Member of Congress
Sam Graves
- Role
- Current Representative
- State
- MO
- Party
- Republican
Speeches
RECOGNIZING JOHN WILLIAM PERKOWSKI FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John ``Will'' Perkowski, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. ``Will'' has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Will has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Will held the principal leadership position of Venturing Crew Secretary and has actively supported recreational therapy programs within regional hospitals. Will has donated over 100 man-hours of concert time through his chorus and barbershop quartet performances. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending John Perkowski for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING CHARLES M. WINFREY FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles M. Winfrey a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Charles has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Charles has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Charles M. Winfrey for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING DANIEL CUMMINGS FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daniel Cummings a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 312, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Daniel has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Cummings for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING JESSE CASH FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jesse Cash, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jesse has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jesse has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Jesse held the principal leadership position of Venturing Crew President and has actively supported the ministry of Heartland Presbyterian Center. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jesse Cash for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING THOMAS LAWRENCE WILLIAMS FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Thomas Williams, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Thomas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Thomas has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Thomas held the principal leadership position of Venturing Crew Treasurer and has actively supported VFW Post 7356 in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Thomas Williams for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING BYRON DEVLIN FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Byron Devlin, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Byron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Byron has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Byron held the principal leadership position of Senior Patrol Leader and has actively supported the ministry of Heartland Presbyterian Center. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Byron Devlin for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING CHRISTOPHER RAY DEAN FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Dean, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. I join with your family and friends in expressing best wishes on your significant achievement. I commend you on attaining such a high honor and your superior contributions to your community. Showing particular dedication to the children at Children's Mercy Hospital, Christopher developed an activity for the patients. Being recognized for your remarkable achievement reflects both your hard work and dedication. I am sure you will continue to hold such high standards in the future. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Ray Dean for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Christopher in the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING JASON ANDREW HEJL FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-21
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jason Andrew Hejl, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jason has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jason has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Jason held the principal leadership position of Venturing Crew President and has actively supported VFW Post 7356 in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jason Andrew Hejl for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING JAMES FRAZIER FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-20
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Frazier, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. During his scouting tenure, James has earned the Philmont Scout Ranch Arrowhead, the BSA 50-Miler Patch, and the World Conservation Award. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Frazier for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING VIRGIL REYNOLDS FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-20
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Virgil Reynolds, a very special man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. I join with your family and friends in expressing best wishes on your significant achievement. I commend you on attaining such a high honor and your supenor contributions to your community. Becoming recognized for your remarkable achievement reflects both your hard work and dedication. I am sure you will continue to hold such high standards in the future. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Virgil Reynolds for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Virgil in the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING BROCK SMITH FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT2006-09-20
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brock Smith, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brock has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brock has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Brock held the principal leadership position of Senior Patrol Leader and has actively supported the Southern Platte County Athletic Association in Kansas City, North. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brock Smith for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION2006-09-13
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 13, 2006, I had to tend to some family matters and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 370, 371, 372, 373 and 374. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA, INC.2006-09-12
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Boehringer Ingeheim Vetmedica, Inc. in St. Joseph, Missouri as it celebrates its 25 year anniversary. This company is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s involvement has impacted all areas of the St. Joseph, Missouri community for the past 25 years. As a staple of the community, the company continues to grow and give back to the people of Missouri. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., or BIVI, employs over 500 people in the St. Joseph and Elwood area of Missouri. The 100 employees who have been with BIVI since the first day 25 years ago are evidence of BIVI's worker-friendly environment. In conjunction with its commitment to the people of BIVI, the organization continues to have a positive impact on the development in this region as an active member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Not only is BIVI a committed leader in the United Way effort for St. Joseph, it also donates its time and money to the local schools and universities, a further investment in the future of this region. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Its investment in the St. Joseph area community is exceptional. Let us use Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. as an example of the influence investing and re-investing can have on a broader community.
