Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowan Verna Webber on the celebration of her 105th birthday today.

Verna was born on February 27, 1903 in the Ames, Iowa area. She grew up with seven siblings. Verna married Henry Albert Webber, who was a professor at Iowa State University. They happily had three children, Marjorie, Richard, and Don. Verna currently lives at the Riverside Manor in Ames. She remains in excellent health, and I am told from a good source that she can kick higher than any other resident during morning exercises. Verna spends her days with her daughter, Marjorie, who lives along with her at Riverside, where they can be seen attached at the hip.

There have been many changes that have occurred since Verna was born. 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 the Soviet Union, communism, and the birth of new democracies. Verna has lived to see the leadership of 18 United States Presidents and 24 Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

I am extremely honored to represent Verna in Congress, and I know that my colleagues will join me with warm birthday wishes for continued happiness and health in her future years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lois Aukland of the Royal Neighbors of America Chapter in Humboldt, Iowa, for receiving the National Fraternal Congress of America's, NFCA, Most Valuable Participant, MVP, Award.

The MVP award highlights Lois' service to her community and relief organizations around Iowa. Lois is the local secretary and treasurer and has held the office of recorder for 13 years. She has been the strongest recruiter for the chapter by increasing the active members from 5 to 20.

Lois has also been involved in many volunteer organizations and activities which include: the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center planning committee, vice president of the Dakota City Worth While Club, the Girl Scouts representative for JOIN HANDS DAY, and a member of a team for the local Relay for Life fundraiser. Lois has received various awards including the Rookie of the Year by Humboldt Ox Bow Chapter of Izaak Walton League of America and was the inspiration behind her local chapter receiving the Camp Recognition Award each year since its inception.

Lois earned this award for her dedication to supporting women and serving communities, which is what Royal Neighbors of America is all about. Lois has been a tremendous example for her community, and I commend her ongoing commitment to helping others.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Lois Aukland for her leadership and service to Humboldt, Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Lois in Congress and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three members of the Decorah, Iowa Police Department, Chief Tom Courtney, Captain Warren Leeps, and Officer Sara Stinson, and Volunteer Decorah Firefighter Jeff Ode, as recipients of The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor for saving another's life by risking their own.

The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor Program was established in 1977 to recognize peace officers and firefighters, who while serving in an official capacity, distinguished themselves by performing a heroic act while fully aware of a threat to his/her personal safety. The strict nomination process includes background investigations, and the final determination is made by the Governor of Iowa.

In January of 2007, Olive Sims crashed her car into a ditch along Division Street in Decorah. Chief Courtney, Captain Leeps, Officer Stinson and Volunteer Firefighter Ode responded to the report and quickly traveled to the scene. Upon their arrival, they discovered the engine compartment of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and that Olive was still inside. Putting their own lives in danger, they acted quickly to remove Olive from the vehicle before the fire department arrived and just before the passenger compartment of the car was fully consumed by fire.

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

I commend Chief Tom Courtney, Captain Warren Leeps, Officer Sara Stinson and Volunteer Firefighter Jeff Ode for their bravery. I am honored to represent each of them in Congress and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Danielle ``Danie'' Vanderpool as a dedicated volunteer, assisting veterans at the Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America in Des Moines.

Danie, a nine-year-old from Indianola, Iowa has volunteered for the dinner and a movie night every Monday night for the past 3 years. After dinner she cleans off the tables, helps set up chairs and serves popcorn, putting smiles on veterans' faces. Danie was inspired to volunteer by her wheelchair-bound grandmother, Shonnae Lundy, who also volunteers at the IPVA.

Danie has left a lasting positive impact on many veterans and their families. The late Jimmy Hauck, a U.S. Navy veteran, nicknamed Danie the ``Popcorn Girl.'' Jimmy took a liking to Danie as she always kept all the popcorn bowls full. She truly exemplifies the Iowa spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

It is a great honor to represent Danie Vanderpool in Congress. I commend Danie's willingness to volunteer and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fort Dodge, Iowa City councilwoman, Jane Burleson, for her 24 years of distinguished public service to the people of Fort Dodge.

In 1982, the citizens of Fort Dodge elected Jane as the first woman and first African American to serve on the council. Jane overcame many barriers to serve and contributed a fresh and different perspective. Her dedication and commitment to improving the city is a true measurement of her leadership and care for her community. Jane's guiding presence on the council will certainly be missed, but the legacy she leaves will inspire many to dream big reach high and achieve great accomplishments.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Jane Burleson for her leadership and service to Fort Dodge, Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Jane in Congress and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the retirement of Robert Newell Wisner, after 41 years as an Iowa State University Extension economist.

