Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cadet Lieutenant Amanda Veen of Perry, Iowa for being named Cadet of the Year by the Iowa Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.

Amanda, who is currently a sophomore at Liberty Home School, also received the Billy Mitchell Award and served as Color Guard Commander in the North Central Region Cadet Competition last year for the Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron.

The Cadet of the Year award honors Amanda's dedication and commitment during her participation in the Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs. The Iowa Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, which is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 390 officers and cadets in Iowa. The Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs provide youth opportunities to reach their full potential as they study four subject areas: aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values.

I know that my colleagues in the U.S. Congress join me in commending Cadet Lieutenant Amanda Veen for her leadership and dedication to representing the Iowa Civil Air Patrol. I consider it an honor to represent Amanda and her family in Congress, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joan Schwade for reaching a noteworthy milestone of 40 years' service as a meter reader in the community of Protivin, Iowa.

As a meter reader in a small town, Joan gets a fascinating perspective of the community and has a great opportunity to regularly meet with townspeople. When she started her job in 1968, all of the 177 meters in town were located on the inside of homes. Times changed and today meters are located outside the homes, so readers like Joan are able to make it through their routes more efficiently. At the age of 76, Joan continues to enjoy the exercise and opportunity to talk with local residents. It is reported that she could do without the dogs and winter weather, but she plans to

continue her work as long as she is able to perform it.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Joan Schwade for her service and dedication to the Protivin community as a meter reader. I consider it an honor to represent her in Congress, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mike Keefe from the State of Iowa Fire Marshall's Office, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment for the past 32 years for the safety of Iowans.

After receiving a business administration degree in 1975, Mike began volunteering for the Decorah, Iowa fire department. While on the job, the fire department was called to a fire at the church he attended and where his mother worked as a secretary. He rescued his mother by helping her out a window. The fire officials asked Mike to assist in their investigation, and afterwards Mike was encouraged to apply for a position with the Iowa Fire Marshall's Office. He was offered and accepted a job in 1976 with the office as an investigator. Over the years Mike has investigated nearly 3,000 fires, providing reliable and dedicated service to many Iowans.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Mike Keefe for his service to the State Fire Marshall's Office and the people of Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Mike in Congress and I wish him and his wife, Susan, a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Martha Kruetzmann on the celebration of her 100th birthday on April 2, 2008.

Martha was born on April 2, 1908 to Peter and Lydia Wigand in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She was one of four brothers and three sisters. Martha was married to the late Reverend A.I. Kruetzmann and has three children, Eileen, Evelyn, and Edith; eight grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. She currently lives at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard, Iowa.

There have been many changes that have occurred during the past one hundred years. Since Martha's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Martha has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

I congratulate Martha Kruetzmann for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Martha in the United States Congress and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Naughton on the celebration of her 90th birthday on April 29, 2008.

Mary was born on April 29, 1918 in Illinois. She moved to Marshalltown, Iowa in 1948 when she married John Naughton. They happily had two daughters, three sons, nine grandchildren and one great- grandson. Mary currently resides in Marshalltown and is an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

There have been many changes that have occurred during the past ninety years.

Since Mary's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Mary has lived through sixteen United States Presidents and twenty Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime the population of the United States has nearly tripled.

I congratulate Mary Naughton for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Mary in the United States Congress and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Florence McCown on the celebration of her 100th birthday on April 27, 2008.

Florence was born on April 27, 1908 on a farm near Aplington, Iowa. In 1933, she married Burton McCown, and the couple resided in Eldora, Iowa. Florence and her husband owned a hardware store in New Providence and a plumbing and heating store in Eldora. She also taught for several years in the New Providence schools. Florence was a member of a state tournament qualifying basketball team and remained active in athletic events for the majority of her life. Florence currently resides at Grandview Heights in Marshalltown, Iowa.

There have been many changes that have occurred during the past ninety years. Since Florence's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Florence has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime the population of the United States has more than tripled.

I congratulate Florence McCown for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Florence in the United States Congress, and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote.

Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 239, I inadvertently missed the vote today on H.R. 5715 due to an unforeseeable conflict. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great work and service that Osage Unit 278 of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Iowa is doing on behalf of our young citizens' education.

The members of Osage Unit 278 place a great value on the education of our young citizens who will be the leaders of tomorrow. The Unit recently held a scholarship luncheon/bake sale on April 5, 2008, with the purpose of raising money to give scholarships to the graduating seniors of Osage High School. Their objective was met, and funds raised will allow for 13 scholarships of $250.00 each to be awarded; 10 of those by the Unit; two to be given in honor of members by their families; and one from the Unit Auxiliary marching group known as the Starlighters.

Unit 278 also contributed $250.00 to benefit the Special Olympians of the Osage School System, enabling them to attend the State of Iowa Special Olympics.

The work of the 381 member Unit has always been highly respected, regarded and appreciated by the community of Osage. Their work and dedication exemplifies the great Iowa spirit of giving to help others. And Unit 278 truly follows one of the guiding principles of the American Legion Auxiliary mission statement, ``that Auxiliary members continue to be the leaders in all that is good in this nation today, tomorrow and for generations to come through serving others first and not self.''

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in recognizing the dedicated work and accomplishments of Osage Unit 278 of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Iowa. I am proud and honored to represent all 381 members of the Unit in the United States House of Representatives and I wish them continued success in their future work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Iowa Men's Wrestling Program on winning the 2008 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship.

Dating back to the early 1900's my home State of Iowa has lead the way in shaping what competitive collegiate wrestling has become today. In fact, the first ever NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship Tournament took place in Ames, Iowa. Anyone who follows the sport will tell you that you can always count on a team from the State of Iowa finishing among the top of almost every tournament.

At all levels, the State of Iowa has a long storied and honored wrestling tradition and it is the preferred sport of many Iowa households. It has been a hallmark of Iowa athletics for decades and its competition remains prominent in the majority of middle schools, high schools, state colleges and universities throughout the state today. There is a tremendous amount of hard-work, discipline and dedication required to succeed in wrestling, common characteristics of all Iowans which may explain why we have been so successful in the sport for so long.

The University of Iowa's wrestling program has significantly contributed to this success and tradition. It has historically been, and remains, considered among the nation's elite programs. In 2008 the University of Iowa won its 21st national title, its first since 2000, and crowned two individual champions--senior Mark Perry and sophomore Brent Metcalf. And, Coach Tom Brands was selected as 2008 Coach of the Year.

Again, I wish to congratulate the Iowa wrestling program on a job well done as they celebrate their 2008 national championship and I encourage my colleagues to do so as well by adopting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarion Public Library on its 100th year anniversary. The Clarion Public Library serves over 3,000 residents of Clarion, Iowa as well as residents of the surrounding areas in Wright County.

In February 1907, the Clarion City Council voted to contribute $5,000 to erect and maintain a public library after Mr. Morgan Everts, a pioneer of Webster City, Iowa, offered to supplement the project with a $10,000 donation. The structure of the library was erected by F.F. McManus at the contract price of $9,921, without a furnace or furnishings, and was built in the same style of architecture as the Carnegie libraries around the country. The building was opened to the public in April 1908.

The 5,000 square-foot library contains a large basement where the heating plant, store rooms and auditorium are located. A high flag- staff is set in front of the building, designed to hold ``Old Glory,'' which was the gift of Captain Terrell.

From April 1908 to January 1913, Mrs. G.T. Eldridge served as the first librarian and was subsequently followed by Mrs. Irving E. Nagle. Mrs. Marrian Gannon was the longest serving head librarian from 1967 to 1996, and the current head librarian, Nola Waddingham, has served since 1996.

In 1984, a total remodeling of the library was completed. With a grant from the Kinney-Lindstrom Fund and help from the city council, the children's library was moved to the basement, an elevator was installed, and a meeting room for cultural events was constructed. Today the Clarion Library Board and the City of Clarion are raising funds to expand and renovate this historic library.

