Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Genealogy Association of Humboldt for being the recipient of the Cooperation Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Cooperation Award is presented to an organization or entity which led an effort or event that benefited and filled a need in the community through volunteerism.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the members of the Humboldt Genealogy Association in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dottie and Darrell Rusher for being the recipients of the Family Tradition Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Family Tradition Award is presented to a family who demonstrates support and devotion to the community through volunteerism. Dottie and Darrell have truly exhibited both support and commitment to Humboldt County for many years.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Dottie and Darrell in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and I wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leroy and Jan Jorgensen for being the recipients of the Neighborhood Beautification Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Neighborhood Beautification Award is presented to recognize an individual or group who has set an example by improving, beautifying and restoring Humboldt neighborhoods. Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen were nominated this year because of the enjoyment the residents of Humboldt receive from their gardens. They are often kind enough to host programs on gardening to assist others beautifying their homes and neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Leroy and Jan in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dean Harmon and Dr. James Illg for being the recipients of the Friends of Animals Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Friends of Animals Award is presented to those whose acts of compassion ensure the health and well-being of our animal friends for conservation practices and efforts in the interest of preserving our wildlife. Doctors Harmon and Illg have consistently used their talents to support 4-H and ensure the safe purchase of auction animals in Humboldt County.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Dr. Harmon and Dr. Illg in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize NFL tight-end Dallas Clark for being the recipient of the Youth Champion Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Youth Champion Award is presented to an adult individual who has generously given time, talent and energy to promote and further activities for youth in the community. Dallas has not only taken the time to share his talents with the youth of Humboldt County, but as also served as an exemplary role model for the young people that he continues to inspire.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Dallas Clark and his family in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending Dallas for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the Iowa Energy, the 2011 Champions of the National Basketball Association's Developmental League and pride of Iowa.

The Energy captured the crown on Friday, April 29th, before an enthusiastic home crowd at the Wells Fargo Arena, where they defeated the defending NBA D-League champions the Rio Grande Valley Vipers by a score of 119-111.

This is the first league championship for the Iowa Energy, which is affiliated with the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns. The team's establishment took place in 2007, inspired by the vision of Jerry Crawford, Gary Kirke, Sheldon Ohringer and Paul Drey to bring quality basketball to the heart of the heartland. The franchise has continually grown in stature and success, culminating this year with not only the team's first championship of many to come but also the D-League's MVP, Iowa State University Alumni Curtis Stinson. The Energy can also boast that the two largest crowds in the entire NBA D-League's history are solely the product of this franchise and the incredible basketball sporting event just concluded in Des Moines.

There can only be one champion at the end of any sport's season, and I am honored to represent the great state where the Iowa Energy play and win. This feat marks years of unwavering commitment by the players, management and fans of the team and represents the best of Iowa's people and their well known work ethic.

Mr. Speaker, all Iowans should take heart in MVP Curtis Stinson's proclamation after the championship game: ``We're certified; we're champions. They can't ever take this away from us.'' I know that all members of this body join me in congratulating the Iowa Energy and the tradition of basketball excellence that I expect to continue well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of one of my constituents, Joan Ballantyne of Cherokee, Iowa. Joan was recently honored by the National Association of Realtors with their ``Meritorious Service Award''.

The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association with more than a million members nationwide. The Association developed the Meritorious Service Award as a way to provide recognition to those who go above and beyond in their service to NAR. The presentation of this award to Joan embodies the long-standing tradition that its recipients are not only experts of their industry, but also effective educators for me and other Members of Congress on the issues of concern to realtors across this great nation.

