Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate native Iowan Colonel David Schroeder of the United States Air Force on his illustrious 34 year military career that will be coming to a close later this year.

Colonel Schroeder began his military career in October of 1977 when he enlisted as a Staff Support Administrative Specialist at the rank of E-1. After three years he enlisted as an air traffic controller before earning his commission as an Officer Air Traffic Controller in 1987.

Colonel Schroeder has most recently been serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense on the staff of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy as the Country Director for the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The colonel was a driving force in garnering an agreement from these nations to increase their monetary support to the NATO Air Policing program to provide continued military defense of their national territorial skies.

Mr. Speaker, our country owes Colonel Schroeder a great debt of gratitude for his decades of service. Colonel Schroeder's unwavering commitment to serving his fellow Americans embodies the Iowa spirit and I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in wishing him a well deserved and fulfilling retirement. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors as he begins this new chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mike Garrison for his 35 years of service with the Lacona, Iowa Fire Department and subsequent retirement.

At a time when many small communities struggle to find the necessary volunteers, Mike has shown the leadership and commitment to

bettering his community through public service. Mike was presented a plaque recognizing his service from the Lacona Fire Chief, Robert Dittmer, and a potluck dinner and ceremony was held for Mike.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Mike Garrison for his many years of loyalty and service in protecting the community of Lacona. It is an immense honor to represent Mike in Congress, and I wish all the best to him as he embarks on this next chapter in life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Benjamin James Buffington for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Benjamin's project was to work with other troop members to construct a three tier fence that will help develop an outdoor horse arena for Harmony Ranch in Clear Lake, Iowa. Harmony Ranch is a faith-based organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding ministry for individuals with disabilities. When the project was finished Benjamin's fence enclosed a 100 foot by 200 foot area to provide the much needed riding area.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Benjamin's efforts embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Marvin J. Walter of Ames, Iowa who passed away this past Wednesday after an eight year struggle with multiple myeloma.

Marvin was born on August 22, 1940 and raised on a farm near Watkins, Iowa. After his high school graduation Marvin went on to receive two degrees in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Shortly after receiving his second degree from ISU, Marv married his wife Janice in September of 1964. Since his days as a commodity broker on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Marv maintained both a state and national profile by involving himself in several organizations that are related to the livestock and meat industry.

At the local level, Marv served his community as Chairman of the Board of Ames National Corporation as well as serving on the First National Bank and Mary Greeley Medical Center boards for many years. Marv was also a proud Rotary member and president. In college, Marv was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho and the identity and friendships he established in his fraternity would last a lifetime. He would go on to be inducted to the National Alpha Gamma Rho Hall of Fame.

While his contributions to his city and state have resulted in awards for his distinguished service, Marv would be the first to tell you that his family is what he is proud of most. Marv is survived by two daughters, three grandsons, two step-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, Marvin Walter lived his life like a true Iowan by placing service and family above all else. It was truly an honor to count him as my friend and the friendship and counsel he has provided me over the years will be deeply missed. I offer his family my sincerest sympathies and best wishes in this difficult time. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Russ Hoffman, a native of Greene County, Iowa who is stepping down after more than 28 years as the Chief Deputy of the Greene County Sheriff's office.

With Russ and his family helping him celebrate retirement, they were joined by present and former Greene County employees, local law enforcement, County supervisors, four officers from the Iowa State Patrol, and law enforcement officers from supportive surrounding counties.

We certainly understand the enormous sacrifices that our officers and their families make to keep our citizens safe. I can't thank Russ and his family enough for their service.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in recognizing Russ Hoffman and thanking him for his service to the State of Iowa and Greene County. I consider it an honor to represent Russ in Congress, and I wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Kendall Reed, dean of Des Moines University's college of osteopathic medicine, for receiving the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's State Chairman Award.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's State Chairman Award is presented to employers who have extraordinarily exceeded legal requirements for providing support to service members in the Guard and Reserve. Dr. Reed received the reward for the outstanding care and support of employee Joe Case, a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Dr. Reed and I know that my colleagues join me in commending him for his sincere dedication to our troops' well-being and wish him continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Kaitlin Hartman, a student at Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa. Kaitlin was recently selected by the company Prudential to receive the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program was created in 1995 by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Its goal is to honor students in middle and high schools across the nations who have dedicated themselves to voluntarily serving others in their community, in their state, and in their nation. Today this awards program is the largest such program in the United States. Since the program's inception, over 280,000 students have participated, with over 90,000 being officially recognized for their work.

Kaitlin has certainly done her part to earn this award. In her years at Ballard High School, she has spent almost 1,000 hours volunteering. Kaitlin has volunteered as a sports manager, peer helper, tutor, mentor, and conflict manager. She has also assisted with the Special Olympics and is active in her church. Kaitlin wishes to continue this service by one day becoming a teacher--dedicating her professional career to serving students and helping them to become all they can be.

Voluntary service to others in our communities, states, and country is an admirable way for all Americans to assist one another. I commend Kaitlin for her endless commitment to that voluntary service. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Kaitlin in being selected to receive this award. It is an honor to serve as her representative, and I wish her luck in her future studies at the University of Northern Iowa.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nathan Hidajat. Nathan, a second grader from Ames, Iowa, was recently selected as one of 40 regional finalists out of 107,000 entries submitted to Google's nationwide ``Doodle 4 Google'' competition.

The competition's theme, ``What I'd like to do someday . . .'', challenged all 107,000 entries to uniquely describe how they will spend their days in the future. However, Nathan's humbling idea for Google focuses on helping others around the world. Nathan's dream: To raise money for clean water in developing nations.