RECOGNIZING JIM HUNT2006-09-12
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jim Hunt of Maysville, Missouri. Mr. Hunt will soon be retiring as Director of the Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State University. As the Director of the Small Business Development Center, Mr. Hunt has provided guidance and valuable experiences to current and prospective small business owners throughout the northwest Missouri region. He has offered his experience and guidance to the enterprising citizens of my district for many years, as those entrepreneurs sought advice on the start-up, expansion, sale, and marketing of their business. His job is especially important, as the collection of small business owners are responsible for growth and sustainability of the entire region. Before joining the University in 1999, Mr. Hunt was managing the sales and marketing efforts in northwest Missouri for a large agri- business firm. He has been around the agriculture industry most of his life, starting with his family farming operation. Mr. Hunt also has a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and taught vocational agriculture. These varied experiences have all made for a solid background in advising the small businesses and agriculture roots of northwest Missouri. Mr. Hunt's efforts became very instrumental in the rebirth of the economy in northwest Missouri. He has worked tirelessly to increase the quality of education and participation of many of the small businesses in the northwest Missouri region. One of his lasting achievements will be the Northern Missouri Business Conference, a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northwest Missouri State University and many local businesses keeping open the dialogue and opportunities for continued growth in this region. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jim Hunt. His role in developing and assisting the small businesses in northwest Missouri will be difficult to replace. I commend his record of service and accomplishment to the entire region over the years and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.
THE OLD SCOTLAND CHURCH OF CHRIST2006-09-12
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Old Scotland Church of Christ near Jameson, Missouri. This church will be celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary of service to the community on August 26th and 27th. Over these past 150 years, this church has been there to meet all the needs of its congregation. As a staple of the community for all these years, the church has gone through growth and expansion with the Jameson community it serves. From humble beginnings, this church has been a stabilizing force for this community. Constructed on the corner of a three family plot, this congregation has been built on the involvement of the members. The Old Scotland Church of Christ carries on the tradition of letting people interact with the other members of their congregation, Even as the growth of the congregation made their facilities seem small, people would still flow out into the adjacent cemetery, and the little children huddled around the speaker's podium just to attend and worship together. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Old Scotland Church of Christ. The services that they have provided over these 150 years have been fundamental to the growth of this community. Let us use the Old Scotland Church of Christ as an example the power of people caring and helping one another can have.
RECOGNIZING JONATHAN LOWERY2006-07-28
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan Lowery of Pattonsburg, Missouri. Over the past few months, Jonathan has served as my office intern. In aiding the day to day operations of the office, he has worked with enthusiasm and dedication. His efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents. As a student at Northwest Missouri State University, Jonathan has been pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration and came to Washington, DC, this summer through the Stennis Congressional Intern Program. His ambition and interest in politics and government have been evident from the day he started his internship. He has a true commitment to the workings of government and his enthusiasm in helping the people of the 6th District is something to be admired. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jonathan Lowery. He has been great to have in the office and his efforts are much appreciated. I wish him the best and that his future ambitions in the law and public service will be fulfilled. He will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING BRADLEY BAILEY2006-07-28
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Bailey of Kansas City, Missouri. Over the past few months, Brad has served as my office intern. In aiding the day to day operations of the office, he has worked with enthusiasm and dedication. His efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents. As a student at Central Missouri State University, Brad has been pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice and came to Washington, DC, this summer after interning in my Liberty District office in 2005. His ambition and interest in politics and government have made him a welcome addition to my office. He has a true commitment to public service and his enthusiasm in helping the people of the 6th District is something to be admired. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Bradley Bailey. He has been great to have in the office and his efforts are much appreciated. I have no doubt that his future ambitions to work in Federal Law Enforcement will be fulfilled. He will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING DELLA HOERL HUECKER2006-07-28
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mrs. Della Hoerl Huecker of Booneville, MO. As a long time citizen of Bunceton, MO, and then Booneville, Mrs. Byrd will be celebrating her 90th birthday on August 14, 2006. She has seen many events over the past 90 years and awoke each day with a strong sense of family and community that improved the lives of everyone she has touched. Her life should be celebrated with the same joy and excitement in which she gives back to our community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Mrs. Della Hoerl Huecker. Throughout her 90 years, she has always given back more than was expected of her. Her life is an inspiration to many and I am proud to serve her in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING HEARTLAND HEALTH2006-07-27
