Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Gary Sinnwell as the recipient of the 2007 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement (AP) for his commitment and enthusiasm as a Mason City, Iowa High School teacher.

Mr. Sinnwell is a mathematics instructor who has taught at Mason City High School for 20 years. He graduated from Waterloo Columbus High School and earned his teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He continues to further his education by pursuing his master's degree. Mr. Sinnwell was humbled by the award and contributes his success to his own excellent teachers while in high school.

Another secret to Mr. Sinnwell's success is his devotion to serving others. While in college, he volunteered his time at Waterloo West High School and found his calling in serving as a role model and helping guide youth. Mr. Sinnwell's goal is to help his students work cooperatively and be self-directed learners.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending and congratulating Gary Sinnwell. It is an honor to represent Mr. Sinnwell in Congress, and I wish him the best as he continues to provide a positive impact as a role model and educator for the youth he serves.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Marilyn Adams of Earlham, Iowa for her dedication to promoting farm safety and earning the Volvo for Life National Hometown Hero Award.

The Volvo for Life National Hometown Hero Award recognizes leaders in safety, the environment and quality of life. In addition to the award, Marilyn receives a Volvo vehicle of her choice and is able to trade-in for a new Volvo vehicle every three years. Marilyn dedicated the award to her son who passed away in a farm accident over two decades ago. To help prevent other farm accidents, Marilyn founded Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, which is a farm advocacy safety organization for children. It started as a local organization and grew to a nation and international organization which has 137 chapters across the globe. Marilyn also received $100,000 which she is putting into an endowment for Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

Marilyn's dedication to educating children and her commitment to preserving the lives of children in the farming community should be commended. I consider it an honor to represent Marilyn Adams in the United States Congress and I wish her and Farm Safety 4 Just Kids the very best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Brigadier General Douglas M. Pierce, Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa Air National Guard, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to his state and country.

After graduating from Westview High School in Lake City, Iowa, General Douglas Pierce earned a bachelor of science degree in animal science from Iowa State University in 1968, followed later by a master of science degree in personnel management and counseling from Troy State University in 1981.

In 1969, General Pierce's long and distinguished career in America's Armed Forces began when he was commissioned in the United States Air Force. He was an Honor Graduate and awarded the aeronautical rating of pilot during Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1970. He was a T-37 Instructor Pilot until April 1974 when he joined the Iowa Air National Guard, 132d Fighter Wing as a combat-ready pilot. General Pierce served as Flight Commander and Chief, Standardization and Evaluation until 1983 when he transferred to Headquarters Iowa National Guard as Executive Support Officer to the adjutant general. In 1985, General Pierce returned to the 132d Fighter Wing as the 124th Fighter Squadron Operations Officer until 1990 when he was selected as the Operations Group commander. He became the vice commander for the 132d Fighter Wing in 1999 until he transferred to Headquarters Iowa Air National Guard as the vice commander in 2002. In 2004, General Pierce assumed the duties as Assistant Adjutant General, Air.

For the past 39 years, General Pierce has served faithfully and honorably, earning a long list of military awards and decorations. He has accumulated over 5,800 flying hours and flown many different military aircrafts. General Pierce's long-standing commitment to the Iowa Air National Guard and his country has earned him the respect, honor and dignity of all who have served with him. For this I offer him my utmost congratulations and thanks.

I commend Brigadier General Douglas M. Pierce for his many years of loyalty and service to our great nation. It is an immense honor to represent General Pierce in the United States Congress, and I wish him a happy retirement from the Iowa Air National Guard and all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jerry Dwyer of Clear Lake, Iowa, for earning the Federal Aviation Administration Wright Brothers Master Pilot award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award.

Jerry began flying at age 13 and earned his student pilot rating at age 16, the same year he became an apprentice aircraft and engine mechanic. He has also obtained commercial pilot and aircraft transport pilot certificates. At the age of 77, Jerry remains a licensed pilot and mechanic and is the president of Dwyer Aircraft Sales Inc.

It is very uncommon for a pilot to receive both awards in a lifetime, especially at the same time. Jerry received the FAA awards at the FAA ceremonies in Ames, Iowa earlier this year. The Wright Brothers Award recognizes pilots who have practiced and promoted safe flight for 50 consecutive years. The Taylor award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Jerry Dwyer for his leadership and dedication to aviation safety. I consider it an honor to represent Jerry in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great achievement by Christy DeMaris, a Girl Scout from Huxley, Iowa. Christy convinced customers to buy extra boxes of Girl Scout cookies so she could send the boxes to our troops in Iraq.

