Mark Alford

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, `twas 5 days before Christmas, and all through this House, not a lawmaker was resting, not even their spouse. The CR was stalled, the debates full of heat, while a shutdown shadow loomed over our streets. My friends, it is time to fund our defense and aid for our farms and disaster relief to protect our very own citizens from harm. Our farmers work hard. They deserve every chance to grow and to prosper, advance, and enhance. Mr. Speaker, this Christmas, this Christmas let's give we the people their due, a funded government from leaders who are true. So as we vote on this CR, let's keep this in sight: America First, and to all a good night.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I did not bring any fancy signs with me today. Those take hours to prepare. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, that if a shutdown occurs because we do not pass this continuing resolution today, it will not be a Republican shutdown. It will be a Democrat shutdown. When it goes over to the Senate, it will be the Schumer shutdown. Mr. Speaker, this is not about millionaires. This is not about billionaires. This is about our farmers. This is about our military getting the pay that they deserve through Christmas and the New Year. This is about the future of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, this continuing resolution before us is not a perfect solution, but it is a bridge that will allow us to continue the critical work of funding our troops, securing our borders, supporting our farmers, caring for our veterans, and procuring disaster relief for those in the Carolinas who we visited just last month. They are living in tents in freezing temperatures while illegal aliens are living at The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Mr. Speaker, Missouri has 87,000 farms. We are losing 1,000 farms in America each month. Our food security is national security, and the Democrats do not want to support our farmers. Due to the high inflationary costs that this administration has brought about and low commodity prices, farmers are going out of business. I don't understand this consolidation of farming in America and why the Democrats are in favor of that. We have to support our farmers through this bill. We have to support our disaster victims through this bill. Most of all, we must support America. We are not here for ourselves. We are here for those who we represent, the hardworking Americans who depend on us to set aside our differences and act with courage and responsibility. They deserve a government that works for them and not against them.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor our December Small Business of the Month, Staying Home Corporation. This fantastic business in Harrisonville, Missouri, offers a wide range of products that allow folks in the Midwest to live more comfortably in their own homes. Owners, Mike and Natalie Vogt, share their story about how they came to own Staying Home. Their hope is to provide jobs to those in need, donate to causes that the Lord directs, and create a company that continues those goals. Not only are Staying Home Corporation's products beautifully designed, but they are also brilliantly functional, reliable, and affordable. From elevators to stair lifts, ramps, and storm shelters, this business elevates home life and safety with their durable products. Each product is beautifully crafted and expertly engineered in the United States. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Staying Home Corporation, our December Small Business of the Month.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend Mr. Rose for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unwavering support for the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. We must ensure our Nation's military remains the greatest force for freedom and stability the world has ever known, and this year's NDAA does just that. At this very moment, our Nation faces numerous threats from the growing aggression from China and Russia to the persistent menace of terrorism. It is imperative that we ensure our military is provided the resources and support they need to defend our interests and keep Americans secure. The fiscal year 2025 NDAA authorizes $895 billion in defense spending to support our military's critical missions, enabling us to modernize our Nation's capabilities. From upgrading our naval and air power to investing in cutting-edge technologies, we will remain superior against our adversaries. Missouri's Fourth Congressional District will receive major wins in this legislation, wins that we have fought hard for on the Armed Services Committee. Whiteman Air Force Base in Fort Leonard Wood will receive a combined total of $139.5 million for fueling facilities and advanced individual training barracks. There will be expanded access to childcare for Missouri's military families and to programs that help military spouses attain and retain employment. We are ecstatic to announce a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers. This legislation isn't just about numbers. It is about the values that we hold dear as Americans. It is about our commitment to freedom, to justice, and the protection of our citizens. Mr. Speaker, this year's NDAA embodied our unwavering commitment to America's military excellence, reflecting the values that have always made our Nation strong. We are prioritizing the well-being of our military families, bolstering the readiness of our Armed Forces, and fortifying our national security. To truly restore our military's lethal edge, we have to purge the radical, woke ideologies that are being forced on our servicemen and - women, infiltrating our ranks. These divisive concepts have plagued our military and are undermining our elite cohesion and combat effectiveness. That is why this year's NDAA will take bold action: Number one, banning life-altering transgender medical treatments for minors; prohibiting the toxic spread of critical race theory; dismantling the bloated DEI bureaucracy; blocking a misguided military Green New Deal; and countering anti-Semitism. By eliminating these destructive influences, we are reclaiming our military's focus on its core mission: defending Americans and their interests. Mr. Speaker, as you saw today, this is not a bipartisan bill. This is an American bill. We are not just funding the military, we are improving the lives of those who protect us every day. By passing the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, we have sent a clear message to our adversaries: America will not be intimidated. America will always reign as the greatest nation on Earth. Honoring the Life of Dr. Gene Richardson

