Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles Michael Pedersen, 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 218, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Charles has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the 2001 National Scout Jamboree, Camp Geiger, Camp Geiger Staff in 2000, 2001, and 2002, and junior leadership training in 2002. Over the 11 years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges. Additionally, Charles has held numerous leadership positions, serving as senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, troop guide, troop instructor, troop historian, and assistant patrol leader. Charles also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, Camp Geiger Staffman of the week in 2001, Lone Bear Council in the tribe of Mic-O- Say and Tom-Tom Beater in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Fisher, 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.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as Camp Bartle and Philmont. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 32 merit badges. Additionally, Andrew has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Quartermaster. Andrew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, the World Conservation Award, and the 50 Miller Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew prepared a landscaping and renovation project for a memorial to a fallen firefighter in Weston, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Fisher 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 rise today to proudly recognize Erin Collins, a very dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Washington, D.C., congressional staff.

Erin has served my office and other congressional offices for nearly 5 years as an intern, legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, scheduler and office manager. She has established a passion for working on the Hill. Erin holds dear the people she has worked with in her many roles as a Hill member.

I, and others, greatly appreciate Erin's hard work and commitment. Constituents have grown to know her attention to detail, her knowledge of so many issues and her personal touch that should not go unrecognized.

It is unfortunate for many that Erin will be leaving the Hill because she has left her unique stamp on so many people. However, her ultimate dedication to her soon-to-be husband and his duty of serving our country show great devotion and courage. We wish both of them nothing but the best.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask my colleagues to join me in commending Erin Collins for many important contributions to myself, my staff and those she has worked with and those she has served. She will be missed by many.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Norman Bowers, 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 444, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matt has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the Packarad and Sea Base High Adventure Camps. Additionally, Matt earned 29 merit badges for different activities and projects. Over the eleven years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions with his troop, serving as den chief, troop guide, quartermaster, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader.

For his Eagle Scout project, Matt remodeled a nursery for the Parkville Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Norman Bowers 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 Gregory Hawkins, 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 66, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Gregory has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger, Camp Bartle, and 45 nights of camping with his troop. Additionally, Gregory has earned 33 merit badges for activities and projects he has participated in. During his time with Troop 66, he has been involved in over 112 hours of community service that the troop has performed.

For his Eagle Scout project, Gregory landscaped an area next to Clinton County Middle School. He moved a tree and constructed and installed five benches for the middle school students to use.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Gregory Hawkins 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 Charlotte Edmundson, vice-president and head of customer service for the Chillicothe State Bank in Chillicothe, Missouri. Charlotte has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for her 47 year commitment to the bank and the citizens of Chillicothe.

Charlotte is well known among staff and patrons of the bank for going above and beyond customer service standards, when dealing with both banking and non-banking issues. She interacts on many levels with everyone she comes in contact with and maintains the highest degree of professionalism and honesty. She prides herself on getting her job done right and getting it done on time.

During her years with the bank, Charlotte attained knowledge of the customer service department and the bank's operations that made her an exemplary employee heavily relied upon by management and fellow bank staff. Her coworkers have described her as honest, reliable, helpful, trustworthy and professional.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Charlotte Edmundson, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service as both an employee and citizen of Chillicothe, MIssouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dustin John Wright, 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.

Dustin has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp for five years, and the BSA snorkeling and ranger programs. Over the 10 years he has been involved in scouting, Dustin has earned 35 merit badges. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, and troop's chaplain aide. Dustin also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Parvuli Dei Catholic Religious Award, the Ad Altare Dei Catholic Religious Medal, the Arrow of Light Award, the World Conservation Award, and the Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Dustin constructed and installed a handrail for a bridge, and improved 150 feet of trail with gravel at the Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, MO.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dustin John Wright 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 Christopher Robert Kennaley, 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.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp for 7 years, the Philmont High Adventure and the Packard High Adventure. Over the nine years he has been involved in scouting, Christopher has earned 33 merit badges. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as three time patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. Christopher also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the member of the Order of the Arrow, the Parvuli Dei Catholic Religious Award, the Ad Altars Dei Catholic Religious Medal, the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award and the World Conservation Award.

For his eagle scout project, Christopher designed and constructed a fence on the side of a storage shed at St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, MO.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Robert Kennaley 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 Phillip George Shinn, 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.

Phillip has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp for three years, and the Brownsea Junior leadership training in July of 2003. Over the seven years he has been involved in scouting, Phillip has earned 37 merit badges. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as two-time patrol leader, den chief, scribe, instructor, and librarian. Phillip also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Member of the Order of the Arrow, The Light of Christ Award, the Parvuli Dei Catholic religious award, the Ad Altare Dei Catholic religious medal, and the Deutsch (a German interpreter).

