Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald Dye, English teacher at Belmond-Klemme Junior and Senior High School, on being named one of five finalists for a Top Teacher Search award sponsored by the ``Live with Regis and Kelly'' television show.

Mr. Dye is an English teacher and has been teaching at Belmond-Klemme since 1973. He is a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa and briefly taught in New Providence, Iowa before arriving at Belmond-Klemme. Mr. Dye was nominated by Jim and Dianna Suntken of Belmond and Diane and Curt Stadtlander of Goodell, Iowa. They submitted a letter describing Mr. Dye's positive impact on the lives of the youth he teaches.

Mr. Dye will be in New York City during the week of May 17th for the taping of the ``Live with Regis and Kelly'' television show. Each day of the week they will be featuring the top five finalists. This certainly is an exciting occasion to honor Mr. Dye for his hard work and dedication to opening the doors of opportunity to the students he reaches each day in the classroom.

I am honored to represent Donald Dye in the United States Congress, and I wish him the best of luck in New York City during Live with Regis and Kelly's Top Teacher Week. I also wish Mr. Dye the very best as he continues to serve as a mentor and role model to

the students at Belmond-Klemme Junior and Senior High School.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Marshalltown, Iowa Fire Chief Larry Squires on the occasion of his retirement.

Chief Squires has honorably served with the Marshalltown Fire Department for the past 30 years. During the past three decades, Chief Squires played an instrumental role in the many changes and improvements in fire protection and EMS delivery throughout the city. Even during his last days as fire chief, Chief Squires is continually looking for ways to improve safety and response times with the suggestion of an additional fire station on the opposite side of town. His forward thinking and dedication to public safety speaks volumes of his job as a public servant who is well respected and loved by the people of Marshalltown.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 48 high school seniors from Iowa's 4th Congressional District who were named by the Des Moines Register as some of ``Iowa's best and brightest high school seniors''. Each high school was asked to select a senior who is among the brightest and the best--with a mix of good grades, test scores, activities and accomplishments that made them stand out amongst their peers.

I would like to recognize: Katrina Even from Bishop Garrigan High School (Algona), Kyle Klingbell from Estherville-Lincoln Central High School, Karina Haas from Algona High School, Tyler Thorson from Forest City High School, Danielle Carda from Humboldt High School, Kelsey Frerichs from Laurens-Marathon High School, Samantha Gelhaus from North Iowa High School (Buffalo Center), Brent Sexton from Rockwell City- Lytton High School, Logan Fischer from Ruthven-Ayrshire High School, Elizabeth Bruns from West Hancock High School (Britt), Lawrence Chiou from Ames High School, Nathan Lippert from AGWSR High School (Ackley), Cassandra Bryan from Ballard High School (Huxley), Amy Soma from Belmond-Klemme High School, Brett Herring from Carlisle High School, Matthew Mueller from Dallas Center-Grimes High School, Stephanie Choquette from Eagle Grove High School, Kaly Adkins from Earlham, Taylor Johnson from East Marshall High School (Le Grand), Paul Jacobson from Gilbert High School, Kala Busby from Interstate 35 High School (Truro), Emily DeWall from Madrid High School, Patrick Fink from Marshalltown High School, Addison Bates from Nevada High School, Austin Ward from Norwalk High School, Audra Haglund from Ogden High School, Chad Tenold from Perry High School, Matt Hauer from Roland-Story High School, Sandra Samuelson from South Hamilton High School (Jewell), Grant Seuferer from Southeast Warren, Janine Cibert from Van Meter High School, Jordan Jones from Waukee High School, Katelynn McCollough from Webster City High School, Luke Byerly from West Marshall High School (State Center), Chance Sullivan from Winterset High School, Gwendolyn Walton from Woodward-Granger High School, Jonathan Garrett from Indianola High School, Emily McQuiston from Collins-Maxwell High School, Abigail Swartz from South Hardin High School (Eldora), Sean Michalson from Charles City High School, Justin Mikesell from Clear Lake High School, Kristen Flak from Decorah High School, Hans Wagner from Kee High School (Lansing), Bryan Dannen from Mason City High School, Laura Tempus from Northwood-Kensett High School, Amanda Huisman from Osage High School, Danielle Stockdale from Riceville High School, Thomas Meirick from Turkey Valley High School (Jackson Junction), and Brittany Kruger from Waukon High School.