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary man, Dr. Gene Richardson, a mentor, a friend of mine, and someone who was really like a second father to me. He was a man who had one of the biggest impacts on my life and who is one of the reasons I am standing here today in this very Hall. Dr. Richardson was a man of remarkable character and compassion. Born in Kennett, down in the bootheel of Missouri, he embodied the values of hard work, faith, and service from a very young age. Growing up as the youngest of five children, Dr. Richardson's life was shaped by his parents, Irl, who was a Baptist pastor, and his mother, Pearl, who was a dedicated homemaker. Gene excelled in both academics and athletics, all while running his own newspaper franchise. After earning his bachelor's degree in biology and graduating from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Richardson embarked on a journey that would impact countless lives. At just 26, he established a family practice down in Sanderson, Texas, becoming the sole doctor for an entire rural county. When his calling led him to radiology, he brought innovation to the field, cofounding a mobile nuclear medicine company that brought advanced care to underserved hospitals across the country. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Gene Richardson's service didn't stop at our borders. He founded the Ultrasound Fund for Latin America, providing equipment and training to small hospitals in Mexico, and he was very proud that he learned Spanish during that time. He later joined medical missions to Guatemala, walking miles through remote areas to deliver lifesaving care. His legacy of compassion crossed continents, touching lives in profound ways. Beyond his professional achievements, Gene was a man of deep faith and unshakeable love for his family. Married to his beloved Mary for 65 years, he often reflected on their life together saying: I could not have chosen a more perfect helpmate. Together they raised two wonderful children, Gene Jr. and Kay, and cherished their three grandchildren. Gene's passion for life extended to music, travel, and education. He played trumpet in the Baylor marching band and added his rich bass voice to choirs and quartets well into his nineties. He was a good singer. He taught line dancing, and he jitterbugged with youthful enthusiasm. As a lifelong learner, he traveled the world discovering new cultures and inspiring others to do the same. In one of his final messages to his family, Gene reminded us of life's greatest gifts: faith, family, and friends. He said: God has given us grace and mercy. Let us use these gifts to enrich our relationships and to serve others. Dr. Richardson's life was a testament to just that, Mr. Speaker, the power of service, of faith, and of love. He leaves behind not only his beloved wife, Mary, and their family but also a legacy that will inspire generations. Mr. Speaker, it is with both joy and gratitude that I honor the life of this extraordinary man. May we all strive to live as Dr. Gene Richardson did, with generosity, with courage, and with a heart full of adventure. Dr. Gene Richardson, we will see you in the morning.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, in the words of Yogi Berra, this is like deja vu all over again. It was just last year that I was here in this very spot debating the ranking member over the evils of socialism, and now we have graduated to communism. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of my colleague, Congresswoman Salazar's, bill, H.R. 5349, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act. Communism has a dark and dangerous history of political violence, oppression, and abuse that continues to be swept under the rug by foreign actors infiltrating the American education systems. From the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, and beyond, communist regimes consistently demonstrate a callous disregard for human life and dignity. The Chinese Communist Party is actively trying to dismantle American classrooms and cover up the atrocities of past regimes in K-12 schools and college campuses. More than 500 K-12 schools across our Nation have allowed the CCP to creep into school hallways, making its way into our children's curriculums under the disguise of Confucius Classrooms. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker. This is not education. This is indoctrination. Nearly one-fifth of the world's population is still under this oppressive system of government, yet our youth are being manipulated to blindly follow this corrosive influence of communism. It should be alarming to our friend from Massachusetts and to every person in America, especially parents, that 28 percent of Gen Z hold a favorable view of the term ``communism.'' Nineteen percent of Gen Z are favoring dictatorship as the best political system. It is no surprise communism's modern-day manifestation, TikTok, with Communist-backed owners, holds influence over Gen Z. We cannot allow our schools to become breeding grounds for Communist and Marxist ideologies and anti-American sentiment, Mr. Speaker. As President Reagan once said: ``Freedom is only one generation away from extinction.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to defend our Nation's values, reject the forces of oppression, and protect our children by supporting H.R. 5349.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our November Veteran of the Month, Andrew Veasman, who was an E4 specialist in the U.S. Army. Andrew deployed to Iraq with the 504th Military Police Battalion from 2007 to 2008. While he was in Iraq, one of the main jobs he had was convoy security where he was responsible for providing protection from enemy attacks to ensure the safety of American troops and critical assets were in place. Some of his duties in convoy security included reconnaissance, security, escorting, and establishing a combat reaction force. Andrew's fondest memory from his deployment was praying together for safety before each and every mission. Andrew was honorably discharged in 2014 and joined the Missouri National Guard in 2024 as a mechanic. Mr. Speaker, I thank Andrew for his dedication and his service. Honoring Cummings Men's Wear