As Christy sold Girl Scout cookies to her customers, she politely asked them if they would be willing to purchase extra boxes to be sent to troops in Iraq. She amassed 172 boxes to be sent to American troops. Christy's mother, Mandi, came up with the idea after hearing of a Boy Scout who sent popcorn to soldiers overseas. Christy was very excited about the idea because her father, John, works as a civilian computer systems administrator in Iraq, keeping the e-mail system working for American soldiers. So Christy put the plan into action and made it a success.

Christy DeMaris is a shining example of the generosity present in today's youth and their promise as tomorrow's leaders. I am proud to represent Christy and her parents John and Mandi in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating Christy for her efforts to make brighter days for our American soldiers and I wish her and her family the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Kinseth for reaching an important milestone as a public servant to the people of Ottosen, Iowa.

For the past 40 years Richard has served as Ottosen's mayor. He has never run for the position but has always won with write-in votes. Richard has also served two years in the military and 40 years as a mail carrier serving Ottosen and Bradgate, Iowa.

Richard, at the age of 81, takes immense pride in his town of 44 people. The town park on the old school grounds is always kept clean and safe for children. Richard has made sure the town is kept presentable by tearing down old houses and buildings that have been abandoned. Ottosen has five functioning businesses which include a body shop, repair shop, sanitation business, recycling center and the Co-op.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Richard Kinseth for his years of leadership and service to Ottosen. I consider it an honor to represent him in Congress and I wish him the best in his future service to Ottosen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Iowa River Hospice, serving the communities of Marshall, Tama, Hardin and Grundy counties in Iowa, on celebrating their 25th Anniversary. I also wish to express my appreciation for their commitment to providing a comforting service to Iowans.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation in to law that made hospice care Medicare certified and Iowa River Hospice became incorporated. Iowa River Hospice has cared for over 1,900 patients and their families over the past three decades. Hospice care is something that we all wish was not necessary, but is a life touching service which is needed to allow terminal patients to live the final moments of their lives to the fullest. Hospice also helps families cope with the loss of a loved one close to them. Iowa River Hospice is in the process of building a new hospice home and plan on opening their doors in early 2009.

Iowa River Hospice is dedicated to benefiting Iowans during an extremely difficult time. It is an honor to represent Executive Director Marilee Lawler, and all the members of the Iowa River Hospice team in the United States Congress and I wish them continued success in their future service to central Iowans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great achievement by the Fort Dodge, Iowa native and current member of the Iowa State University women's track team, Lisa Koll. Lisa earned a national championship in the NCAA women's 10,000 meter race.

Although Lisa never won a state championship in her career at Fort Dodge High School, as a collegiate sophomore, she won a national title on the same blue track at Drake University where the Iowa High School State Championships are held. She is the first Iowa State track athlete to win a national championship since 1984 after completing the over six mile race in 32:44.95--short of her own American collegiate record of 32:11.13 set earlier this spring, but good enough for a Drake Stadium Record and national championship.

Lisa's impressive feat demonstrates the reward for hard work, dedication and determination. I am honored to represent Lisa Koll in the United States Congress, and I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating her on her national championship and wish her success in her future running career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize SFC Greg Hubby, a native of Boone, Iowa, as a recipient of a Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery, heroism, and meritorious service.

SFC Hubby earned the Bronze Star while he was a retention NCO with the 3rd Infantry Battalion, stationed in Mosul. During one of his helicopter trips to another outpost, their helicopter came under fire.

SFC Hubby's bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. Although recruiters are typically non- deployable, SPC Hubby reached out to share in the sacrifices of our other brave men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan by volunteering his service at a time of need. His heroism illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to risk their own lives for their country. For this I offer him my utmost congratulations and thanks for his service and sacrifice for this great nation.

I commend SFC Greg Hubby's courageousness and service, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues join me in recognizing his service and wishing him and his family the very best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. Barbara Trieff, an English and journalism teacher at Interstate 35 High School in Truro, Iowa, on the occasion of her retirement. I also wish to express my appreciation for Barbara's dedication and commitment to the youth of Iowa.

For the past 34 years, Mrs. Trieff has contributed her time and talents to improving youths' lives through education and mentoring. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Orient Macksburg High School in 1970 before attending Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. In 1975 she started her career in education by teaching junior high English at Westwood in Sloan, Iowa. After her first year of teaching, she applied for, and obtained a high school English teaching position at Interstate 35 High School where she remained for the next 32 years. Mrs. Trieff certainly left a positive mark at I-35 High School, playing a crucial role in many school programs including the development of the Life Skills course, Career Planning, Career Day, the job shadowing program, and instating a reading program as well as the Advanced Placement English literature class.