Throughout the many years the Clarion Public Library staff has strived to meet the needs of the people in the area by providing excellent information and encouraging citizens to read. I congratulate the Clarion Public Library on this historic anniversary. It is an honor to represent Nola Waddingham, the library board of trustees, and all of the Clarion Library staff in the United States Congress, and I wish the Clarion Public Library continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker I rise today to honor a great achievement by a young American from Garner, Iowa. This Sunday, April 13, Mataya Huling will be presented with The Girl Scout Gold Award. This is the highest achievement possible within the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

According to the Girl Scouts, the Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into ``going for the Gold.'' It is something that a girl can be passionate about--in thought, deed, and action. The project is something that fulfills a need within a girl's community (whether local or global), creates change, and hopefully, is something that becomes ongoing. The project is more than a good service project--it encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills.

This award is certainly very prestigious, as last year only 5.4 percent of all eligible Girl Scouts received the Gold Award.

According to the Garner Leader and Signal newspaper, Mataya's Gold project was to redo the Garner-Hayfield High School Drama Department prop room. Mataya has been actively involved in drama programs since her days in junior high school. She worked 80 hours to organize, clean, repair and properly store props, costumes and materials used by the drama department.

Previously Mataya earned the Girl Scout Silver Award by planning and presenting several bike safety workshops for younger troop members and pre-school age children.

Along with her dedication to Girl Scouts, Mataya is involved in countless other activities in her school and community including chorus, band, GAP Teen Council, golf, and has volunteered teaching Sunday Bible School at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Mataya is a shining example of the dedication, determination and faith present in today's youth and their promise as tomorrow's leaders. I am proud to represent Mataya and her parents, Mark and Missy, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in not only congratulating Mataya but also recognizing that maybe one day in the not too distant future we will see Congresswoman Mataya Huling serving in this historic institution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karl Schroeder of Ossian, Iowa

as a recipient of the Governor's Meritorious Service Award for saving another's life by risking his own.

The Meritorious Service Award is presented to those individuals who have rendered expeditious service in a time of emergency. The Governor and Public Safety Commissioner paid tribute to Karl and 24 other Iowans during the 2007 Governor's Lifesaving Awards ceremony.

On January 12, 2007, Karl happened upon an accident on Division Street in Decorah, Iowa, and saw that a vehicle was engulfed in flames. He called 911 and then immediately went to the vehicle. He attempted to free passenger, Olive Sims, from the car by cutting the safety belt with a knife. He was unable to remove her because her leg was broken and she was wedged in the car. Karl stayed with Olive until the officers arrived on the scene and pulled her to safety.

Karl's bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His courage illustrates the compassion of Iowans, willing to risk their own lives for a neighbor in need. For this I offer him my utmost respect, congratulations and thanks.

I commend Karl Schroeder for his bravery. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of New Hampton, Iowa Police Officer Charles Lembke on the occasion of his retirement, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to protecting the citizens of his community.

For the last 28 years, Officer Lembke has served New Hampton faithfully and honorably. Officer Lembke's daily courage goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His service in providing safety to his community earns him respect and honor, and for this, I offer him my utmost respect, congratulations and thanks.

I commend Officer Charles Lembke for his many years of loyal service in protecting Iowans. It is an immense honor to represent Officer Lembke in the United States Congress, and I wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Jeremy D. Anzevino 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.

Captain Anzevino earned the Bronze Star while he was commander of Co. L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. He was team chief and staff maneuver advisor for the Military Transition Team. 1st Battalion. 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, from January to July 2007.

His award citation states, ``Anzevino provided advice and assistance to Iraqi leaders of 1st Battalion during counterinsurgency operations, which led to the elimination of numerous insurgents.''

Captain Anzevino's bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His heroism illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to risk their own lives for their country. For this I offer him my utmost respect, congratulations, and thanks.

I commend Captain Jeremy Anzevino's courageousness and service to our great nation. I am honored to represent Captain Anzevino in the United States Congress and I wish him the best in his future service to our country.