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our November Small Business of the Month from the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri, Cummings Men's Wear, owned by Jennifer and David Cummings, friends of mine. This fantastic business, on the historic downtown Clinton Square, just celebrated 40 years of outstanding business. Mr. Speaker, in case you are looking for a new suit, they have got you covered. Cummings Men's Wear offers a selection of suits, sport coats, dress shirts, polos, golf shirts, and so much more. From fun holiday socks to tuxedos, Cummings Men's Wear has you covered. Over the past four decades, Cummings Men's Wear has become a trusted institution, known not only for its exceptional selection of men's fashion but also for its personalized service and longstanding relationships with their customers, who aren't just customers but they are friends. This store is a symbol of excellence and style, sophistication, and professionalism with a loyal and appreciative clientele. Missouri's Fourth District is grateful to have such a community- invested, family-owned business. Congratulations to David and Jennifer Cummings for menswear on the square, for 40 years of success and great men's clothing.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Dobson, a remarkable leader and selfless servant in Missouri, for receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award. Born on July 4, 1948, in Harrisonville, Missouri, Larry's dedication to education and community service shaped countless lives across our great State. From his impactful career as an educator and guidance counselor in the Raymore-Peculiar District and Blue Springs School District to his steadfast commitment to Peculiar United Methodist Church, Larry has embodied the spirit of service. He has contributed more than 50 years to numerous community boards, including Caring Hearts of Peculiar and the Missouri Bluebird Society, where he has worked tirelessly to enrich his community and uplift others. Larry's motto is: ``Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,'' the Golden Rule, a guiding principle that has certainly inspired a lot of us and him over the years. Today, we celebrate Larry Dobson's legacy and his profound impact on the great State of Missouri.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th birthday of Mr. Franco Cupini. Born in the heart of Rome, he was determined to make his mark on the world through his culinary talents. He learned the intricacies of Italian cuisine and earned himself a position at Villa Madama, of the Presidential palace, serving President Giovanni Leone and other distinguished government dignitaries. He moved to the United States in 1968, bringing the flavors of Italy to the Midwest with his brother, Carlo. They owned several restaurants, and he solidified his place as a top-tier chef at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis. In 2003, Franco and his son Eddie opened up a restaurant in Kansas City in Westport, Cupini's. We eat there often. What began as a modest 1,500-square-foot deli quickly became a local treasure. Over the next 21 years, the restaurant grew in size, dedication, and quality. Franco was a repeat guest on our morning show on Fox4 News. Franco's love for his homeland is a testament to his lifelong dedication and passion. His story is one of hard work, determination, and a love for good food. I wish Franco Cupini a happy birthday, and I thank him for keeping the culinary spirit of Italy alive and well. Ciao, bello. Celebrating Erica Shadwell

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator from Columbia, Missouri, Ms. Erica Shadwell, who participated and was selected as part of the prestigious Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Ms. Shadwell is a dedicated teacher at Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle School and really shared her expertise and passion for education with students in Ghana, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enriching the lives of countless students. The Fulbright Program is a beacon of international exchange and cooperation, and Ms. Shadwell's selection reflects her exceptional dedication and commitment to education. Her work represents the excellence of Missouri's educators and the importance of building bridges between our communities and the entire world. We are proud of Ms. Shadwell's achievements and her role as an ambassador of knowledge. Her efforts will inspire students, both in Missouri and abroad. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Erica Shadwell on this remarkable achievement and wishing her the very best in this exciting and impactful endeavor. Honoring Corporal Gerald ``Jerry'' Newton Wilson