This national award is only bestowed upon two Realtors in America annually. This achievement requires a demonstrable history of dedication and commitment to the Association while understanding, and advocating for, the most important issues facing the real estate industry and realtors in Iowa and across the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to know and to work with Joan and I am proud to represent such an exemplary and dedicated Iowan. Her passion has taken her all around Iowa, and all around the country, to promote the ideals in which she believes. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Joan on her well deserved recognition of a job well done. Again, I thank Joan for her continued, unwavering commitment to her passion, her career and her fellow realtors and I offer her my best wishes for continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Lieutenant Gabriel Haugland of Clear Lake, Iowa who recently received the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in the Iowa Army National Guard during Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) was established on October 7, 1943 by the U.S. War Department. It is awarded to those soldiers who personally fought in ground combat while assigned to either an infantry or a Special Forces unit.

Lieutenant Haugland, a graduate of the University of Iowa and Drake University Law School, joined the Army National Guard in May of 2004. He recently returned from serving a deployment in Afghanistan with Bravo Company, 168th Infantry Battalion. His unit's mission was to secure the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which consisted primarily of stopping the flow of foreign fighters, drugs, and guns into Afghanistan.

On January 8, 2011, Lieutenant Haugland's unit came under fire from the Taliban. He engaged in the fight, and thankfully was not wounded. However, he broke his leg three days later in a non-combat related accident and was sent stateside to recover. Lieutenant Haugland plans to resume his military career after his recovery.

Lieutenant Haugland is a true patriot and a true hero. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in thanking him for his service to our great country and in congratulating him for receiving the Combat Infantryman Badge. I wish him, his wife Carolyn, and their children the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jacob J. Pomeroy for the rank of an Eagle Scout. Jacob is a 10th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% 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 construct a barn-themed sun shelter for the Joyful Noise Preschool and the Waukee United Methodist Church. Jacob also went above and beyond the requirements by completing more than the minimum required number of merit badges.

Jacob has been involved in scouting since he became a Tiger Cub more than 11 years ago. Jacob's father, John Pomeroy, is also an Eagle Scout and current assistant Scout Master to Troop 178 from Waukee, Iowa.

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 Pomeroy 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Margaret McGuire of Perry, Iowa on celebrating her 100th birthday.

Margaret was born on April 14, 1911 in Audubon, Iowa. The middle child of six, she quickly developed a passion for music and began learning how to play the violin in fourth grade. Together with her cello-playing sister Betty and a piano-playing friend, Margaret performed in a trio. Before graduating from Audubon High School in 1929, she utilized her violin skills in the high school's string orchestra and quartet.

It didn't take Margaret long to decide that music wasn't just her passion--she wanted to make it her profession. She graduated in 1934 from Simpson College with a bachelor's degree in music education. She eventually went on to earn a master's degree in Violin Technology at Drake University. With her education in hand, Margaret spent the next several decades teaching both general music and violin in public schools and in private lessons. She also played the violin in the Des Moines Symphony, the Central Iowa Symphony, and the Iowa State University Symphony.

Although music played a large role in Margaret's life, her family was even more important to her. She was happily married to Francis McGuire for many years, and together they had one daughter and three sons. Even though Francis has passed on, Margaret treasures the time she has with their children. Today, Margaret also has eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

What is Margaret's secret to a long and happy life? The spirit of optimism demonstrated in her oft-repeated saying, ``Count your blessings.''

I am extremely honored to represent Margaret McGuire in the United States Congress, and I wish her much happiness and health in her future years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of the City of Marshalltown in Iowa. The City of Marshalltown was recently selected to receive the 2010 Tree City USA Growth Award.

The Tree City USA Growth Award is given annually by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resource-- Forestry Bureau to those cities who have dedicated themselves to preserving their public trees and stressing their importance to the community. These cities have gone above and beyond by enhancing their forest resources and demonstrating the value of trees in providing benefits for future generations. In order to receive this award, a city must meet the requirements in four categories: education and public relations, partnerships, planning and management, and tree planting and maintenance.

There are currently over 3,400 cities nationwide that are designated as a Tree City and over 135 million people live in these cities. Marshalltown was one of 24 cities in Iowa to qualify for this status.

