Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the efforts of the Liberty School District, the Council of Parent Teacher Associations, the Parent Teacher Student Associations, students, faculty and staff in their ongoing efforts to support a national project known as Book Relief. Book Relief is an unprecedented, publishing industry-wide effort that will distribute at least five million new books to schools and libraries displaced and destroyed by the 2005 hurricanes. These books will help to replenish school libraries as they rebuild. In New Orleans, 118 of 126 schools sustained damage; in Mississippi, 300 schools were damaged, 24 of them severely damaged or destroyed. Nearly 190,000 Louisiana students were displaced. As organizations start to rebuild the Gulf Coast, Book Relief will be there to supply them with new books as they reopen. For every fifty cents raised by Liberty schools, one book will be contributed to the cause. Each school in the district has been actively participating in not only Book Relief, but also Hurricane Katrina relief. Liberty Schools have raised a collective $33,600 to go toward relief efforts. This accomplishment is nothing short of outstanding. Liberty, Missouri has a rich history of great accomplishments in their school system. Today, I am proud to celebrate and recognize the continued dedication to community, both at home and in the Gulf Coast, of the Liberty School District and its network of staff, students and parents. Their work is truly a shining example of the great works happening in public education today.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Thomas Mershon, 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. Thomas has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over any 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Thomas Mershon 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 Meyers, 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. 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 Meyers 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 Brandon Crain, 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. Brandon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brandon 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 Brandon Crain 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 Ethan Stockdale, 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. Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan 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 Ethan Stockdale 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 K. Light II, 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 397, 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 K. Light II 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 Adam Roth, 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. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many 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 Adam Roth 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 Alexander Daniel Shinn, 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. Alexander has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alexander 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 Alexander Daniel Shinn 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 Jonathan Matthew Leone, 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. Jonathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jonathan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned the numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jonathan Matthew Leone 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 stand to recognize Larry Reeter, a lifelong resident of Livingston County, Missouri and the recipient of the Elks Citizen of the Year Award. Born in 1941, Larry has lived in Livingston County his entire life. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1958 and then went to serve his country honorably in the Army National Guard from 1959 to 1968. After 42 years of service as a lineman and construction supervisor for the Farmers Electric Co-op, Larry retired in March of 2004. In service to his community, Larry joined the Calvary Baptist Church in 1961. Then he became a Deacon in 1970, was licensed to preach in 1979, and ordained as a minister in 1986. During that time he presided over services in the Ludlow Baptist Chapel, Calvary Baptist Church, and for 30 years at the National Guard Armory. He routinely fills in for churches in the area that are in need of a pastor and holds services at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Larry has also donated his time to many families who have suffered the loss of a loved one or are experiencing an illness in the family, and he makes frequent trips to visit with people in the local hospitals and hospitals in Kansas City. In his spare time in retirement, Larry continues his service by taking community members to their doctor appointments and to visit family members or friends in the hospital. He also makes presentations portraying Abraham Lincoln to the local elementary schools, giving young students a history of Lincoln's life and the strong values that he believed in. I am proud to represent Larry Reeter as an outstanding member of our community and now as the recipient of the Elks Citizen of the Year Award. The residents of Livingston County appreciate his service and all of Northwest Missouri is proud to have him as one of our most valued citizens. It is an honor to represent him and I ask the United States Congress to extend their appreciation for his lifelong service.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing United States Army Private Victor Fontanez, a soldier who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and the United States of America in his service to our country in World War II. Beginning his service in January of 1941, Victor served with the honor and integrity that we have come to admire. In his military service during World War II, Victor landed in the 9th Infantry Division Company B 47th Infantry 1st Battalion engaged in the African section of the European Front. During an operation in April of 1943 located in Tunisia, Private Fontanez took shrapnel fire and was rewarded the Purple Heart. After recovery he was transferred to the 36th Infantry Division as a Combat Engineer in the Italian Campaign. After the liberation of Rome and victories throughout Italy, Victor and the 36th Infantry Division invaded Southern France on August 15, 1944. During this invasion of France by the 36th Infantry, Private Fontanez had witnessed the explosion of an Allied plane over the beach. The plane and crew crashed into a lagoon nearby and Private Fontanez acting without hesitation rescued some of the injured flight crew. It was this act of selflessness and bravery that earned Private Fontanez the Soldiers Medal for Heroism. Victor Fontanez's service to the United States of America in defending freedom will never be forgotten. His courage and dedication when his country needed him the most is something to be admired. I am honored to represent one of America's great heroes and I ask the United States Congress to join me in honoring his service.