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Corporal Gerald ``Jerry'' Newton Wilson, a true American hero from Macks Creek, Missouri, whose remains, after more than seven decades, have finally returned home. Corporal Wilson was born on December 18, 1930, and enlisted in the Army in 1948, serving bravely in the Korean war with Fox Company. He was reported missing in action on July 25, 1950, following a fierce ambush by North Korean forces near Yongdong. For decades, Mr. Speaker, his family endured the heartache of uncertainty with his remains resting unidentified in the U.N. Military Cemetery until the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed his identity in 2018. On October 11, 2024, his remains were returned to Camdenton, accompanied by a tribute procession from across our State, an honor for a soldier who gave his life in the line of duty. Corporal Wilson's sacrifice and unwavering faithfulness to his country remind us of the true cost of freedom. May he rest in peace as we welcome him home. Honoring Larry Dobson

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Jones Boots of Vernon County, Missouri, as our Fourth Congressional District September Small Business of the Month. From the humble beginnings of two employees and an inventory of just 500 pairs of boots, Jones Boots has expanded their selection over the years to more than 6,000 pairs. They have renovated their building, always focused on the customer. Jones Boots has been in business since 1974, and they have operated in pretty much the same building they are in to this day. Jones Boots has been in the Jones family for more than four generations and is now run by Kaleb and Kaden. We are proud to see their hard work, success, and dedication to quality customer service. Congratulations, Jones Boots. Honoring Sharla Howard

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor our September Veteran of the Month, Mrs. Sharla Howard of Dallas County. Sharla served in the U.S. Army and sustained an injury during training that led to her eventually being medically discharged. It bothered Sharla that she could not deploy with her platoon in the military, so she searched for other ways to serve her country and our Nation's veterans. She paid for and completed college alone as a single mother and in 2016 was inspired by her late husband to become a Disabled American Veterans life member at the chapter in Butler, Missouri. Sharla volunteers her time as a chapter service officer where she assists veterans with completing paperwork to file for VA benefits. She also serves as the treasurer and bingo chairman for her chapter. Sharla has logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours since August of 2023. Congratulations to our September Veteran of the Month. I thank Sharla for her service in the Army and for her unwavering commitment to veterans. Osceola Cheese Honored as October Small Business of the Month

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Osceola Cheese, our October Small Business of the Month in the great Fourth Congressional District of Missouri. Established in 1944, Osceola has provided cheese, beef jerky, various meat selections--I know you are getting hungry, Mr. Speaker--and also specialty sauces and mixes to Missouri and to the United States. With the business growing, they acquired a new building in 1946, including 15 trucks. They were collecting milk from 1,000 dairy farms across our great State. When Truman Lake began to develop, the business relocated to 13 Highway and officially changed from Riverview Cheese to Osceola Cheese in St. Claire County. Osceola has continued to expand with facility redesigns, new flavors, and new snacks. They have more than 275 varieties of cheese, from mild cheddar to chocolate cheese. That is right, I said chocolate cheese. Congratulations to Osceola Cheese for 79 years of success. Mr. Speaker, say along with me, 79 years of great cheese. Say cheese. Ginny Fletcher Named October Veteran of the Month

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our October Veteran of the Month, Ginny Fletcher, of Webster County. Ginny joined the Missouri Army National Guard in 2007 as a welder and deployed to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. She served with Missouri ADT IV Mission, an agribusiness development team that improved local agriculture and business infrastructure. Ginny's fondest memories include her women's engagement team teaching Afghan children first aid and organizing activities. The team also empowered local women by teaching them to raise chickens, grow crops, and create sellable items. After completing her service as an E-4 specialist in 2017, Ginny worked for the State of Missouri. Right now she supervises benefit programs for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. I thank Ginny so much for her dedication and service.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the most pressing national security threat to our Nation right now: the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP is engaged in a full-scale influence and espionage operation right here in the United States of America. From Confucius Institutes to TikTok, and from spy balloons to intellectual property theft, the CCP's mission is quite clear: to collect our data, to infiltrate our country from within, and to become the world's sole superpower. Mr. Speaker, plain and simple, we need to make a change. We must recognize the significant threat that Communist China poses. We must decouple ourselves from our dependence on China. We must restore strong American leadership around the globe. We must ban our adversaries like China from buying U.S. farmland. We must put an end to their data collection schemes. Mr. Speaker, we must stand behind our ally Taiwan. The path forward is clear: peace through strength and a resolute leader in the White House. Gold Star Ceremony