For his Eagle Scout project, Phillip constructed and installed 30 road signs at Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Phillip George Shinn 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 Matthew Robert Petcoff, 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.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp for six years, the Philmont High Adventure and Troop Camping. Over the 12 years he has been involved in scouting, Matthew has earned 36 merit badges. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as troop scribe, chaplain's aide, assistant patrol leader, troop guide, and troop trainer. Matthew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Parvuli Dei Catholic Religious Award, the Ad Altare Dei Catholic Religious Medal, and the Warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his eagle scout project, Matthew created a landscaped flagpole area with a cement walkway for the Hills of Walden Neighborhood Clubhouse in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Robert Petcoff 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 Joseph Michael Myers, 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.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp for 8 years, H. Roe Bartle Summer Camp Staff Member, Seabase High Adventure and Snaws. Over the 13 years he has been involved in scouting, Joseph has earned 30 merit badges. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Librarian, Historian, Instructor and Quartermaster. Joseph also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Member of the Order of The Arrow, The Parvuli Dei Catholic Religious Award, the Ad Altare Dei Catholic Religious Medal, and the Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Joseph imbedded water bars and spread gravel over a section of trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Michael Myers 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 Jason Guthery, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. He has been honored with the Award of Distinction as winner of the Cotillion for Achievement scholarship program.

The Cotillion for Achievement award was established in 1986 and is presented annually. Two winners, one male, one female, are selected from public and private school seniors attending school in Andrew and Buchanan County, Missouri. Students are evaluated on four criteria; scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and an essay written by the student. This prestigious award has been extended to Jason.

Jason has established himself as a well-rounded student. He is involved in numerous activities, including Student Council president, yearbook editor, newspaper editor, Spirit team, baseball captain, football captain, LaFayette overnight experience, Peers Always Listen, blood mobile, Youth Forum facilitator, Lindbergh Christmas volunteer, Young Life junior leader, and a junior counselor of the Missouri Association of Student Councils. Additionally, he has been honored for his achievements with such awards and distinctions as the Students Owning Academic Responsibility academic pin winner and academic letter winner.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jason Guthery for his many achievements and in wishing him the best of luck in his future.

Mr. Speaker, last night, the United States continued its march against those who threaten the security of the United States. As the United States leads a coalition of nations willing to combat terror and evil, I offer my prayers to our heroic men and women who have been called on to defend our freedom. These brave soldiers are the latest of a long and proud history of courageous Americans dedicated to protecting the citizens of the United States.

For 12 long years, Iraq has failed to disarm and live up to the agreements it promised to uphold. By choosing not to disarm or to surrender power peacefully, Saddam Hussein has left us with no other option but to disarm him by force.

This is a critical moment in American history. We could either choose the path of appeasement or choose the path of forceful disarmament. History has shown that appeasement has never prevented war; it only postponed war. America must not wait for Saddam Hussein to build an arsenal strong enough and deadly enough to blackmail the Free World. The time for action is now. May God Bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Veronica Nigh, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. She has been honored with the Award of Distinction as winner of the Cotillion for Achievement Scholarship Program.

The Cotillion for Achievement Award was established in 1986 and is presented annually. Two winners, one male, one female are selected from public and private school seniors attending school in Andrew and Buchanan County, Missouri. Students are evaluated on four criteria, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and an essay written by the student. This prestigious award has been extended to Veronica.

Veronica has established herself as a well-rounded student. She is involved in numerous activities, including Student Council, FFA, FCCLA, Social Studies Club, National Honors Society, class officer, volleyball, county fair play, the county museum, the County Fair Board, Student Tutors and the District Health Board as a student ambassador. Additionally, she has been honored for her achievements with such awards and distinctions as The National Honor Society Award, Missouri Girls State Minority House Leader, who's who among American high school students, student of the quarter, 1st place on the State Agriculture Literacy Team, 3rd place on the state FFA Agriculture Sales Team, the Washington Leadership Conference, FFA Chapter Star Greenhand, State FFA Creed Speaker, High Honor Roll, Honor Letter and The Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy First Place Novice Division.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Veronica Nigh for her many achievements and in wishing her the best of luck in her future.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Devin Goodlet, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. He has been honored with the award of distinction as winner of the Cotillion for Achievement Scholarship Program.

The Cotillion for Achievement Award was established in 1986 and is presented annually. Two winners, one male, one female, are selected from public and private school seniors attending school in Andrew and Buchanan County, Missouri. Students are evaluated on four criteria: scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and an essay written by the student. This prestigious award has been extended to Devin.

Devin has established himself as a well-rounded student. He is involved in numerous activities, including varsity tennis, student government, UMKC leadership seminar, Forum Club, Spanish Club, JCCC Mathcount, Math Olympiad, National Forensics League, Heartland Health Systems, Food Can Drive, Habitat for Humanity, Harvest Food Bank, Multiple Sclerosis Walk for the Cure, United Way penny drive, Missouri State Senate youth forum, 2000 election campaign, doctors day, royal family kids camp, and the Diwali Celebration. Additionally, he has been honored for his achievements with such awards and distinctions as the National Honor Society Award, the National Merit Commendation Award, the Academic Excellence Award, Bright Flight Scholar, the Missouri Math League Award, the ASME Math Competition Award, Duke University Tip Scholar while qualifying for the State tennis competition.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Devin Goodlet for his many achievements and in wishing him the best of luck in his future.