative pursuing a position in the State Senate. We won that election, and Jeff soon became an instrumental member of my staff. Over the next six years, he came in early and stayed late, the consummate professional. When I made the decision to seek the 6th Congressional District seat in the 2000, Jeff was again by my side. Those late nights and tireless hours on the road paid off, and Jeff followed me to Washington, DC, and created an office structure that we still use today. Jeff has held every job in each of my offices and has used that experience to help develop outstanding employees that leave our office more polished and determined than when they enter. Jeff has always had a love of government and politics. He has a unique perspective on the way that the world works. His tireless work ethic has always been something that has set him apart, and he was even recognized as one of Kansas City's 40 most influential leaders under the age of 40, in Ingram's Magazine 2003 honors. Throughout his distinguished career in politics, he has helped countless people in their pursuit of public office.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jeffrey B. Roe. His commitment to public service and the professional manner with which he has crafted my office will be missed. I would respectfully like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication over the years. Though he is no longer a member of my staff, I am comforted to know that, because of his hard work, I have the honor of representing him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brittney Loch of Maryville, Missouri. Over the past few months, Brittney has served as my office intern. She has handled her responsibilities with class and enthusiasm. Her efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents.

As a student at Drake University, Brittney has been pursuing a degree in Political Science and came to Washington, DC through the Washington Semester Program to study Public Law. Her ambition and interest in politics have been evident since the first time I met her years ago. Her commitment to public service and her enthusiasm in helping the people of the 6th District is something to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Brittney Loch. She has been great to have in the office and her efforts are much appreciated. I have no doubt that her dreams of working in Congress will be fulfilled. She will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking her for all of her hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric S. Grooms, 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.

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.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob R. Harrington, 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.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas J. Park, 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.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. 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.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Benjamin F. Sanderson, 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.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Shane Daniel of Liberty, Missouri. He has spent many hours of study and preparation as a member of the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team. After numerous competitions and a victory in the regional competition, the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team earned a spot to compete in the 2006 National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, DC.

As one of America's best and brightest, Shane has been an accomplished student. As a student who loves competition, Shane is a member of the Varsity Scholar Bowl team, Future Business Leaders of America, and the cross-country team. He enjoys studying physics, chemistry, and mathematics, hoping to attend the University of Chicago to study in the sciences.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Shane Daniel, an outstanding student from Liberty, Missouri. As a top student who is committed to science and mathematics, Shane will certainly have a bright and fulfilling future. I commend him for his achievements and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John Ahlfield of Liberty, Missouri. He has spent many hours of study and preparation as a member of the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team. After numerous competitions and a victory in the regional competition, the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team earned a spot to compete in the 2006 National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, D.C.

As one of America's best and brightest, John has been an accomplished student. He is a member of Serteens and the National Honor Society. He joined the Liberty Scholar Bowl Team as a sophomore, then became a Varsity member and captain his junior year. Among his favorite subjects are science and mathematics and he hopes to pursue a degree in chemical engineering after graduating from Liberty High School.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing John Ahlfield, an outstanding student from Liberty, Missouri. As a top student who is committed to science and mathematics, John will certainly have a bright and fulfilling future. I commend him for his achievements and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Stephanie Hull of Liberty, Missouri. She has spent many hours of study and preparation as a member of the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team. After numerous competitions and a victory in the regional competition, the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team earned a spot to compete in the 2006 National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, D.C.

As one of America's best and brightest, Stephanie has been an accomplished student. A very active student, she participates in Scholar Bowl, Orchestra, National Honor society, Model UN, Debate, the National Forensic League, her church youth group, and the Senior Girl Scouts. Stephanie would like to become a doctor and is interested in attending UMKC or the University of Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Stephanie Hull, an outstanding student from Liberty, Missouri. As a top student who is committed to science and mathematics, Stephanie will certainly have a bright and fulfilling future. I commend her for her achievements and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.