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak from my heart right now on a subject matter that we dealt with yesterday in the rotunda not too many feet from this House floor. I was honored to be at the ceremony yesterday for the 13 Gold Star families, the 13 servicemembers who bravely gave their lives 3 years ago on the wall at Abbey Gate due to a decision made by a failed administration to get all American troops out of Afghanistan, to leave them there--our allies--clinging to the wheels of aircraft as they tried to escape the grip of the Taliban. It was a flawed decision. This administration never apologized to those 13 families for that critical mistake in our world history. Yesterday, someone finally had the guts to apologize to those families: our Speaker, Mike Johnson. I applaud him for that. The highest honor that Congress can bestow, the Congressional Gold Medal, was given posthumously to those 13 brave individuals, including Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz from Missouri. I realize that that apology and that acknowledgment and those Congressional Gold Medals will never completely heal those families, but I do think it was a step in the right direction. I was honored to have dinner with some of those families last night along with Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert, and Brian Mast, sitting down with those families and just hearing their stories and how much it meant to be in that rotunda yesterday, and for our Nation to finally acknowledge that it was a mistake. This administration has never done that, and I think they will have to live with that. I am glad that our Speaker awarded those Gold Star medals, and I am glad we came together. It was bipartisan yesterday in that rotunda, make no mistake. I think we all felt the pain of those family members. I just left the rotunda and came back over here. I love going to the rotunda every morning when I can and seeing people come in for the very first time. They look up, and they see the pictures painted by people, like Trumbull and others, who have painted representations of our heroes. To have those 13 heroes with their pictures in that rotunda yesterday was very fitting. Mr. Speaker, I just want those families to know that we stand with them. We will never forget them. We have their backs. I hope someday we can regain their respect. Life is precious, but those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to our Nation deserve our complete respect. I thank the families and their servicemembers for giving it all for our great Nation. A Day of Remembrance

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, lastly, I want to reflect on today, 9/11, as a day of remembrance. This is now the 23rd anniversary of the fateful date in U.S. history when Islamic terrorists on planes loaded with people crashed into the World Trade Center. Let's keep that memory alive.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and retirement of Dr. Douglas `Scott' Brown, a man whose contributions to agricultural economics, particularly in dairy policy, have left an indelible mark on Missouri and the Nation. Dr. Scott Brown has dedicated over three decades to advancing our understanding of agricultural markets and policies. As an Associate Extension Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Interim Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri, Dr. Brown's expertise has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of American agriculture. A native of northwest Missouri, Dr. Brown's roots run deep in the very fields he has devoted his life to studying. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Northwest Missouri State University, he pursued his Master's and PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri. In 1989, he joined the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri, where his work began to influence federal dairy and livestock policies. His appointment to the university faculty in 1998 marked the beginning of a long and impactful academic career, during which he not only educated future leaders but also provided critical market insights and policy analysis that have guided farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers alike. Dr. Brown's unparalleled expertise in interpreting market price movements and evaluating the impacts of federal and state policies on agriculture has made him a sought-after voice in both state and national agricultural discussions. His testimony before the U.S. Congress has helped shape policies that directly affect the livelihood of farmers and the agricultural economy. In Missouri, his work with the state legislature has been vital in assessing the economic effects of state policy options on Missouri agriculture, ensuring that our farmers have the information they need to thrive. Throughout his career, Dr. Brown has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural policy and education. His accolades are numerous and well-deserved. On the national stage, he has been honored with awards such as the USDA-NIFA Partnership Award for his work with the Missouri Quality Beef Team, the National Farm and Ranch Financial Management Program Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the Distinguished American Agricultural Economics Association Policy Contribution Award. In Missouri, Dr. Brown has also been celebrated for his service to the agricultural community. He received the prestigious Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence from the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, the Meritorious Service Award from the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors, and the C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship from the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, among others. As Dr. Brown enters retirement, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for his service to the agricultural community, not just in Missouri, but across the Nation. His work has made a profound impact on the agricultural policies that sustain our rural communities and ensure the prosperity of our nation's farmers. Dr. Brown's legacy will continue to influence agricultural economics and policy for years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Douglas `Scott' Brown for his exemplary career and wishing him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton) for her courage. We love her, and America thanks her. Recognizing Patrick O'Hanlon