Since February of 1967, Robert Wisner has provided a remarkable service to the agricultural community in Iowa and across the globe. He is extremely innovative in his methods of presenting market outlooks and analyzing marketing and risk-management strategies. Robert's publications on risk management and genetically-modified crop marketing have been widely used in Japan and China and have benefited countries in Europe as well. He pioneered work on revenue assurance contracts and regularly educated crop insurance agents about different risk management tools.

Robert also has a gift in relating his work to the common farmer. He has converted his highly complicated market research and analysis into an easily understandable format. Robert is known for checking up-to- the-minute information, seconds before presentations, to give his audience the most accurate statistics. He has worked hard to gain the confidence of farmers by conducting over 2,200 extension meetings and authoring more than 1,500 publications. Robert is a trusted source of expert agricultural economic information and for this I offer him my utmost congratulations and thanks.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Robert Wisner for his leadership and service to the farmers of America. I consider it an honor to represent Robert in Congress and I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carolyn Kingland-Hanson as the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for her commitment and enthusiasm as a teacher in the Hampton-Dumont School District in Iowa.

Carolyn says she is humbled by the honor and believes all her fellow teachers at Hampton-Dumont are equally deserving of the award.

Carolyn has taught high school English and literature for 22 years and has a gift in working with teens. She is able to transform difficult literature into exciting and easy to learn lessons. Carolyn turns her classroom into a stage as students have the opportunity to act out scenes and dances that are in the books they are studying. Her recipe for success is her love of, and commitment to, her students. Her passion for literature and the teaching profession will continue to have a significant impact on her students for years to come.

I congratulate Carolyn Kingland-Hanson on her well-deserved award, and I'm certain that she will continue to touch the lives of many students in her community. It is a great honor to represent Carolyn in Congress, and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Sharon Adamson, coordinator for Boone County CARES (Child Abuse Resources and Educational Services), and to express my appreciation for her dedication and commitment to the safety of the children in Boone County, Iowa. For the past 14 years, Sharon has contributed her time and talents for the betterment of many young children, and for this I offer her my congratulations and thanks.

A native of Charles City, Sharon graduated from Moody Bible College in Chicago and received her B.A. in education from Trinity College in Deerfield. IL. After receiving her master's degree in counselor education she became a guidance counselor at an elementary/junior high school in Wisconsin before moving to Boone. While at CARES. Sharon played a key role in the growth of seven programs: Happy Bear, No More Secrets. Time Out for Moms, Parent Education, Children in the Middle, Stork's Nest, and Community CARES. She is very proud of Community CARES because it is a community created through ``radical'' hospitality which provides a safe place where people in need can go.

Sharon has made a significant impact on the Boone community by dedicating her career to benefiting and working towards growing a safe environment for all children. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in commending Sharon Adamson for her leadership and service. I consider it an honor to represent her in the United States Congress and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Humboldt, Iowa Police Officer Tom Nielsen as a recipient of The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor for saving another's life by risking his own.

The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor Program was established in 1977 to recognize peace officers and firefighters, who while serving in an official capacity, distinguished themselves by performing a heroic act while fully aware of a threat to his/her personal safety. The strict nomination process includes background investigations, and the final determination is made by the Governor of Iowa.

On June 10, 2007, Officer Nielson received an emergency alert indicating that a distraught woman had jumped into the river above the Reasoner Dam. Officer Nielsen quickly responded to the call and rescued the woman, who remained combative during his lifesaving effort.

Officer Nielsen'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 congratulations and thanks.

I commend Officer Tom Nielsen for his bravery. I am honored to represent him in Congress and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Craig Olthoff, a longtime U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency employee, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the agricultural community of Iowa.

For the past 30 years Craig has been employed by the Farm Service Agency. He served as the Hardin County executive director from 1978 to 1989, when he was then promoted to district director. As district director, Craig oversaw 11 county offices in north central Iowa. I offer him my utmost congratulations and thanks for his dedication to providing reliable service to Iowa Farmers.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Craig Olthoff for his leadership and service to the USDA Farm Service Agency and the farmers in his district. I consider it an honor to represent Craig in Congress and I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Iowa Army National Guard BG Jodi Tymeson after 33 years of faithful and honorable service.

