Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the life of Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Michael L. Newton. His life, though tragically cut short, was enriched by numerous accomplishments in his career, and a loving, caring family. Mike served the Missouri Highway Patrol with dignity and passion. He set career goals that established himself as a competitive officer. He was ardent about making as many driving-while-intoxicated and traffic arrests as he could and it was this determination that made him a standout among his fellow officers. His eagerness and drive established him as an officer that was well-liked by many of his peers. Mike is survived by his loving wife Shonnie and two sons, Tyler and Devon. Many of the Missouri Highway Patrol have pledged to help the family through these trying times. It is my hopes that his young boys will always remember how passionate their father was about his job and how diligently he served the people of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you help me in recognizing and remembering Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Michael L. Newton, his accomplished career, and the remarkable family he leaves behind. God Bless them.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the USS Platte (AO-24) Navy Ship. On this day, the bell from the ship will be permanently loaned to the Platte County-KCI Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Platte County commission for display. Platte County has worked very hard to honor the service and the memory of the ship and those who served on board. The USS Platte was built by the Bethlehem Steel Company in Baltimore, Maryland and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia on December 1, 1939. On March 27, 1940, the ship was sent out to support the Panama Canal Zone fleet. After its service to this fleet, the USS Platte was reassigned to the base at San Pedro, California and carried liquid cargo, passengers and freight to and from Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Platte was fortunately stationed in San Pedro. The USS Platte continued its service and on January 11, 1942 was assigned as a fueling ship for the Carrier Task Force Eight, which comprised of ships including the Aircraft Carrier Enterprise, flagship of Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Subsequently, the USS Platte served in World War II supporting the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Coral Sea, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Western Aleutians, Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas Islands and the Philippine Islands. Additionally, the USS Platte provided logistical support during the Korean and Vietnam wars and refueled the aircraft Carrier Enterprise task force group off the Korean shore during the Pueblo crisis. For its service, the ship received eleven battle stars for World War II and 6 battle stars for Korean war service. On May 17, 2002, the County Commission of Platte County, Missouri recognized the outstanding accomplishments and achievements of the USS Platte by hosting USS Platte veterans, families, and friends to declare the day as USS Platte Day for Platte County, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the USS Platte, the men who served this great ship, and the Platte County Commission for their efforts in remembering this important ship and its many missions.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale. The bank is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Hale, Missouri and I take this opportunity to commend their dedication and service to their community. On May 2, 1928, the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale was commissioned and opened for business on the 9th of the month. Since its opening, the bank has only had six presidents. In addition, the Cowherd, Haynes and Franken families have all been involved with the bank from its beginning. When it was first starting out, the bank began with a capital of $20,000; today, the bank's capital exceeds $1,300,000 and has deposits of $13,250,000. The bank has truly evolved with the times. Photographs taken of the bank in 1906 and 1977 show that the building remained the same. However, in 1978, the bank celebrated its 50th anniversary and the raising of a new building. Artifacts from the original bank were taken and displayed in the new building, including the original vaults, the black iron swinging gate and the big old clock that graced the main lobby. These artifacts remain with the bank to this day. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale, Missouri on their 75th anniversary and for their many contributions to the 6th District and the State of Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. On Monday, May 19, 2003, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes 192, 193, and 194. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 192, H. Con. Res. 166; ``yea'' on rollcall 193, H.R. 1018; and ``yea'' on rollcall 194, H. Con. Res. 147.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric Daniel Lorenz, 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 99, 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 6 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges. Additionally, Eric has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as junior leader, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, and junior assistant scoutmaster. Eric also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Bright Eyed Buffalo and the Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-o- Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Eric cleaned up and maintained a playground, including the installation of a mulched area, at First Step Preschool of the Hodge Presbyterian Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Daniel Lorenz 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 Seth Cox, 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 99, and in earning the most prestigious award of eagle scout. Seth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges. Additionally, Seth has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, Chaplain, Troop Guide, and Junior Assistant Scout Master. Seth also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the little paper image and the runner in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Seth built and installed playground equipment at the First Christian Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Seth Cox 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 Phillip Stewart Elliott, 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 99, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Phillip has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 27 merit badges. Additionally, Phillip has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Quartermaster and Junior Assistant Scout Master. Phillip also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Spotted War Shirt and the Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Phillip repaired and refurbished picnic tables for Trenton Park System, in Trenton, Missouri, which included making some tables handicapped accessible. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Phillip Stewart Elliott 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 Wednesday, May 14, 2003, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall vote No. 189. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea,'' to pass H.R. 1000, the Pension Security Act of 2003.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan H. Weaver, 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 99, 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 2 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges. Additionally, Jonathan has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as troop guide and junior assistant scout master. Jonathan also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Silent Canoe and the Tom- Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan repaired and refurbished the deck and porch of the local women's and children's shelter. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jonathan H. Weaver 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 Father Robert Crider. Father Crider has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 50-year commitment as an ordained Roman Catholic Priest. Father Crider was ordained on May 14, 1953. He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, but has served parishes in northwest Missouri during many of his years in the priesthood. From 1962-1975, Father Crider served as a Missionary Priest in Bolivia, South America. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his service to the Catholic Church in northwest Missouri again. In 1991, Father Crider was appointed parish priest of Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Plattsburg, Missouri, and currently serves in that capacity. He is respected by all members of the parish for his dedication to his church and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Father Robert Crider, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service as both an ordained Roman Catholic Priest and as a citizen of northwest Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Ford Motor Company. Ford has exemplified the social, economic, and cultural heritage America and is deserving of due recognition for their many accomplishments. On June 16, 1903, 39-year-old Henry Ford and 11 associates started the Ford Motor Company. Armed with little cash, some tools, a few blueprints and abundant faith, these men set out to start one of the most innovative industrial and global institutions. During the 1903 production year, the first commercial automobile, the Model A, was released by Ford. This 8-horsepower, 2-cylinder vehicle had a 2-speed transmission, 28-inch wheels with wooden spokes and 3- inch tires. It was the first of many alphabetical cars, as Ford went through 19 letters of the alphabet, creating Models A through S, with some of these cars being experimental and not available to the public. October 1, 1908 was a historic day as Ford introduced the ``Universal Car'', the Model T. The Model T proved to be a versatile car that could be reconfigured by buyers to move cattle, haul freight, herd horses and even mow lawns. In its first year of production on the Model T, Ford set an industry record, producing 10,660 of the cars. In the early days, all automobile makers built one car at a time. Ford revolutionized this process with the idea of moving the work to the worker. This became a reality when parts, components, and 140 assemblers stationed at different intervals inaugurated the first moving assembly line in 1913. A new era of industrial progress and growth began for the company. The Ford plant in Claycomo, Missouri is a remarkable example of the many achievements of the company. Ford's employees, retirees, suppliers, dealers, and its many customers have truly been an asset to the 6th district. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Ford Motor Company on their 100th anniversary and for their many contributions to the 6th district, the State of Missouri, the United States and the world.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Polo High School Marching Panther Pride Band from Caldwell County, Missouri. The band, comprised of 7th through 12th grade students, has had many significant accomplishments in the last year. Most recently, the band has been honored with an invitation to play at the 2003 Toyota Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. I, along with Polo High School students and administrators, are proud of the band's successes. The band has worked very hard in competition to establish a reputation of marching excellence over the last two school years, which was a pre-requisite for their acceptance in the 2003 Gator Bowl Parade. Additionally, the band has been acknowledged for many outstanding achievements including 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Carollton Band Day in 2001, 1st place in the class 1A parade at CMC Band Day in 2001, 1st place in class 1A at the Northwest Missouri State University Homecoming Flag Corps in 2002, the color guard competition in 2001, 1st place in the class 1A parade at the Missouri Day Parade in 2002, 1st place in the class 1A Parade at Central Missouri State University Homecoming in 2002, 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Northwest Missouri State University homecoming in 2002, and 1st place in the Chillicothe Christmas Parade in 2002. Many students have dedicated their time and effort to making the band the accomplished organization that it is. I commend the time and dedication these students have put forth being a part of this wonderful after school activity while also working hard at their studies. Marisa Fultz, Drum Major and Field Commander and Brenna Hicks, Assistant Drum Major have worked very hard to ensure that the band performs at it's best. Additionally, the band has received a great deal of support from the education community, including the Board of Education, Mrs. Marla Barnes, President of the Board of Education, Mr. Gerald Snodgrass, Superintendent, Mr. Robert Newhart, Polo High School Principal, Ms. Beverly McQueen, Elementary School Principal, and the band boosters led by president Darrin Hicks. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Polo High School Marching Panther Pride Band. The band is a primary example of educational excellence in North Missouri and in their community. I wish them the best of luck at the Gator Bowl!