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speechwriters for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional District Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them, and we are so proud of the work they are doing in their schools to keep the American Dream and spirit alive. Today, we are sharing several of these speeches, the first from Patrick O'Hanlon, from Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in Cass County. Patrick writes: ``America is a special country. We have the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. America was built by people from around the world. Our Founding Fathers wrote an amazing Constitution and Bill of Rights that limits the government's powers and gives freedom to the people. ``When a B-2 cruised over my home on the Kansas City Royals opening day, it was such a magnificent reminder of our exceptional country. It was hard not to be overflowing with patriotism. After seeing that, I am glad they are on our side. These things are a big part of what America means to me.'' I thank Patrick for being such a shining light in the classroom and sharing what America means to him. Recognizing Natalie Myers

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate another top 10 speechwriter, this one from Polk County, Natalie Myers, from Pleasant Hope Middle School. ``America, Where My Heart Calls Home. ``America is more than the home of the brave. It is where the heart finds home. Home is where the heart belongs. My heart is painted with the strokes of red, white, and blue. Having the freedom of religion, speech, to be who I want to be. That is what America offers me, and I thank her in deep gratitude. ``America isn't perfect, but we strive for perfection. Let's not forget the ones who fought for our land that hold the red, white, and blue. America is always ready to provide peace and win battles. America is a mighty land that embraces diversity and love. America is my home.'' I congratulate Natalie on a great job and thank her for her work. Recognizing The Cider House

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri's July Small Business of the Month, The Cider House, of Cass County. Owned and operated by the Middaugh family, The Cider House was established in 2004, but the family business roots run much deeper than that. The Middaughs started their business adventure back on four corners of 7 Highway in 1978. What began as a seed company grew into a fruit market, an orchard, and a red barn that served lunch, pies, breads, jams, jellies, and much more. They began hosting home-cooked dinner buffets on the weekends, with a band playing upstairs while renting the facility. In 2001, part of the family bought the farm, which was formerly an old horse stable, and began booking events again. With the addition of a pumpkin patch, selling seeds, and young children growing up, repurchasing the orchard seemed like just the right thing to do. For Jeanne and her husband, Chad, they did that. Repurchasing the orchard was just what the Middaughs needed, allowing the family to rebrand the facility The Cider House and allowing them to offer farm-to-table dinners, as well as hosting events that partner with local farmers, wineries, and local artists. Their story is an inspiring story. It reminds us all of just how hard work and family-driven spirits can pay off in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. Recognizing Captain Charles ``Ben'' Basye

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor, and remember the July Veteran of the Month, Mr. Charles ``Ben'' Basye, who sadly passed away this month in Columbia, Missouri. He was born in rural Howard County and attended Union School, a one- room schoolhouse there. At the age of 15, he graduated from Fayette High School. He went on to serve his Nation for nearly 43 years in our Armed Forces, spending 11 years in the U.S. Navy and almost 32 in the Naval Reserves. In World War II, he served aboard the USS Boxer, an Essex-class carrier, where he flew multiple fighters. In 1949, he was one of the first Navy pilots to land a jet on a carrier during the earliest stages of catapult takeoff and landing operations for the Grumman F9F. On his 60th birthday, Mr. Basye retired from the Navy with the rank of captain. During his service to our Nation, Captain Basye attended six different universities, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering and a Ph.D. in engineering and mathematics. He taught 18 different engineering courses and served as a faculty adviser for 400 engineering students. A proud father, he is survived by his four sons, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He served his Nation, his State, and his family well. We honor Captain Basye today on the House floor as July Veteran of the Month, and we will continue to honor his life and his legacy. I thank Captain Basye for his great service. Recognizing Cackle Hatchery