I commend the City of Marshalltown for its commitment to preserving nature, in particular, its trees. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating the City of Marshalltown in being selected to receive this award. It is an honor to represent the citizens of Marshalltown, and I wish their town continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Marshalltown's high-tech, home-grown business Mechdyne for winning the Entrepreneur of the Month Award from the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Mechdyne Corporation is based in Marshalltown, but has offices all over the world including, Houston, Washington, D.C., Canada, the United Kingdom, and even the Middle East. Despite being able to customize solutions for clients all over the globe, Mechdyne hasn't neglected Iowa and recently provided East Marshall High School with top of the line technology to facilitate a more immersive learning experience, and stimulate student interest in high tech careers.

Mechdyne began its existence by specializing in virtual reality systems but now consults for and develops advanced 3D visualization solutions for a global array of customers. Their success is a testament to the ``can-do'' spirit of Iowans and an example of the unlimited potential we believe each person has.

Mr. Speaker, I could not be more honored to represent Mechdyne and its employees in the United States House of Representatives and I know that all of my colleagues in the

United States Congress will join me in congratulating them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Christensen Construction in Estherville, Iowa. This company was presented the Midwest Region Builder of the Year for 2010 by Butler Manufacturing at a convention held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Butler Manufacturing is a BlueScope Steel company that is based in Kansas City. The world's oldest steel building manufacturer, Butler Manufacturing has six regional manufacturing locations and over 1,200 Butler Builders nationwide. The Midwest Region consists of 13 states and 320 builders. The Builder of the Year Award is given annually to one builder in each region who has demonstrated excellence in selling Butler building and roof systems and has superior marketing skills.

Christensen Construction first became a Butler Builder in 1985. Since then, Christensen Construction has sold over $25 million in Butler products. The company was nominated for the award by Keith Huls of West Des Moines, this area's Butler manager. Huls said Christensen Construction received this award ``because of its history for outstanding sales along with its reputation for delivering the best value in products and services to their customers.''

I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Christensen Construction and its employees for receipt of this award. It is an honor to represent this company, its owner, and its employees in Congress, and I wish it the best of luck and success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Captain Eric Nelson of Madrid, Iowa. Captain Nelson is a soldier in the Iowa Army National Guard. In May 2011, Captain Nelson will be presented the MacArthur Leadership Award in Washington, D.C.

The MacArthur Leadership Award is given by the United States Army to those company-grade officers that demonstrate the ideals for which General MacArthur stood: duty, honor, and country. It is presented annually to 25 officers that serve either in the Active Army, the Army National Guard, or the Army Reserves. Captain Nelson was the only Iowan selected this year to receive the award.

Captain Nelson recently returned in April 2011 from a year-long deployment in Kosovo. He served with the Iowa Army National Guard Company C, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation unit as part of the KFOR13 Peacekeeping Operations. His unit flew and maintained UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters while there, flying over 2,400 hours conducting border patrol, reconnaissance, and air movement flights.

I thank Captain Nelson for his honorable service to our country. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Captain Nelson in being selected to receive the MacArthur Leadership Award. It is an honor to serve as his representative, and I wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Ken Becker of Cresco, Iowa. For the last 34 years, Ken has worked as a journalist for the Cresco Times-Plain Dealer.

Throughout his career, Ken dedicated himself to documenting the stories and photographs of Cresco and its citizens, preserving the events and stories that have helped to make the town what it is today. Whether it was traveling with the high school basketball team to the state tournament, riding a snowmobile, or climbing the town's water tower, Ken was willing to do whatever it took to capture Cresco's history as it unfolded. His articles and pictures helped to keep the town's residents informed and interested in local happenings.

Ken believes the most important aspect of being a good journalist is to remember that ``you aren't the story. The story is never about you as the writer. This is about what you're writing about.''

I thank Ken for his strong and diligent work ethic. It is an admirable characteristic found in many citizens of Iowa, and one that I hope to see all Americans embody.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in commending Ken Becker for his decades of service at the Cresco Times-Plain Dealer. It is an honor to serve as his representative, and I wish Ken a happy and healthy retirement.