Mrs. Trieff has truly made a lasting impact on students, family and faculty throughout her illustrious career, and her leadership at I-35 will certainly be missed by everyone. I consider it an honor to represent Mrs. Barbara Trieff in the United States Congress, and I wish her and her husband Richard a happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mr. Rick Kuhlman, the principal of Fort Dodge Senior High in Fort Dodge, Iowa. I also want to express my appreciation for Rick's dedication and commitment to the youth of Iowa.

For the past 34 years Mr. Kuhlman has contributed his time and his talents to improving youths' lives through education and mentoring. Mr. Kuhlman began as a physical education and health teacher with the Fort Dodge School District in 1974. He later became assistant principal of the high school from 1987 until 1999, when he was named the principal. During his career Mr. Kuhlman has been responsible for many accomplishments and successes, but the one that is most important to him was Fort Dodge Senior High being chosen as a model school in the State of Iowa, one of the first 20 schools in the State to receive such an honor.

Mr. Kuhlman's dedication to the Fort Dodge School District has touched the lives of the many students, families and faculty members he has worked with over the years. His leadership will certainly be missed, but his accomplishments will have a lasting impact on the community for years to come. I consider it an honor to represent Mr. Rick Kuhlman in the United States Congress, and I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Max Gustafson for his longtime service to the community of Perry, Iowa. He recently earned the 2008 Civil Servant of the Year award from the local Rotary Club as well as special recognition by the Firefighters Association for his 53 years of service with the Perry Fire Department.

Soon after serving over four years in the Army with the NI Tank Company in the 34th Division, 133rd Infantry, Max began volunteering with Perry Fire Department. During his 53 years of service, Max served as fire chief for 10 years, and at the age of 93, Max continues to be active with the Perry Fire Department by contributing his mechanical skills. On his 90th birthday, he chose to celebrate by climbing to the top of the ladder on the ladder truck. Max has dedicated an immense amount of his time to the people of Perry and he is living proof that you are never too old to serve the community you love.

Max's loyalty to the Perry Fire Department and community has earned him a great deal of admiration, and his service deserves to be commended. I consider it an honor to represent Max Gustafson in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing him the best as he continues to serve the town of Perry and set a positive example for all to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Sandy for reaching an important milestone of 60 years as a public servant to the people of Warren County, Iowa.

For the past 60 years Bob has honorably served Warren County. His work with the county began when Bob took a job as a surveyor and bridge inspector for the county engineer's department at the age of 19. In 1953 he earned a degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University. Five years later, in 1958, he was hired as the county engineer and remained in that position until 1997. In the following year, Bob was elected to the Warren County Board of Supervisors and is currently serving his third term.

When Bob began working for the county, there were no paved roads in the entire county. Over 150 miles of roads were paved while Bob was the engineer. His friends say his success has come from getting along with, and earning the respect of those around him, including those who have shared their differences. In addition to his work with the county, Bob was a widely recognized and regarded sports announcer for local high school and Simpson College athletics with KBAB radio for 30 years. He also was the president of the Little League Association for many years.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Bob Sandy for his six decades of leadership and service to Warren County. I consider it an honor to represent him in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mindy Daugherty of Dallas Center, Iowa for earning the Hero of the Heartland honor presented by the Central Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mindy is a legal nurse consultant with Bradshaw Law Firm in Des Moines, but during her free time she volunteers with the Mid-Iowa Sexual Assault Response Team, where she is able to utilize her forensic nursing background. Her duties involved with being a member of the team include extensive hours of being on call to administer assistance to sexual abuse victims at any given time. When a patient is sexually assaulted, Mindy does a history, physical and collects DNA evidence for the patient. At the same time she has the difficult task of comforting and giving reassurance to distressed victims.

Mindy's willingness to utilize her strengths by volunteering and helping people involved in traumatic events is certainly an example to all of us. Her dedication to her community and commitment to serving those in a time of great need should be commended. I consider it an honor to represent Mindy Daugherty in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in congratulating her on this honor and wishing her the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Alan Wooters, a native of Gowrie, Iowa, who has been a distinguished long time public servant in Webster County, Iowa.

For the past 44 years, Alan has been working in the Webster County Auditor's office. After studying at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Alan began his non-elected position at the age of 19. Despite being a long-time Republican and a member of the Webster County Republican Central Committee, the three auditors he has worked for during his 44 year career have all been Democrats. In today's political climate, he certainly serves as a wonderful example of how to work across the aisle to accomplish results for the greater good.

Although Alan is stepping down from his First Deputy Auditor position, he hopes to continue serving the community by devoting more time to volunteering in programs such as Meals on Wheels and continuing as the president of the Gowrie Historical Society.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Alan Wooters for his many years of service to Webster County, Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Alan in Congress, and I wish him the best in his retirement and as he continues to serve his community.