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Heartland Health of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Heartland Health has been recognized as a strong advocate for women in the workplace and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Employer of Excellence Award. Heartland Health has been recognized by the YWCA as one of the best places to work in the St. Joseph area. Heartland maintains a flexible work environment that bases advancement on employee performance. As a result, many women have been able to obtain positions in the senior leadership of the organization. Heartland Health is very supportive of families and has developed programs to help working mothers and assist in continuing education. These are benefits that have produced a very committed and productive workforce. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Heartland Health. Heartland has developed into a business that manages to serve employees as well as the community. I am honored to represent Heartland and its employees in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING CHERYL HALE2006-07-27
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cheryl Hale of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Cheryl has enjoyed a successful banking career spanning 28 years and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Women in the Workplace. Cheryl truly built her career from the ground up. At the age of 22, Cheryl already had a family to support, yet she had little education and experience. She took the initiative and obtained her General Education Degree. She then took her first job working as a bookkeeper, while she began taking college classes at night. In 1990, Cheryl graduated Summa Cum Laude from Missouri Western State College with a degree in Business Administration. As a member of the community, Cheryl has been a major advocate of the ``Profit in Education'' program. She has audited books for several Parents and Teachers Association's in the area, and served on the boards of Band Boosters and The Coalition for Achievement. Currently, she serves on the Clarence J. Carpenter Memorial Fund Board and is very active in the Pony Express Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Cheryl Hale. Her commitment to education, business, and the community are truly remarkable. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING HANNAH BARNETT2006-07-27
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hannah Barnett of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Hannah is a student at Benton High School and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Future Leader Award. Hannah is recognized as one of the most sincere and compassionate students at Benton High School. She has been involved in Student Council for four years, was elected homecoming queen, and served as Vice President of both her class and the entire student body. As an athlete, Hannah has lettered in four varsity sports. She has played on three District Champion basketball teams, served as the captain of the soccer team that advanced to the State Playoffs, and served as captain of the volleyball team. These achievements earned her the honor of being named the Female Scholar Athlete for St. Joseph Sports, Inc. Academically, she is one of the best and brightest. She is an academic leader who has challenged herself with the most rigorous classes in preparation for her future. She has maintained the balance between her class work and extracurricular activities, while obtaining the rank of second in her class. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Hannah Barnett. She is an outstanding member of our community and I wish her the best in her bright future. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING MARY SCOTT-HALL2006-07-27
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mary Scott- Hallof Saint Joseph, Missouri. Mary is a leader in the Girl Scouts, representing the Midland Empire for over seven years, and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Women in Volunteerism. As a leader in the Girl Scouts, Mary has gone beyond her expected role, helping to grow the community's interest and excitement for the Girl Scouts. She has organized a variety of service projects for her troop, including donations to the YWCA Women's Abuse Shelter and America's Second Harvest Food Bank. As the Day Camp director for the St. Joseph area, she has provided exceptional programs to over 100 girls each summer. Additionally donating her time to Camp Woodland, she was responsible for preparing meals and programs for up to 150 girls and adults. Her achievements to the Girl Scouts are highly recognized. Her troop built the Manley Tillison Outdoor Classroom, a part of the troop's Silver Medal Award project. In addition, she has been given the Girl Scouts Outstanding Volunteer Pin by her peers and received the Service to Mankind Award from the St. Joseph Downtown Sertoma Club. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Mary Scott- Hall. Her commitment to the Girl Scouts and service in the community are to be admired. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING DR. NORMA BAGNALL2006-07-25
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dr. Norma Bagnall of Saint Joseph, MO. Dr. Bagnall retired from teaching in 1996, she has served the community ever since and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Bagnall came to Missouri after obtaining a bachelors, masters, and doctorate degree from Texas A&M University. She joined the staff of Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO, in the early 1980's as an assistant professor of English and later gained a full professorship. She retired from Missouri Western in 1996 and began a long list of service to the community. Norma has been a champion of literacy in the community. She has led the Runcie Club book study group for the past 6 years, and established the Hayes Bagnall Literacy Scholarship at Missouri Western and the Writer's Workshop at the Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center. Then, during the summer of 2005, she developed a community class to teach conversational Spanish. That program became so successful that it had to be adopted by Inter-Serv, in order to accommodate the 110 students and additional 115 people on a waiting list. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Norma Bagnall. In nearly three decades in northwest Missouri, Norma has come to be one of the most outstanding members of our community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.
