Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Carlene Makawski of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Carlene is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Carlene is described as an enthusiastic and inspirational volunteer whose commitment and enthusiasm never waiver. Carlene has provided a lifetime of service and contributions to a great variety of organizations and initiatives throughout her life. Carlene is a Life Member and Board Vice President for the Girl Scouts. She has over 50 years of service to the PEO Sisterhood. Over the course of 20 years she has served as both Treasurer and President for the Heartland Health Auxiliary.

Carlene served as a two term President of the YWCA, overseeing construction of the Aquatic Center. She has worked with United Way, the American Red Cross and March of Dimes. She has dedicated over two decades volunteering at the Open Door Food Kitchen where she has done everything from scrubbing pots and pans to serving on its board of directors. One Carlene's most beloved volunteer position comes from the many roles that she fills at the Pony Express National Museum where she has once again done everything from tour guide to serving as the Great Pumpkin.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Carlene Makawski. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals and remains as a blessing to everyone in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dr. Melody Smith of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Melody is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Woman in the Workplace Award.

Melody has been the Superintendent of the Saint Joseph School District since 2006. Under Melody's leadership the Saint Joseph School District has earned the Missouri Distinction in Performance rating six times. Melody is also credited with bringing State recognition to Saint Joseph for excellence in Early Childhood Education. As Superintendent, Melody has been a true leader and mentor encouraging teachers to pursue national board certification and to work toward postgraduate degrees.

During her tenure in that position she developed the PACT program to give the people of the school district a voice in guiding the educational future of the community. Thanks to those efforts, Saint Joseph will be enjoying two new schools in the very near future. If asked she will simply say that she has viewed the job of Superintendent as an opportunity to serve. With all of these accomplishments, one distinction will always remain for Melody; that she was the first woman to serve as Superintendent for the Saint Joseph School District.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Melody Smith. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brooke Ward of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brooke is active in the community and in her school and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Future Leader Award.

Brooke Ward is a perfect example of leading through example. She graduated second in her class at Lafayette High School, while excelling in both AP and Honors level classes. She received letters in both volleyball and basketball, mentored other students, volunteered throughout the community and has advocated for Drug and Alcohol Free living. Brooke's writing skills allowed her to be one of two nationally selected students to participate in a study of Mao's Long March through Eastern China.

Brooke has also been active through roles in student government and she served as the Senate Minority Floor Leader at Girls State. I had the privilege of having Brooke work in my Saint Joseph office as an intern. As a high school student, she set an incredibly high standard for the interns that followed her to try and live up to. To say that Brooke is an impressive young woman with a bright and successful future in front of her is a complete understatement.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Brooke Ward. She is an amazing individual and a tremendous asset to the Saint Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 2013, on rollcall vote #260, Blumenauer amendment 8, I voted ``yea.'' I intended to vote ``nay'' on the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kappy Hodges of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Kappy is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Emerging Leader Award.

Kappy Hodges is a walking testament to the power of volunteerism and what a positive affect it can have on a community. Kappy was a founding board member of the Saint Joseph chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She has been recognized for her work with the Junior League and has been praised for her work to support Animal Shelter and Rescue. She has also been a diligent fund raiser and coordinator for large community projects like Trails West! and the Apple Blossom Pageant.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Kappy Hodges. She has already made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Karen Graves of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Karen is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Although she wasn't born in Saint Joseph, the moment that she arrived Karen has been involved in the community and shows no signs of stopping. Karen has been responsible for the creation of Trails West!, one of Missouri's premiere art, music and cultural festivals. Karen also spearheaded Saint Joseph's designation as an All American City in 1997. As a member of the Saint Joseph Symphony board of directors and co-founder of the Missouri Western State University Art Society Karen strives to ensure that Saint Joseph residents benefit from a full spectrum exposure to all of the arts.

Karen was also one of the founding visionaries of the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri. This non-profit organization allows individuals a simple way to support their favorite charities and successfully raised $15 million to that end. She serves as co-chair for the current YWCA capitol funds drive and was recently named one of 50 Missourians You Should know by Ingram's Magazine.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Karen Graves. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Loes Hedge of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Loes is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Woman in Volunteerism Award.

Loes Hedge is a retired educator that continues to have a positive influence in the Saint Joseph community to this day. Loes has served as the President of Saint Joseph's NAACP and continues her work with them today as it's current secretary. Recently she was awarded the YWCA's Racial Justice Award in recognition of her many efforts to bridge diversity, empower at risk students and to strengthen education universally. Loes has also been honored as an inductee to the Black Archives Museum Hall of Fame.

Loes also continues in her role as mentor for young educators and serves as a Co-Chair for the Saint Joseph School District Long-Range Planning Committee. She has served on the YWCA Board of Directors, has been involved in voter registration efforts throughout Saint Joseph.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Loes Hedge. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nancy Joe of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Nancy is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Support Services Award.

Nancy Joe, who is affectionately referred to as `mom' by her co- workers has established herself as a treasured fixture at Commerce Bank. Nancy has been praised for no only knowing how things need to be done, but for taking time to help train and mentor others rise to meet her exacting standards.

Nancy also carries those same standards of excellence into the Saint Joseph community through her time volunteering. Whether she is serving her community in her church, delivering meals through Meals on Wheels or as the long standing co-chair for Open Door Food Kitchen Nancy can be counted on to do her very best.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Nancy Joe. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Brizendine. Christopher 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 214, and 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 34 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Christopher has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Christopher researched and reconstructed sheep feeders at Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, Missouri, to be used during historical reenactments at the historic site.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Brizendine 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 Ben Laughlin. Ben 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 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ben Laughlin 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 Will Ording. Will 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 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Will Ording 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 Parker Wrigley. Parker 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 1394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Parker has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Parker has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 34 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Parker has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Parker raised funds for the purchase and installation of a monument sign for Hobby Hill Park in Gladstone, Missouri, in addition to providing landscaping and painting improvements to the park.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker Wrigley 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 Sean Baker. Sean 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 376, and 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. Most notably, Sean has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sean Baker 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 Westhues. Alex 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 376, and 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 also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Alex has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Westhues 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 want to also welcome Mr. Smith to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lacy said that he is a fourth-generation farmer, but he is actually a seventh-generation Missourian, and he has been living on the same farm that his great-grandfather once lived on. He graduated from my alma mater, the University of Missouri, and he has been involved in agriculture and practicing law. As a farmer, I don't think we can ever have enough farmers in this body.

Mr. Speaker, Missouri is known as the ``Show-Me'' State, and last night, Jason Smith won a special election with over 67 percent of the vote, and I think that shows that he is truly the Representative of the Eighth District of the State of Missouri.

So it gives me a great deal of pleasure to yield to the gentleman from the Eighth District of Missouri, Jason Smith.