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sharon Kosek of St. Joseph, Missouri. After long tenure in the St. Joseph, Missouri School District, Sharon will be retiring. Sharon has taught in the St. Joseph School District for the past 23 years and has recently been named the Association for Career and Technical Education Outstanding Teacher in Community Service. She has been a model of strong service and civic leadership. Sharon has served as the Business Coordinator and Administrative Office Systems instructor at the Hillyard Technical Center, as well as the advisor for the Phi Beta Lambda adult business student organization. Outside of the classroom, Sharon has remained active in the ACTE, Missouri ACTE, National Business Education Association, and as the Legislative Chairperson for the St. Joseph Parent Teacher Association. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Sharon Kosek. Her commitments to excellence in education and community service have remained as an inspiration to all of those people around her. She will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking her for all of her hard work and dedication over the years. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mrs. Dean Byrd of St. Joseph, Missouri. As a long time citizen of St. Joseph, Mrs. Byrd will be celebrating her 80th birthday. She has seen many events over the past 80 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. Dean Byrd. Throughout her 80 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.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul A. White of the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, Missouri. Mr. White is retiring after 45 years of service to Missouri's public libraries. Paul began his service as a Branch Assistant in the Kansas City Public Library in 1961. Over the next 45 years, Paul would make stops in the Missouri State Library, Springfield-Greene County Library, and the Kinderhook Regional Library before settling in the Mid-Continent Public Library in 1988. Beyond his official responsibilities, Paul participates in the American Library Association serving as the Missouri Chapter Councilor, on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and the Committee on Organization. He also participates in the Missouri Library Association where he has served as treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. Paul is currently serving on the Missouri Library Network Corporation and various Missouri Library Association Committees. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Paul A. White, an outstanding Missourian. His service to the community and dedication to Missouri's Public Libraries is greatly appreciated. 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 over the years. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to posthumously recognize Larry L Harper of St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Harper was an outstanding Missourian with a passion for flying and his love of flying has remained an inspiration long after his passing. That passion will be memorialized by a statue, The Aviator, commissioned by his wife Carolyn and placed at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Missouri. Larry's love of flying began at a young age, he would hang around the Rosecrans Airport offering to wash and fuel planes in exchange for flying lessons. While working as a mechanic, Larry eventually earned his pilots license. He logged over 30,000 hours in flight over 40 years of flying for four different companies in aircraft ranging from Aircoupes to Lear Jets. His last flight came just one week before his passing, as he jumped at the opportunity to fly a Lear 55, every flight was a special flight for him. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Larry L Harper. He was a pilot whose passion for the skies inspired the many people whom he met. He has been missed, but his love of flying will never be forgotten and the commitment of his beloved wife Carolyn ensures that all who come to Rosecrans Airport will know his passion. I commend him for his spirit and commitment to aviation and I was honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Dewayne L. Knott of St. Joseph, Missouri. He has served most recently as the Vice Commander of the 139th Medical Group of the Air National Guard based in St. Joseph. After 37 years of distinguished service, Lieutenant Colonel Knott is retiring from the Missouri Air National Guard. The Lieutenant Colonel began his years of service in March of 1969 as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force. He served dutifully in Kuwait during Desert Storm operations in 1991 and in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004. He was recently decorated with Valor for his duty in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel Dewayne L. Knott. His many years of distinguished service and commitment to serving his country have been an inspiration. I commend him for his service and I am honored to represent him in the U.S. Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Leroy and Barbara Shatto of Osborn, Missouri. They are the owners of Shatto Farms Milk Company, a family owned and operated business in Northern Missouri. Recently, Leroy was selected as the 2006 Missouri Small Business Person of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. Through hard work and the assistance of a Small Business Administration loan, the Shatto family has developed a very successful business. The Shatto Farms Milk Company produces ``pure'' milk with no added hormones, in a variety of flavors. The milk has grown quickly in popularity and is available in local grocery stores in Missouri and Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Leroy and Barbara Shatto. Their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in milk production are remarkable. I commend them for the achievement and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler R. Boggess, 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 397, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities including High Adventure and the Brownsea Leadership Camp. Over the 11 years Tyler has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. The city of Kearney, Missouri benefited from Tyler's leadership in the re-roofing of nine shelters at the Lions Park in Kearney for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler R. Boggess 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 J. Park, 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 180, 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 J. Park 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 Jacob R. Harrington, 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 180, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob 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 Jacob R. Harrington 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 Eric S. Grooms, 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 180, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Eric 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 Eric S. Grooms 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 Brittney Loch of Maryville, Missouri. Over the past few months, Brittney has served as my office intern. She has handled her responsibilities with class and enthusiasm. Her efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents. As a student at Drake University, Brittney has been pursuing a degree in Political Science and came to Washington, DC through the Washington Semester Program to study Public Law. Her ambition and interest in politics have been evident since the first time I met her years ago. Her commitment to public service and her 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 Brittney Loch. She has been great to have in the office and her efforts are much appreciated. I have no doubt that her dreams of working in Congress will be fulfilled. She will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking her for all of her hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeffrey B. Roe. After 12 years by my side, Jeff recently retired as my Chief of Staff. Since meeting him in 1994, while I was serving in the Missouri State House of Representatives, Jeff and I have maintained a unique bond; he has been there throughout my entire political career, offering guidance and expertise. Jeff and I began working together in 1994, when he was an intern and I was a State Representative pursuing a position in the State Senate. We won that election, and Jeff soon became an instrumental member of my staff. Over the next six years, he came in early and stayed late, the consummate professional. When I made the decision to seek the 6th Congressional District seat in the 2000, Jeff was again by my side. Those late nights and tireless hours on the road paid off, and Jeff followed me to Washington, DC, and created an office structure that we still use today. Jeff has held every job in each of my offices and has used that experience to help develop outstanding employees that leave our office more polished and determined than when they enter. Jeff has always had a love of government and politics. He has a unique perspective on the way that the world works. His tireless work ethic has always been something that has set him apart, and he was even recognized as one of Kansas City's 40 most influential leaders under the age of 40, in Ingram's Magazine 2003 honors. Throughout his distinguished career in politics, he has helped countless people in their pursuit of public office. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jeffrey B. Roe. His commitment to public service and the professional manner with which he has crafted my office will be missed. I would respectfully like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication over the years. Though he is no longer a member of my staff, I am comforted to know that, because of his hard work, I have the honor of representing him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ormer Rogers, Jr., the District Manager for the Mid America District of the United States Postal Service. Ormer is retiring after 37 years in the United States Postal Service. He has served the Postal Service with dignity and respect throughout his career. Ormer began his career in the Postal Service in 1969 as a letter carrier in Dallas, Texas. Over the years he has held management positions in Texas, Ohio, Indiana. Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. As the current District Manager for the Mid America District he is responsible for providing postal services to more than 1.5 million customers in Missouri and Kansas. He manages over 13,000 employees in 710 post offices and six mail processing plants. Ormer has a reputation of treating people with dignity and respect, managing by the philosophy of, treat others how you wish to be treated. Ormer has always been committed to service. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's Degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University in Dallas, Texas. He also served as a paratrooper in the United States Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has just recently completed serving two terms as Chairman of the Kansas City Federal Executive Board. He also serves on the board of the Heart of America United Way, the board of Visitors of Park University and is president of the Heart America Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Ormer Rogers, Jr. His commitment to service and dedication to the United States Postal Service are greatly appreciated. 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 over the years. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daniel James 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He is currently serving as the Senior Patrol Leader, is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and is a Member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout Project, Daniel chose to build bookcases for four classrooms for Liberty Junior High School. 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 James Green for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.