Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Derek E. Williams of Kearney, MO, 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.

Derek has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 3 years Derek has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Derek is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Order of the Arrow, and Brotherhood.

For his Eagle Scout project, Derek built a bridge at the Lions Club Park. With the addition of Derek's bridge, the park is now handicap accessible. The project took approximately 120 hours to complete.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derek E. Williams 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 Jeffrey William Haynes of Kearney, Missouri, 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.

Jeff has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the nine years Jeff has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Scribe, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Jeff attended H. Roe Bartle each year since becoming a member of Troop 397, and is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Order of the Arrow, and Brotherhood.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jeff disassembled and removed the old playground equipment in Lion's Park in Kearney; and then assembled and installed new playground equipment.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey William Haynes 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 Alexander Coble Kreeger of Kearney, Missouri, 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.

Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 10 years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Bugler, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Alex attended H. Roe Bartle Camp for 6 years, becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow in 2000, Ordeal in 2000, and Brotherhood in 2001.

For his Eagle Scout project, Alex cleaned and repaired the Lion's Club garage in Kearney.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Coble Kreeger 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 Paul Westfall of Blue Springs, Missouri, 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 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 the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paul Westfall 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 Scott Tucker of Blue Springs, Missouri, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Scott Tucker 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 Alex Stamos of Blue Springs, Missouri, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Stamos 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, on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes No. 532 and No. 533. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 532, H.R. 1417, the Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 533, a bill to improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Soendker of Blue Springs, MO, 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 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 the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Soendker 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 W. Kreeger of Kearney, Missouri, 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.

Nick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the thirteen years Nick has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Nick attended H. Roe Bartle Camp for five years, becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow in 1997, Ordeal in 1997, and Brotherhood in 1998.

For his Eagle Scout project, Nick rebuilt a sidewalk at the daycare of the First Christian Church in Kearney.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas W. Kreeger 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 Kreeger of Kearney, Missouri, 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.

Ben has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the ten years Ben has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Ben attended H. Roe Bartle Camp for four years, becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow in 2000, Ordeal in 2000, and Brotherhood in 2001.

For his Eagle Scout project, Ben painted all of Kearney's fire hydrants north of Highway 92; he painted the 69 hydrants fire safety yellow.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Benjamin Kreeger 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 the Buckner Christian Church. On November 14, 2004, the Buckner Christian Church celebrated 120 years of service. In 1884, after much thought and prayer, twenty-six devout Christians in or near Buckner Hill, most members of Sibley Christian Church, elected a building committee of four. Together they founded the church. They organized themselves ``into a congregation of worshiping Disciples, by renewing our covenant with our Heavenly Father, and pledging our mutual faith to each other, promising thereby to take the Word of God as our only rule of faith.''

On November 8, 1884, the trustees purchased four lots for $100 in the town of Buckner Hill. Despite many weather disasters and set-backs, a simple, almost austere, building was erected and the congregation was able to attend church in their own sanctuary. In 1923, plans were made to build a new church. On March 24, 1924, the old building was moved to the lots at the back of the site where services continued while a new church was built. The cornerstone of the new building was laid on June 15, 1924, and on Sunday, May 3, 1925, the new church was dedicated debt-free, with services in the morning, a basket dinner at noon, and an afternoon formal dedication service. The Independence Christian Church loaned an old pulpit to the church which is still in use today. This pulpit was once used by Alexander Campbell during one of his visits to Independence. In 1957, city water was installed and the baptistery remodeled. In 1963, the first telephone was installed. In 1995, the stained glass windows were replaced and a new wooden window- sash was made. In 1997, a new slate roof replaced the old one.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating the Buckner Christian Church on 120 years of service. I honor the early members of the church as they tried to keep their Christian commitment in their community. Today, I honor the young people of the church and those who will lead it in the future. May the Buckner Christian Church grow and prosper in this new century.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Hite of Liberty, Missouri, 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 388, 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.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Hite 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 Kurtis R. Morris of Parkville, Missouri, 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 260, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. On November 6, Kurtis will receive his Eagle Scout Award at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kurtis R. Morrison 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 MacKenzie T. Glazer, 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 260, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. On November 6, MacKenzie will receive his Eagle Scout Award at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor in Kansas City, Missouri.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending MacKenzie T. Glazer 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 Charles Patrick Shinogle, 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 261, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Charles has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Charles 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 Charles Patrick Shinogle for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.