I applaud each of these students--the next generation of leaders in Iowa and this Nation--for their hard work and accomplishments, and I am proud to represent them, their families, teachers and fellow students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating these students and wishing them well as they begin the journey down their next paths in life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kim Witcraft of Charles City, Iowa for his achievement as a 2010 Stars of Life award recipient.

The Stars of Life award publicly recognizes and celebrates the achievements of all people working in the selfless and heroic ambulance industry. The Stars of Life Program seeks to honor outstanding individuals as a thank you for their service, their sacrifice and the inspiration they bring to all Americans.

Kim has been recognized as a hero who has assumed several roles to ensure that the American Ambulance Association's Charles City small operation succeeds and continues to provide much needed help to area citizens. He is a state-certified EMS instructor and handles all clinical and education services and schedules most of the trainings for his operation. Kim also handles safety training for fifth and sixth graders in the area and presents many safety talks each year to Iowa elementary school students.

I know that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating and thanking Kim Witcraft, one of Iowa and America's everyday heroes for his service and his constant consideration for the well-being of others in his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Joan Haskell from the Marshall County Farm Bureau, and to express my appreciation for her 14 years of service to her community.

A Marshall County native with a strong agriculture background, Ms. Haskell achieved the position of Office Administrator with the Bureau's federation staff. Her extensive work with members of the Farm Bureau since 1995 has earned Joan the respect and appreciation of her community.

Madam Speaker, I commend Joan Haskell for her many years of loyalty and dedication to her fellow Iowans. It is an honor to represent Joan in the United States House of Representatives, and I know that my colleagues join me in wishing her a happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Emma Skahill, of Earlham, Iowa, who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. The 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recently named Emma as a Distinguished Finalist of top youth volunteers in Iowa for her part in organizing a fund-raising walk and awareness campaign to help with the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house for a Mississippi family in need.

Created in 1995, by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards annually honors the most impressive student volunteers in each state and the District of Columbia. This organization strives to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, while inspiring other young individuals to follow their example. Over the past 15 years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and has honored nearly 100,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

Madam Speaker, individuals such as Emma Skahill must be recognized and applauded for their sincere dedication to maintaining a healthy community and for their positive impact on the lives of others. Emma's actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our nation, and I am proud to represent Emma, her family and her fellow volunteers in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arlis Kinseth- Bode for being the recipient of the Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of Commerce President's Award at the 2010 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 Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of Commerce President's Award is presented to an individual or group for their longtime achievement of community support or for a superior effort on behalf of the community.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Arlis Kinseth-Bode in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending him for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish him continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Rasmussen for being the recipient of the Youth Champion Award at the 2010 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 activities for youth in the community.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Ron Rasmussen in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending him for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish him continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martha Schmidt for being the recipient of the Inspiration Award at the 2010 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 Inspiration Award is presented to an individual with a ``can do'' attitude who is involved in all facets of the community both as a leader and team player.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Martha Schmidt in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending her for her sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish her continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Humboldt Area Arts Council for being the recipients of the Cooperation Award at the 2010 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.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Humboldt Area Arts Council 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gargano family for being the recipients of the Family Tradition Award at the 2010 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.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Gargano family 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize M.D. Products for being the recipients of the Horizon Award at the 2010 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 Horizon Award is presented to a business or entity that has brightened the county's horizon through building improvements.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent M.D. Products 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dean and Judy Harklau for being the recipients of the Good Neighbor Award at the 2010 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 Good Neighbor Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies true neighborhood spirit by lending a helping hand in a time of need.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Dean and Judy Harklau 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Merlin Fort for being the recipient of the Neighborhood Restoration/Beautification Award at the 2010 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 Restoration/ Beautification is presented to an individual or group who has set an example by improving, beautifying and restoring their neighborhood.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Merlin Fort in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending him for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish him continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Heavenly Hats Project-TRV students for being the recipients of the Young Leaders Award at the 2010 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 Young Leaders Award is presented to an individual or group of young people who have made their community a better place through volunteer efforts.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Heavenly Hats Project- TRV students 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.