Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jordan Fotheringhame. Jordan 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jordan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jordan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jordan constructed a picnic shelter at Mac Porter Park in Kearney, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Fotheringhame 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 Tyler Thorne. Tyler 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many 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. Most notably, Tyler has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Thorne 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 Anthony Deffenbaugh. Anthony 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Anthony has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Anthony has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Anthony has earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Anthony has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Anthony redesigned the trailer for the Blue Springs High School marching band, including the welding, fabricating and assembly of the parts needed to properly protect the instruments during transportation.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Anthony Deffenbaugh 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 Jack Knipp. Jack 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jack has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jack has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jack has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jack has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jack led fellow members of his swim team in putting together a class for basic swim lessons, providing a valuable life lesson to the children he taught.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jack Knipp 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 Donovan Chambers. Donovan 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Donovan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Donovan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Donovan has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Donovan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Donovan led a food drive at his church, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, on behalf of the food pantry for Sacred Heart-- Guadalupe Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Donovan Chambers 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 Carter R. Thompson. Carter 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 310, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Carter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Carter has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Carter has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, has become a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow, and serves as his troop's Senior Patrol Leader. Carter has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Carter cleared a trail and replaced a vandalized handrail at the organized campground at Longview Lake in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Carter R. Thompson 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 J. Gilbert. Daniel 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. 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. Most notably, Daniel has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, has become an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the Ad Altari Dei religious award. Daniel has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Daniel dismantled an old playground set, then expanded and mulched the playground area at the Hope House in Lee's Summit, Missouri, in order to prepare the site for a new playground.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel J. Gilbert 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 Ethan Calfee. Ethan 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 75, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Ethan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan Calfee 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 Zachary Watson. Zachary 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Zachary has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zachary has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Zachary has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zachary Watson 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 Ronald and Linda Farmer of Macon, Missouri. Ronnie and Linda were married on March 14, 1964 and will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 9, 2014.

Ronnie and Linda were married at the Christian Church Parsonage in Kirksville, Missouri. Ronnie would work for 48 years at Con-Agra, starting when he was a junior in high school up to his retirement in 2010. He was also very involved with the Boy Scouts and American Legion baseball. Linda has also served a very important role in her community, serving as a member of the Garden Club among other civic boards, while also playing an instrumental role in preserving the history of Macon, including the Colonel Blees Museum. Additionally, she currently serves on the Macon City Council. Whether taking long road trips across the country, riding roller coasters at Six Flags and Worlds of Fun here in Missouri, or just taking in a Cardinals' game at Busch Stadium, Ronnie and Linda have enjoyed life together and look forward to what the future has in store.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, along with Ronald and Linda Farmer's three sons and their wives, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends and family, in congratulating them on this significant occasion and wishing them many more years of happiness together.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize DeMolay International, a youth service organization based out of Missouri's 6th Congressional District, on celebrating its 95th Anniversary.

DeMolay International is an outstanding leadership and philanthropic organization. Since Frank Sherman Land, a business leader and community volunteer, started DeMolay International in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 18, 1919, the organization has grown exponentially. The innovative and charitable work conducted by the organization now touches the lives of millions in all fifty states, as well as, Washington, DC, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, The Philippines, Australia, Italy, Romania and Serbia. Frank Sherman Land believed in working with others and creating strong bonds that will last a life time. DeMolay International is sponsored by and works closely with The Masons, which are a philanthropic fraternal organization that brings men together to make better communities through charitable work. Throughout history, DeMolay International has stayed true to its seven values of love of family, respect for other people's beliefs, courtesy towards all, brotherhood, honoring one's promises, cleanness in thought word and deed, and love of country. The men who serve in this organization vow to practice and live their lives by these core beliefs.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing DeMolay International for their many contributions to Kansas City and their dedication to service.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lukas James Erickson. Lukas 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 75, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Lukas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Lukas has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Lukas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Lukas designed and constructed a privacy picket fence and rebuilt two long planter boxes at the outdoor classroom of Eugene Field Elementary in Maryville, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lukas James Erickson 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 Tuesday, February 25, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on #63 and #64.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Owens. Ryan 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 75, and 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. Most notably, Ryan has become a Member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Ryan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ryan worked with First United Methodist Church of Maryville, Missouri, to set up a perpetual community assistance program and completed multiple projects as models for the program.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Owens 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 Zane Alexander Smith. Zane 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 216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Zane has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zane has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Zane has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Zane repainted three

signs for VFW Post 919 in Trenton, Missouri. This facility's signs were in need of aid and the VFW holds a special meaning to Zane due to his involvement with the Civil Air Patrol and military veterans.

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