Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian George Knop, 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. 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. Brian has served in the leadership positions of Chaplains Aide and Quartermaster, among others. He is a Brotherhood member of Order of the Arrow and a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Brian planned and supervised the landscaping of the front side of the Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian George Knop 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, May 22, 2006 I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 177 and 178. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeremy Christopher Wood, 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 395, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeremy has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. He has served as a patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader and achieved the rank of Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow and Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Over the many years Jeremy has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Jeremy designed and directed the installation of two specially designed firepit shelters at the Heartland Presbyterian Youth Camp in Platte County. These shelters protect the firewood that is used by the campers and visitors to have fun campfires while delivering their youth-oriented programs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeremy Christopher Wood 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 Brian J. Shryock, 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 66, 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 J. Shryock 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 Michael Grace, 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. 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. Andrew has served in the leadership positions of den chief, patrol leader, and troop guide, among others. He served on the staff of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in the summers of 2004 and 2005, while being elevated to runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew planned and supervised the renovation of railings, lamp posts, and light fixtures at the Second Baptist Church in Liberty, MO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Michael Grace 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 Philip Shay Meeks, 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. Philip has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Philip has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Philip has served in the leadership positions of assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader, among others. He is an ordeal member of Order of the Arrow and a tom tom beater in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Philip planned and supervised the building of ladders for a storage area, donating money for shades, and painting the stage area at the Liberty Christian Fellowship Church Building in Liberty, MO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Philip Shay Meeks 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 Brett Ryan Huntley, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brett has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Brett 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 Brett Ryan Huntley 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 Kyle Thomas King, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle 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 Kyle Thomas King 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 Troy Vincent Shoemaker, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Troy has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Troy 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 Troy Vincent Shoemaker 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 Sean Adams Logan Heard, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sean has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Sean 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 Sean Adams Logan Heard 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 Robert Alan Wilbur, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Robert has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Robert 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 Robert Alan Wilbur 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 Daniel J. 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 167, 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. In his service, Daniel was instrumental in the development of a basketball court in the Winston city park. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel J. 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 Charles Anthony Curtis, 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 8, 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 Anthony Curtis 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 Harry Fulghum, 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 155, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Harry has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Harry 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 Harry Fulghum 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 Major Michael R. Martinez, who passed away on January 7, 2006 in Iraq while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a husband, father, lawyer, and soldier, Major Martinez will be missed by many. Major Martinez lived in Platte County, Missouri during a two year posting at Fort Leavenworth. Major Martinez most recently served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. The Major served with the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Riley and the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth. He was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado as chief of legal assistance and went to Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While in Iraq, Major Martinez served as a legal counsel to the troops. Major Martinez helped soldiers with wills, power of attorney, and provided legal guidance. Major Martinez's expertise gave soldiers a sense of comfort that all of their legal concerns would be addressed and that they had someone to talk to about their legal affairs. Major Martinez was a good friend to many in the military and in the State of Missouri. He was very knowledgeable on issues pertaining to the law. He was an outstanding leader that will be missed. In 16 years of enlisted service to his country, Major Martinez developed a reputation as being a dedicated soldier that created a strong work environment and was a great person to work with. I offer my condolences to his wife, Kelly, sons Alexander, Colby, and Benjamin, and step-daughters Kathryn and Samantha, and the rest of the Martinez family. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of Mr. King's amendment. As many of you know, earlier this month the Army Corps of Engineers decided to move forward with a spring rise on the Missouri River. I continue to remain strongly opposed to this policy because it significantly raises the chances of something adverse happening to the over 1 million Missourians that live along the river's flood plain. Mr. Chairman, the spring rise is a huge gamble. We are gambling with the livelihoods of all the farmers, landowners, homeowners, and merchants along the river. All for what? To maybe trigger the spawning patterns of the pallid sturgeon. This is a risky science experiment to me, and I will continue to fight against this and future spring rises. It's the farmer that we need to protect. I wish to remind this body how important farmers are to us three times a day when we eat. A spring rise substantially increases the chances of down river flooding and we cannot risk that potential damage to our agricultural community. Farmers play a critical role in America and to the countless countries that rely on them to feed their populations. We must protect our farmers and their livelihoods before we consider this unfounded experiment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment and encourage its passage.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nolan R. Justus, 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nolan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nolan 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 Nolan R. Justus 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 James Miller, 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 395, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He has served as a quartermaster and assistant senior patrol leader and achieved the rank of Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow and Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. 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. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Andrew installed a fire ring and five benches at the Heartland Presbyterian Youth Camp for the use and enjoyment of all of the visitors. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew James Miller for his accomplishment 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 Shawn Groves, 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Shawn has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Shawn 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 Shawn Groves for his accomplishment 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 J. Green, 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 288, 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 J. Green 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 Michael Kuba, 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Michael 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 Michael Kuba 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 Zachary Lee Wilson, a very special young who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 216, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Zachary has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zachary 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 Zachary Lee Wilson 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 Hunter C. Gould, 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Hunter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hunter 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 Hunter C. Gould 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 Kyle Murray, 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. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle 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 Kyle Murray 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 Nicholas Giglio, 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. Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas 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 Nicholas Giglio for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.