After viewing a video from a non-profit charity earlier in the year about the lasting effects of contaminated water around the world, Nathan organized a drive to help raise money to assist the efforts. Shortly after, Nathan heard about the ``Doodle 4 Google'' competition and saw this as a way to further expand his efforts by drawing a picture depicting a story about clean water in the world intertwined with the famous Google logo.

All 40 finalists have now been invited to New York City, where the national winner will be announced. The champion will win a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school.

I wish to commend Nathan on his artistic talents and desire to make the world a better place for those who are the most vulnerable. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Nathan in being chosen as a top 40 finalist in this competition. It is an honor to have Nathan in my district, and I wish him the best of luck as the competition moves forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jacob Franklyn Heatwole for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Jacob's project was to assist in rebuilding a retaining wall at the Emergency Food Box in his hometown of Marshalltown. Jacob has proudly represented Troop 310 of Marshalltown for more than five years. To date Jacob has earned nearly 30 Merit Badges as well as attended the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Jacob and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nicholas Edward Maher for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Nicholas and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Gregory Geoffroy, president of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Born on July 8, 1946 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Gregory earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Louisville in 1968. After a year serving as an officer in the United States Navy, Gregory went on to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1974. Over the next 30 years, Gregory published over 200 research articles, co-authored a book, and presented more than 200 lectures both in the United States and abroad. Gregory also served in various academic and administrative positions at Penn State University and the University of Maryland during that time.

Gregory was appointed president of Iowa State University in July 2001. His tenure has resulted in a number of accomplishments including the establishment of the Bioeconomy Institute, whose goal is to promote and advance biorenewable technologies. Gregory set a fundraising record with Campaign Iowa State, which recently surpassed its goal of collecting $800 million. Under his guidance, the university has received a record amount of money in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year alone, the university received $388.2 million. Gregory has also succeeded in doubling the number of endowed faculty positions, and he has seen student enrollment grow to record numbers--28,682 in the fall of 2010.

Gregory will certainly be missed on the Iowa State University campus. He will be remembered by students as being easy to relate to, accessible, and visible at university events. He will be remembered by faculty for his communication skills and management style that brought out the best in those around him. Gregory will be remembered by community leaders and business members for his efforts to build and improve direct relationships between the academic world and the business world. More than anything, however, Gregory will be remembered for making Iowa State an admirable university with a cutting-edge reputation both in Iowa and around the world.

I thank Gregory Geoffroy for his many years of service to the students and employees of Iowa State University. It is an honor to be his representative, and I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in wishing him happiness and good health in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate The Principal Financial Group, led by CEO Larry Zimpleman, for being recently being named a 2011 Freedom Award Recipient. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition by the Department of Defense given to employers that display exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Principal employee Major Kerry M. Studer nominated Principal for this award. Major Studer is also a recent recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his noble service as Commanding Officer of the 443rd Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Major Studer nominated Principal Financial Group for this award because of the ``the extraordinary lengths'' his company went in order to support him and his family while he was away defending our freedoms. While he was away, his coworkers looked closely after his family and would gladly accompany his wife and children to school and sporting events that he was unable to attend. Principal also ``adopted'' Major Studer's unit and mailed them hundreds of PT uniforms, t-shirts and countless care packages.

Principal is one of only 15 companies to receive this prestigious award amidst the 4,049 nominations submitted. Principal and the other 2011 honorees will be recognized here in Washington later this year at the 16th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Ceremony. Principal Financial Group joins an elite class as only 145 employers have attained this honor in the last 15 years.

Mr. Speaker, Major Studer's commitment and courage during his service coupled with his company's unwavering support serves as an important example of American patriotism in the heartland as well as the battlefield. I commend Major Studer, Larry Zimpleman, and all the employees of Principal for their selfless dedication to a cause greater than their own. It is my honor to represent Major Studer, his family and all Iowans in the United States Congress and I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating them for their accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Loretta Sieman who was recently named Citizen of the Year by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Loretta Sieman has been an active member of the West Des Moines community for numerous years, serving on the school board and the city council. She has also been instrumental in various other organizations, including the Science Center of Iowa board, the Junior Achievement of Central Iowa board, the Winefest board, the Prairie Meadows grants board, and the Metro Advisory Council.

As the former vice president of community relations for the Business Publications Corporation and owner of LJS Consulting, she has earned several prestigious honors and awards over the years. Loretta has been recognized in Who's Who in Secondary School Education, and has earned the Main Street Governor's Office Individual Volunteer of the Year Award, Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute A. Arthur Davis Award, and the 2009 Business Record Woman of Influence Award.

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce could not have chosen a better recipient for this award. I commend Loretta for her dedication to community involvement. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Loretta in being selected to receive this award. It is an honor to serve as her representative, and I wish her the best of luck in the future.

Offered By: Mr. Latham

Amendment No. 6: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alex Michael Jagim for the rank of an Eagle Scout. Alex is a junior at Waukee High School.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Alex's service project was to install a

video capture system which required raising more than $6,000 in addition to physically installing the new system. Alex also went above and beyond the requirements by completing more than the minimum required number of merit badges, a total of 33, as well as serving in a variety of leadership roles throughout his time in Boy Scouts.

In addition to his commitments as a Boy Scout, Alex is also a member of Waukee High School's Marching Band, Show Choir, Jazz Choir, National Honor Society, Tennis team, and drama department. After high school Alex plans to pursue a career in either Aerospace or Computer Engineering.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Alex Jagim and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.