DESIGNATING THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, AS AMERICA'S NATIONAL NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM2006-07-25
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, a resolution sponsored by my friend Senator Talent, and agreed to by this body yesterday, that designates the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City as America's National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It was my pleasure to work with Chairman Pombo and the Resources Committee to bring this important resolution to the floor, and I thank the Chairman for his help and friendship. Those of us familiar with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum already think of it as America's museum, but the passage of this resolution makes that distinction official. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990, and for its first four years of existence operated out of a one room office in the historic 18th and Vine District of Kansas City. Today it is a 10,000 square foot Museum, filled with historic memorabilia, sculptures, photographs, and other exhibits that pay tribute to some of baseball's greatest pioneers. It is fitting that the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Speaker, because the Negro Leagues were officially organized in Kansas City during a meeting in 1920. Kansas City was also the home of the Negro Leagues' longest-running franchise--the Kansas City Monarchs--which sent more Negro Leagues players to Major League Baseball than any other Negro Leagues franchise. From 1920 until the closure of the last teams in the early 1960s, countless greats excelled at America's pastime in the Negro Leagues, including Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, James ``Cool Papa'' Bell, Ernie Banks, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and of course Mr. Speaker, John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil is the current Chairman of the Board of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and continues to work tirelessly at age 94. He has enjoyed an unparalleled career as a player, scout, manager, coach, and ambassador for baseball since 1937, and Buck O'Neil also selflessly interrupted his stellar professional baseball career to serve our country during World War II in the United States Navy. It is ironic that this resolution came before the House for consideration a few days before Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown, New York. Several Negro Leagues players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend, but Buck O'Neil is tragically not among them. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no one more qualified for induction into the Hall of Fame than Buck O'Neil, but sadly that will not happen this weekend. So, we must console ourselves in the knowledge that Buck O'Neil's passion--the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum--is granted official recognition by our nation with yesterday's passage of this concurrent resolution. I thank my colleagues for supporting this important measure, and I urge them to come to Kansas City and visit America's National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL RICHARD E. NICHOLS, JR.2006-07-25
Mr. GRAVES
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize LTC Richard E. Nichols, Jr. The Lieutenant Colonel is retiring from the United States Army after 24 years of distinguished service. Lieutenant Colonel Nichols spent his early years growing up in the heartland of Kansas and Missouri. While attending Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Missouri, he made the decision to serve his country in the United States Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery in 1982. Upon graduating from Missouri Western State College in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, Lieutenant Colonel Nichols served in the Kansas Army National Guard as the Reconnaissance and Survey Platoon Leader for the 2nd/130th Field Artillery Battalion in Hiawatha, Kansas. Lieutenant Colonel Nichols went on to serve in various posts over the next 24 years. During his service he was assigned to C Battery, 1/76th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, in Bamberg, Germany, and as the commander of B Battery, 6th Field Artillery, which deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 1989 to 1991. In these roles and under various posts in Kansas, Alabama, and Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel Nichols has earned numerous awards and decorations. Among these awards are the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal with service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Saudi Arabia Liberation of Kuwait Service Medal, the Emirate of Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing LTC Richard E. Nichols, Jr., an outstanding leader in the United States Army. His years of service and dedication in protecting the freedom of the United States has been an inspiration to many. I commend him for his many years of service and I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress.