Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Donna C. Nash. Donna has served as Platte County Collector since 1982 and will be retiring from office on February 28, 2011.

Since first being appointed to office by Governor Kit Bond in 1982, Donna has been elected as Platte County Collector seven times. During her time in this role, she has sought to provide Platte County the technology and leadership needed to become a top-tier county in Missouri. Her office was the first in Missouri to allow taxpayers to pay their taxes via credit card or online and print their receipt online. She has also provided leadership as the first female President of the Missouri County Collectors Association as well as being involved with the Missouri Association of Counties, the National Association of Collectors, the Treasurers and Finance Officers, and the National Association of Counties. She has generously donated her time to such causes as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Cross, among many other organizations she has supported through the years. I personally would like to thank Donna for her support and insight during my time in office and for being the first Platte County official to endorse me when I first ran for Congress in 2000.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, her husband Karlton, their two children, and three grandchildren, in commending Donna C. Nash for her accomplishments and for her efforts put forth in serving Platte County, Missouri.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Adam Mershon. Chris 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 98, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Chris has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chris 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, Chris has earned the rank of Patrol Leader in his troop and is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Chris has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christian A. Spinler. Christian 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 205, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christian 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, Christian has earned the rank of Senior Patrol Leader in his troop and the World Conservation Award. Christian also has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Christian designed and constructed a wooden fence around the trash dumpsters at his troops sponsoring church, Good Shepherd Christian Church in Blue Springs, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles E. Kruse. Charlie has served as President of the Missouri Farm Bureau since 1992 and will be retiring from office on December 7, 2010.

Since first being elected to President in 1992, Charlie has served for nine terms and has overseen the tremendous growth of the Missouri Farm Bureau. Under Charlie's leadership, membership has reached 100,000, a successful web portal has been developed, and historic new highs have been reached in both the Life insurance and Town and Country insurance sections. All the while, Charlie has maintained an outspoken passion for Missouri

farmers, defending their values and promoting their efforts in both Jefferson City and Washington. Even though retiring from the Farm Bureau, I am sure Charlie will continue to fight for Missouri farmers for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, his wife Pam, and all their children and grandchildren, in commending Charles E. Kruse for his accomplishments and for his efforts put forth in serving Missouri farmers.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bryan Edward O'Toole. Bryan 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 900, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bryan Edward O'Toole for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brock Reynolds Wenzel. Brock 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brock has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brock 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, Brock has shown an incredible determination by earning his Eagle Scout while only 12 years old. Brock has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brock tore out the old handicap-accessible ramp at the American Legion Hall in Edgerton, Missouri and constructed a new ramp with a lower slope.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Duncan Ireland. Andrew 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Andrew 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, Andrew has earned the rank of Junior Assistant Scout Master in his troop and Tom Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew devoted over 160 hours to a shelter house at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, restoring it back to its original architecture and cedar composition.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Parker Steven Spaw. 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 332, 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 numerous 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 solicited donations for and volunteered his assistance towards refurbishing the family resource center for IMPACT ministries in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Rader. 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 394, 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. Tyler constructed two outdoor benches to allow people who come to the local Harvesters food pantry a place to sit and eat.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jean-Luc Tierney. Jean-Luc 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jean-Luc has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jean-Luc 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, Jean-Luc has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jean-Luc constructed two outdoor picnic tables to be used by his high school teachers.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jean-Luc Tierney for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Stephen Lacina. Stephen 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Stephen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Stephen 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, Stephen has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Stephen designed and placed landscaping the Veteran's War Memorial in Dearborn, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Lee St. Clair. Chris 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 175, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Lee St. Clair for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the legacy of the Vietnam War veterans from the state of Missouri through The Wall That Heals which will be displayed in the City of Blue Springs from September 30th to October 3rd.

The Wall That Heals is a mobile, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located here in Washington, D.C. and has been seen by millions of people in more than 300 cities and towns throughout the U.S. The exhibit was first inaugurated on Veterans Day, 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and offers the opportunity for those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War to be honored by family and friends in their respective communities.

I would like to thank Mayor Carson Ross, the Blue Spring City Council, local business leaders, and all the volunteers who dedicated great effort to bringing this distinct honor to Missouri. The traveling exhibition will allow veterans, families and friends in our community to honor our local heroes who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, the dedication and service these men and women gave in the name of freedom in Vietnam is humbling, and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. I ask my colleagues to join me in saying thank you to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund for commissioning this monument and to encourage more cities and towns to sponsor this exhibit honoring our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Middleton. Nathan 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 235, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan 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, Nathan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Nathan designed and constructed ten wood duck boxes for Happy Holler Conservation Area in Andrew County, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua L. Roumph. Joshua 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 235, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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, Joshua has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joshua constructed signs for the program buildings and entrance for Camp Farwesta, the host site of Camp Quality, a year-round support facility for children diagnosed with cancer.

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