Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Justin 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Justin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Justin 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 Justin Smith for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Richard Duda, 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan 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 Nathan Richard Duda for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dixon Neal Ethington, 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Dixon has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Dixon 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 Dixon Neal Ethington for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Steven Glasbrenner 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Steven has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Steven 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 Steven Glasbrenner for his I accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian Comiskey, 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Brian 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 Brian Comiskey for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Darryl Bell, Jr., 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Darryl has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Darryl 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 Darryl Bell, Jr. for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ronja Wolf. Ronja is a student from Merzig, Germany and she came to the United States as a part of the German Parliamentary Sponsorship Program. As a committed student, Ronja chose to come to America to diversify her education and cultural experience. Ronja left Germany on August 2, 2005 to come to Missouri. During her time in my district, Ronja has taken advantage of the many opportunities that are available to her. Sponsored by the Thurman family, Ronja quickly improved her language skills and became an accomplished student. Among her many extracurricular activities, she participated in the Academic Bowl, math competitions, Student Council, the basketball team, and is currently on the track team. Her experiences outside of the classroom have also been exciting. With the support of her family back in Germany and her hosts, the Thurman family, Ronja was able to experience the varied American culture. She has been taken to see the historic landmarks in St. Louis, Kansas City, and the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The Thurman family was gracious enough to take in Ronja's brother and sister for 2 weeks over Easter and will take Ronja to Florida with them on their family vacation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Ronja Wolf. Her time in America was an enriching experience for her and the people that she has met in her short time here. I wish her a safe journey back home and wish to see her back in Missouri once again. Ronja Wolf is an outstanding young woman with many bright years ahead of her and I ask this Congress to wish her luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dan Bryan of Chillicothe, Missouri. Dan is retiring after 34 years of service to the Rural Electric Program. As the CEO of the Farmers' Electric Cooperative in Chillicothe, Dan has managed a region that includes over 12,000 meters and nearly 3,800 miles of electric power lines. Dan began his career in the Rural Electric Program in 1972 as the Director of Member Services for Mountain View Electric in Limon, Colorado. Then after a short time as the general manager of Wells Rural Electric in Wells, Nevada, Dan became the general manager at the Farmers' Electric Cooperative in 1982. During that time he has served on the boards of the Northwest Electric Power Cooperative, the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the National Food and Energy Council. As a member the community of Chillicothe, Dan is very active. He is a member of the Chillicothe United Methodist Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Chillicothe Rotary Club. In addition, he has been instrumental in various economic and community development projects, most notably as a member of the CITYMARK and ``Let's Park It'' committees. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Dan Bryan. He has performed with excellence in his many years of service to meeting the critical energy needs of the Farmers' Electric Cooperative. I commend his record of service to the Rural Electric Program and the community of Chillicothe over the years and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Steve Lynch, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Steve has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Steve 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 Steve Lynch for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lieutenant Colonel David Wisecarver, a native of Kansas City, Missouri. On June 24th, 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Wisecarver will receive a promotion to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. Lieutenant Colonel Wisecarver enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1981 and completed Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, and served in the 190th Transportation Company as a CH-47 mechanic and crew chief before entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was then commissioned as an Infantry officer from Northwest Missouri State University in 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a Master of Arts Degree in Business Management from Touro University. After posts in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, and finally in Savannah, Georgia, Lieutenant Colonel Wisecarver participated in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994. He completed Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and was assigned as the Executive Officer to the Director of Officer Personnel Management System, Task Force XXI in Washington, DC. His next assignment was back to the 101st Airborne Division, where he served in Operation Desert Focus, in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1999. The Lieutenant Colonel's last assignment was Task Force 2, Senior Observer/Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he trained twenty-one Battalion Combat Teams deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His upcoming assignment will be to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to attend the National Defense College for a year. He is highly decorated and has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Aircrewman's Badge, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Air Assault Badge, among others. Lieutenant Colonel Wisecarver has been married for eighteen years to the former Dianna K. Huntley of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They have two young children, Samantha and Matthew. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel David Wisecarver as he assumes the new responsibilities of the rank of Colonel. Over the years, he has served the United States with dignity and courage and I am proud to be able to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the American Angus Association, based in St. Joseph, Missouri. This month will mark the 50th anniversary of the American Angus Association's move to St. Joseph from Chicago in 1956. The American Angus Association is a member-based not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1883. The Association maintains ancestral records and performance information on purebred Angus cattle in the United States, as well offers a variety of programs and services to over 34,000 members across the nation. All of these programs are managed by a very hardworking and dedicated staff. In the 50 years since moving to St. Joseph, the Association and its entities have grown to employ nearly 200 people. That growth has seen the expansion of the original building that was once on the edge of the city. After several additions to the structure, the Association was able to house two of its entities: Angus productions, Inc. and the Angus Foundation. From humble beginnings in the home of its early executives, the American Angus Association has come a long way in 123 years of service to America's cattlemen. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the American Angus Association. The Association has been remarkable in its many years of service and the city of St. Joseph is proud to be their home. I wish to thank the American Angus Association for all that they do and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jerry Darnell of St. Joseph, Missouri. Jerry will soon be retiring from the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, after years of distinguished service as the Director of the Small Business Development Center. As the Director of the Small Business Development Center, Jerry has provided free management assistance and guidance to current and prospective small business owners all throughout the St. Joseph area. 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 the growth and sustainability of our communities. Before joining the Chamber in 2001, Mr. Darnell was employed as a broker for Citi-Street and served as an instructor at the Johnson County Community College. He has had over 10 years of experience in commercial lending after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Business from Kansas State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Louisiana State University. These varied experiences have all made for a solid background in advising the small businesses of St. Joseph. In the community, Mr. Darnell is active in the Boy Scouts of America Diversion Program and the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jerry Darnell. His role in developing and assisting the small businesses of St. Joseph will be difficult to replace. I commend his record of service and accomplishment to the city of St. Joseph over the years and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Douglas Burnett, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Douglas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Douglas has been involved with scouting, he 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 Douglas Burnett for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Vaughn, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in my scout activities. Over the many years Christopher 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 Christopher Vaughn for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Liberty Tribune and their staff on the monumental accomplishment of 160 years of journalistic excellence in the community of Liberty, Missouri. I am proud to celebrate this accomplishment today, and prouder still to note the Liberty Tribune is the second-oldest weekly newspaper west of the Mississippi River still in continuous publication. From their modest beginnings, founded by 19-year-old Robert H. Miller, the Liberty Tribune has always called the town square their home. Mr. Miller founded the Tribune through the financial contributions of Dr. William Jewell, namesake of the nationally recognized William Jewell College. The Liberty Tribune has covered and been a part of historically significant news in their community from the very beginning. The Tribune boasts the only embedded reporter during Alexander Doniphan's march to the Mexican-American War. They covered the persecution of Mormon founder Joseph Smith and the first crime committed by legendary outlaw Jesse James. The Liberty Tribune has been bringing all the news of the day to the citizens of Liberty since 1846 and they show no signs of stopping. Today the Bradley family of St. Joseph, proud owners of the Tribune's parent company the News-Press Gazette, carry on the tradition of dedicated news coverage for the citizens of Liberty, Missouri. I am proud to represent the Liberty Tribune and their excellent contributions to the people of Northwest Missouri. I have no doubt this tradition of excellence will continue for another 160 years.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian Leseman, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brian 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 Brian Leseman for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Scott Florence, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Scott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Scott 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 Scott Florence for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on Monday June 19, 2006, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 289, 290 and 291. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Blake 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Blake has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Blake 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 Blake Williams for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Bradford, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Andrew 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 Andrew Bradford for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul Jenson, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Paul has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Paul 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 Paul Jenson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex Davenport, 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 and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex 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 Alex Davenport for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor today to recognize the life of Army Spec. Colby Farnan of Weston, Missouri, who passed away in Taji, Iraq while in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a son, brother, and friend Colby is missed by many. Colby was a strong member of our community. He was active in various high school sports, where he nurtured the leadership skills and sense of teamwork that so many people came to admire. His service as a coach in the youth baseball league was just one example of his desire for wanting to help our community. Colby's service to our country was an extension of his support of the community and a commitment to making a better future for us all. I offer my condolences and support to the many people that Colby had an impact on. In the wake of their loss, the Farnan family has embarked on a campaign to honor our fine men and women who have perished in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The family and community of Weston, Missouri are raising money to provide communities with Battlefield Cross statues to remember the lives of the fine Americans that gave their life for their country. The lives of all our soldiers are remembered everyday and the efforts by the Farnan family and friends can be appreciated all Americans. I am exceptionally proud of our troops, their families, and their communities in their support of one another. All of Northwest Missouri and America should follow the example that is being set by the people of Weston, Missouri in their 5K Walk to Remember fundraiser and support of our troops.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colonel Larry W. Weigler, Vice Wing Commander of the Missouri Air National Guard in St. Joseph, MO. Colonel Weigler will retire from the 139th Airlift Wing, St. Joseph, MO effective May 3, 2006 after more than 36 years of dedicated service in the Air National Guard. The Colonel has been a member of the armed services since 1969 when he enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. In 1972 he received an Officer's commission to become an aircraft pilot. During his exemplary career Colonel Weigler participated in numerous overseas deployments including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Colonel Larry W. Weigler, who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and the United States of America.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Harry Broermann. Over the past 70 years, Harry has served dutifully as a member and Leader in Missouri 4-H. Harry joined the Farmer City 4-H Club as a young boy and has continued his service to the organization over the last 70 years. In taking over the leadership of the Farmer City 4-H Club that was founded by his father, Harry and his wife served over hundreds of children and young adults in Northwest Missouri. Harry led the organization in the completion of service projects, organization of social functions, and has attended meetings all throughout Missouri. With a passion for history and genealogy, Harry has been instrumental in developing the strong sense of history and community that are important to the educational mission of 4-H. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Harry Broermann, one of Missouri's finest citizens. Harry's commitment to the community is remarkable, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.