Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recent heroic action of Eldora, Iowa Police Officer Elson ``Skip'' Ehrhardt.

On March 5, 2008 at 12:48 a.m., while Officer Ehrhardt was on patrol, he received an emergency page indicating that a woman was in active labor a half block away in the Merritt Mobile Home Court. When Officer Ehrhardt arrived on the scene, he had to urge a hesitant woman to leave the bathroom where she had begun to go into labor. When she eventually came out, Ehrhardt realized that her water had broken and that there was no time to get her medical assistance. He noticed that the baby's head was on its way out, and about a minute later, at 12:57 a.m., Officer Ehrhardt had the baby in his arms. He then quickly unwrapped the umbilical cord and rubbed the baby vigorously until the baby began to cry, just as an ambulance arrived with paramedics.

Officer Ehrhardt's alertness and decisive decision making in such a critical situation goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His courage illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to do whatever it takes for a neighbor in need. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Officer Ehrhardt on a job well done. It is an honor to represent such a compassionate Iowan in Congress, and I wish Officer Ehrhardt the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Special Agent Larry Hedlund as a recipient of the Iowa Law Enforcement Victim Service Award. The awards were created by the Federal Law Enforcement Victim Task Force of the U.S. Attorneys' Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.

Agent Hedlund was nominated by the Webster County Attorney's Office for his role in protecting a victim and successfully prosecuting the defendant in the State of Iowa vs. Perry Bender case. Agent Hedlund was able to gain the victim's trust and cooperation after she was threatened with physical harm by the defendant if she appeared for a deposition in the pending case. He used the information he gained from the victim to locate a digital recorder that included a conversation of the defendant threatening the victim. This evidence eventually led to the conviction of Mr. Bender.

Agent Hedlund's 20 years of dedicated service to the Iowa Department of Public Safety has made a positive impact on the lives of many victims caught in dangerous circumstances. His courage illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to risk his own safety for people in need.

I commend Special Agent Larry Hedlund for his outstanding service to his community and performance on the job. I am honored to represent Agent Hedlund in the United States Congress, and I wish him the best in his future work protecting the citizens of Iowa.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Tom Comfort, principal of Emerson Elementary School in Indianola, Iowa, on the occasion of his retirement. I also want to express my appreciation for Tom's dedication and commitment to the youth of Iowa.

For the past 35 years Mr. Comfort has contributed his time and talents to improving lives through education and mentoring. Tom began as a student teacher in the school district in 1972. He later taught second grade at Emerson for over 20 years and worked 5 years in administration before becoming principal. Mr. Comfort is well-known for his natural ability to connect with young students, parents, and fellow educators. His guidance, sense of humor, and many unique abilities including his story-telling, will certainly be missed by all at Emerson Elementary, as is evidenced by art projects organized by teachers and students at every grade level in his honor.

Mr. Comfort has made a lasting impact on the many students and teachers he has worked with over his career. I consider it an honor to represent Tom in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Clemmye Jackson, the Ames, Iowa Community School District's accelerated learning program director, after 30 years of service to the Ames community.

For the past 30 years Clemmye has contributed her time and talents to improving youths' lives through education and mentoring. She is a native of Ocala, Florida and moved with her husband George, to Rochester, Michigan when he was hired by Oakwood University in the 1970's. She started working as a substitute teacher and found her niche in working with at-risk children, where she learned to teach using structured discipline, communication in a respectful manner, and a sense of humor. When George took a job at Iowa State University in 1977, she became a counselor at Ames High School. She later became the director of the accelerated learning program for K-12 education in the Ames School District.

Under her guidance, the Ames School district has applied for, and successfully received annual grants of over $2 million for at-risk accelerated learning programs including an intervention prevention department, Title I, a drug-free program, a program for homeless students, three separate preschool programs, and an English language learner program. Because of Clemmye's vision and hard work, the successful at-risk programs now utilize over 49 teachers and noncertified employees to assist students.

Clemmye has made a lasting impact on students throughout her career, and her leadership will be missed. However, she leaves the future program director the inspiration to help youth dream big, work hard, and achieve great things.

I consider it an honor to represent Clemmye Jackson in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing her and her husband George, a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize volunteer firefighter Jay Lindahl of Ogden, Iowa and Martha Sparks of Boone, Iowa for their swift and heroic actions that saved a fellow Iowan's life.

While eating lunch at a restaurant in Ames, Iowa, a fellow patron began choking on her food. Martha quickly approached the distressed patron and administered the Heimlich maneuver. When it appeared as if the Heimlich wasn't working, Jay came over to the scene. He noticed the patron's color leaving her face and lack of pulse. Jay then began administering oxygen while Martha administered chest compressions. Within moments, the woman was breathing on her own and regained consciousness.

Without Martha and Jay's alertness and quick actions, this woman would possibly not be with us today. It is heroic acts like this that make this nation and its people second to none.

Martha and Jay's unselfish actions go above and beyond what we are asked of in our everyday lives, and I commend Jay Lindahl and Martha Sparks for their noble deed. I am honored to represent them both in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in recognizing their heroic actions and wishing them health and happiness in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Nashua, Iowa native and TSgt Michael P. Cmelik as a recipient of a Bronze Star Medal for his heroic achievements during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Bronze Star, the Department of Defense's fourth highest award given, is awarded to individuals for bravery, heroism, and meritorious service.

Technical Sergeant Cmelik earned the Bronze Star as an elite member of the 15th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron while operating in Kalsu, Iraq during his third tour of duty in Iraq. As stated by the military in a press release related to his award, ``Sgt. Cmelik's leadership and professionalism ensured his Brigade Commander's intent for airpower was always met, and more often than not, exceeded. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command, the United States Army and the United States Air Force.''

Technical Sergeant Cmelik's bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country, and his heroism and hard work illustrates the compassion and professionalism of America's troops. I commend TSgt Michael P. Cmelik's courageousness and service to our great Nation and consider it an honor to represent Sergeant Cmelik and his family in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues join me in wishing him the best in his future service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Sandi White, Secretary of the Greene County, Iowa Sheriff's Office, and to express my appreciation for her nearly 25 years of public service to her community.

In 1984, Sandi took a part time dispatcher position before taking over the full time graveyard shift in 1987. When the secretary's position opened, she jumped at the opportunity and has served in that position until her retirement in February. During her years at the Greene County Sheriff's office, Sandi's hard work has earned her the respect and appreciation of her community.

I commend Sandi White for her many years of loyalty and service to her fellow Iowans. It is an honor to represent Sandi in Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing her a happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa State University primatologist Jill Pruetz on winning a National Geographic Society Emerging Explorer Award for her research on primates in Senegal, Africa.

Jill, who is also an associate professor of anthropology at Iowa State University, received international recognition for performing a study which recorded habitual hunting by Savannah chimpanzees in Senegal, Africa. She found that apes made spears from twigs and caught prey with them. Jill is currently focused on the chimps' reactions to fire, use of water and general movements and behaviors. During her 7 years of researching in Senegal, Jill has suffered from malaria and avoided hazards such as poisonous snakes.

Jill's work and research is important to widening the scope of knowledge of different areas and species around the world. Without Jill's individual efforts, science would be left behind in understanding the environment's role in the adaptations of Earth's species.

I commend Jill Pruetz for all her hard work and contributions to scientific exploration. I consider it an honor to represent Jill in Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing her future success and happiness as she continues her work in primatology.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Trinity Lutheran Church of New Hampton, Iowa, on celebrating their 50th anniversary as a congregation.

On July 31, 1958, the German parishioners of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Norwegian parishioners of St. Olaf's Lutheran Church joined together as Trinity Lutheran Church. St. John Lutheran Church of Lawler, Iowa became the third church to join Trinity Lutheran in 1964. The St. John Lutheran Churches in Ionia and Boyd are also now a part of the Trinity family.

The original St. Paul church cost $19,000 to build. While growing as a congregation, the Trinity family has also faced adversity in dealing with damaging fires at the church in 1973 and 2001. Both times the congregation came together and built their faith community even stronger. Through new contemporary services, Trinity's methods of conducting their services have changed with society, but its message has remained steadfast.

Trinity Lutheran Church of New Hampton is dedicated to benefiting the lives of those in New Hampton and the surrounding rural areas, and for this I offer Trinity my utmost congratulations and thanks on a prosperous history. It is an honor to represent all the parishioners of Trinity Lutheran and the current pastor Reverend Kevin Frey in the United States Congress, and I wish them continued success, grace, peace and celebration as a community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great achievement by the Iowa Central Community College Tritons wrestling team. This year Iowa Central won their third straight National Junior College Athletic Association, NJCAA, national championship.

Iowa Central is only the third junior college to ever win three straight national titles. At 125 pounds, Terrance Young earned an individual national title. David Greenwald and Brad Lower were runner- ups in their respective weight classes. Matt Burns, Joe Johnson, Carrington Banks and Kevin Kelly placed third, fourth, eighth and eighth in their respective weight classes. Carrington Banks, Brian Drake, David Greenwald, Kevin Kelly, Joe Johnson and Terrance Young were all named academic All-Americans as well.

The example set by these young men and their coach, Luke Moffitt, demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and determination. They scored victories on the mat as well as in the classroom. Their triumph in both arenas is an honor that we all can admire and be proud of.

I am honored to represent Iowa Central Community College and their students, staff, faculty, wrestling team and their coaches in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating the Tritons on their third straight national championship and wishing all the young men continued success in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize CPT Lee J. Vandewater of Winterset, Iowa who was honored by the Central Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross for his heroic efforts serving in the Iowa National Guard overseas, earning him a Bronze Star.

Captain Vandewater served as the 1st Platoon Leader, Company B, 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. While serving overseas, he commanded a nine-vehicle convoy carrying 30 soldiers along the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. Insurgents ambushed the battalion and Captain Vandewater commanded his team to safety and returned with three other men to successfully rescue four stranded soldiers. For his efforts, Captain Vandewater was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery, heroism, and meritorious service. For his service he earned a promotion to Captain and was assigned as Commander, Company A 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard.

The bravery and sacrifice displayed by Captain Vandewater goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. I commend CPT Lee J. Vandewater's courageousness and service to our great Nation. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing Captain Vandewater safety and success in his future service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate West Marshall Iowa's girls' basketball head coach, Fred Zeller, for reaching the milestone of 500 career victories during this past 2008 season.

On January 22nd, the West Marshall Trojans defeated Woodward-Granger to give Coach Zeller his 500th career win during his 744th consecutive game coached. The road to this milestone began 37 years ago in Vinton, Iowa, where Coach Zeller began coaching junior high and freshman girls' basketball. He then moved on to coach LaPorte City for 14 years, Southeast Polk for two years, and in 1990 became head coach at West Marshall where he remains today.

Coach Zeller led four teams to the girls' state basketball tournament; LaPorte City in 1986 and West Marshall in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He was inducted into the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003. He also served as the West Marshall baseball coach until a couple of years ago.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Coach Fred Zeller on his coaching success and this milestone achievement. It is an honor to represent Coach Zeller in Congress, and I wish him the best as he continues to provide a positive impact as a role model and educator.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated servant to the people of Iowa--Charles ``Chuck'' Gipp. Chuck, who has served the people of Iowa in the state legislature for the past 18 years, is retiring from that body this year.

Chuck was born and raised in Winneshiek County in Iowa--the same county that he and his wife Ranae raised their two children, Alison and Barrett, and where they still reside today.

Chuck has spent his legislative career as a true leader throughout. After serving 12 years in the Iowa Legislature, Chuck was unanimously chosen to serve as the Majority Leader of the Iowa House in 2002. From 1992-1993, he served as a House Assistant Majority Leader. In 1994, the position of House Majority Whip was created, where Chuck served until 1999. Chuck was then selected by House leadership in 2000 to Chair the Transportation, Capitals and Infrastructure Committee. In 2001, Chuck was selected once again to serve as a House Assistant Majority Leader while continuing to serve as Chair of the Transportation, Capitals and Infrastructure Committee.

Long before I was elected to serve in Iowa's Fourth Congressional District in 2002, I knew Chuck and of his reputation as a leader who was highly respected by the people he was elected to serve as well as his colleagues in Des Moines. Chuck has been a valuable advisor and resource to me on the many issues and concerns important to our shared constituents in Iowa's 16th District.

Chuck has often said that he never thought about pursuing a career in the politics when he was growing up on the family farm or even during his days at Luther College in Decorah. Chuck got involved in the political process for the same reasons any true dedicated servant of the people does--because of the circumstances that directly impacted his family and neighbors. Chuck Gipp wanted to make a difference in the lives of Iowans, and he has accomplished that goal and made a positive difference in the lives of countless people throughout the years.

President Abraham Lincoln said it best when I think about what Chuck Gipp has done for Iowa. He said, ``Whatever you are, be a good one.'' And, while during his younger days Chuck may not have envisioned one day becoming a legislator, he did. And he was more than a good one--he was a great servant of the people.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Chuck Gipp on a remarkable career in the Iowa Legislature and wishing him and Ranae all the best throughout their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a milestone that will be celebrated this weekend by the people of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster City, Iowa. This Sunday, June 29th the people of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its current location at 1229 Kathy Lane.

The congregation will recreate the May 25, 1958, processional walk from the original location on Des Moines Street just as it was done a half century ago. Trinity's oldest confirmed member, Dimple Raven, who was part of the original procession, will join fellow members as they duplicate the walk. Ashlyn Sue Hill, Trinity's youngest member, will also play an important role in the 50th anniversary celebration with her baptism during Sunday's special worship service.

Also joining in the celebration will be former Trinity pastors Raymond Roden and Doug Tiffany.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the Reverend Dr. Mike Kroona, the staff and the congregation of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on this milestone and wishing them grace and peace throughout the following years.

I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sympathy to the families who lost their boys in the tornado in Little Sioux, Iowa, earlier this month.

As a parent, I know that no words uttered on this floor will ease the pain of losing a child. I only hope today's statements will serve as a timeless reminder that America's heart broke upon the news of this tragic loss. As a Nation, we are all so very sorry for your loss.

I'd like to take a moment to talk about Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Aaron was 14 years old. He was the only son of Bob and Carol Eilerts. He was a dedicated member of Boy Scout Troop 108.

Although I didn't have the honor of knowing Aaron, many people in the town of Eagle Grove were touched deeply by this outstanding young man. After reading the many tributes to Aaron Eilerts, I was struck by what a special person he was.

Aaron had taken it upon himself to make pillowcases for children who were sick and confined in hospitals. He made dozens of colorful pillowcases, including one for his cousin who was recovering from losing his leg serving our country in Iraq.

Aaron will be remembered for his generosity and his big heart. He enjoyed making people happy and had a special gift for making folks smile.

It should be noted that Aaron was a distinguished member of Scouting's National Honor Society, The Order of the Arrow. Aaron was elected to the Order by his peers because he best exemplified the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.

I will recite the Scout Oath and Law in Aaron's memory, and I hope it will give people a sense of what kind of a person he was and what we should all aspire to be.

The Scout Oath reads: ``On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.''

The Scout Law requires each Boy Scout to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

We should all follow Aaron Eilerts' example. He lived a good life, doing good things for people in need.