After graduating from Ogden High School, GEN Jodi Tymeson enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1974 and was assigned to the headquarters and Headquarters Company, 248th Aviation Battalion, beginning her long and distinguished career in the military. She was selected to attend the Iowa Military Academy's officer candidate school and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1982, assigned to Company B, 234th Signal Battalion as a telecommunications officer. During her service in the 234th Signal Battalion, GEN Tymeson also served as a platoon leader, company commander, systems control officer, battalion operations and training officer, executive officer and battalion commander.

In 1997 GEN Tymeson was assigned to the 67th Troop Command, where she served as an intelligence officer, operations and training officer, special projects officer and commander. On September 24, 2002, she became the first female to be promoted to the general officer rank in the Iowa National Guard. In addition to her many military positions, GEN Tymeson has an impressive military education background, a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in public administration from Drake University. She also currently serves in the Iowa House of Representatives as a District 73 Representative.

I commend GEN Jodi Tymeson for her many years of loyalty and service to our great Nation. It is an immense honor to represent GEN Tymeson in Congress, and I wish her the best in health and happiness throughout the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Ethel Conners, manager of United Trust & Savings Bank in Dougherty, IA, after serving her community for over 58 years.

In 1944, Ethel returned to Dougherty to be closer to her mother after her father died, leaving her position as a private secretary to Ward Hamilton at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, IA. Shortly after she began working at the United Trust & Savings Bank she took over as manager. At 90 years of age, Ethel has become a town institution, serving not just as the bank manager, but the unofficial town historian as well.

Ethel Conners has left a permanent mark on the city of Dougherty and the surrounding region and will be truly missed at the United Trust & Savings Bank. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in commending Ethel for her leadership and service to the community of Dougherty and congratulating her on her retirement. I consider it an honor to represent Ethel in Congress, and I wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement as she continues to play an integral role in her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2541 on their 75th anniversary. Post 2541 has been organized since 1932 in Algona, IA, which is located in Kossuth County.

No one has done more to secure America's freedom and prosperity than our veterans who have valiantly defended our country. I commend all past and present members of Post 2541 for their dedicated service to America as they celebrate this historic milestone in their post's history.

The mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is to ``honor the dead by helping the living'' through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense. For 75 years, Post 2541 has lived out this mission for the betterment of their community and the United States of America.

Again, I congratulate the Kossuth Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2541 on this historic anniversary. It is an honor to represent each member of this remarkable chapter in Congress, and I wish them an equally storied future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeremy Oestmann of Fort Atkinson, Iowa on graduating from the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program.

On November 14, 2007, Jeremy graduated from the 10-month-long Americorps program, which is run by the Corporation for National and Community Service. This full-time, team-based residential program organizes teams of 10-12 members to respond to needs identified by community-based organizations in local communities across every state. One of Jeremy's notable assignments was to serve in the Gulf Region after Hurricane Katrina struck in order to support disaster relief and ongoing recovery efforts.

Jeremy served as the Team Leader for the Fire Seven team, a duty that required immense responsibility, steadfastness, and strong-willed character. Jeremy's leadership and willingness to serve is a wonderful example of the eagerness of Iowans to help one another and make sacrifices for the betterment of their communities and America.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in commending and congratulating Jeremy Oestmann for his service to, and graduation from the Americorps program. I consider it an honor to represent Jeremy in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Gail Romberger Nonnecke for her receipt of the 2007 Council for Advancement and Support of Education, CASE, Iowa Professor of the Year Award.

Recipients of the U.S. Professors of the Year Awards are acknowledged for their commitment to the betterment of education for future generations.

Dr. Nonnecke is a professor of horticulture at Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa, where she instructs introductory and advanced level courses, including principles of horticulture, sustainable and environmental horticulture, temperate fruit crop production and management, and integrated management of tropical crops. She conducts extensive research to develop new approaches in sustainable fruit systems that benefit producers, consumers, and the environment. In addition. Dr. Nonnecke has developed service-learning projects for her study abroad courses in order to enhance global cultural awareness. She also mentors other school faculty by facilitating seminars, workshops, and forums that allow participants to share knowledge and experiences.

Dr. Nonnecke has also received the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award and was selected as a senior faculty member in the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Teaching Partners Program. Dr. Nonnecke's goal while teaching is ``to allow students to develop as life-long learners with the enthusiasm and skills to learn new things. `` She demonstrates a special passion in empowering her students to go above and beyond where her own research has taken her.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in commending and congratulating Dr. Gail Romberger Nonnecke. It is an honor to represent Dr. Nonnecke in Congress, and I wish her the best as she continues to conduct important research and make a positive impact in the lives of her students and faculty peers.