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Richard Janulewicz, Director of Clay County Public Health Center in Clay County, Missouri. Richard has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 20-year commitment to the health center and the citizens of Clay County. Richard is well known among his staff and the citizens of Clay County for taking the initiative to make positive change in their community. He interacts on many levels with the people he comes in contact with and maintains the highest degree of professionalism and honesty. He prides himself on the hard work and dedication he has displayed over the past two decades. During his years at the health center, Richard has designed and implemented new programs that have made Clay County one of the healthiest in the state. He has undoubtedly been one of the most influential people in Clay County's history. His colleagues and friends describe him as honest, dependable, helpful, trustworthy and professional. It is people like Richard that make me proud to call myself a Missourian. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Richard Janulewicz, who exemplifies qualities of dedication and service as both an employee and a citizen of Clay County, Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Ray Meyer, 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 Venturing, and in earning the most prestigious Silver Award. David has been very active in Venturing, having camped 349 nights, traveled afoot or afloat for 873 miles and taking expeditions at Packard in 1999, Philmont from 1999-2002, Pamlico in 2002, as well as visits to resident camps at Naish, Bartle, Geiger and Chickahominy. In the 11 years he has been involved in Boy Scouts and Venturing, David has served in many leadership capacities as Boy Scout senior patrol leader, patrol leader, scribe, instructor, troop guide, junior assistant scout master, Venturing president, vice-president, treasurer, and quartermaster, as well as VOA treasurer, president, and program director, and OA Lodge treasurer, chapter secretary and vice chief. Additionally, David has received numerous awards for his many achievements. He has been honored with the Arrow of Light Award, the Eagle Scout Award, 6 Eagle Palms, the Gods and Country Award, the Bronze and Gold Venturing Awards and the Venturing Leadership Award. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Ray Meyer for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and Venturing and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Silver Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daniel Adison Ayers, 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 Venturing, and in earning the most prestigious Silver Award. Daniel has been very active in Venturing having camped 383 nights, traveling afoot or afloat for 491 miles and taking expeditions at Boundary Waters in 1997 and Philmont in 2000. In the 12 years he has been involved in Boy Scouts and Venturing, Daniel has served in many leadership capacities as patrol leader, junior assistant scout master, assistant scout master, senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, VOA vice president, crew secretary and crew president. Additionally, Daniel has received numerous awards for his many achievements. He has been honored with the Arrow of Light Award, the Scout Through Life Award, the Eagle Scout Award, the Bronze and Gold Venturing Awards and the Venturing Leadership Award. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Adison Ayers for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and Venturing and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Silver Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Garret Thomas Cochran, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Garret has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as the Sea Base High Adventure, 5 Camporees, 4 Scout mall shows and never missing one, a total of 63 campouts with his troop. Over the 5 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 66 merit badges. Additionally, Garret has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, historian, den chief, quartermaster, guide, instructor, scribe, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader. Garret also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow, Warrior Honored Son of Little Lone Yellow Fang in the tribe of Mic-O-Say, the 12-Month Camping Award 4 years in a row, the World Conservation Award, the Coup of the Long Trail Award, and the Coup of the Far Traveler Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Garret created Flag Plaza and erected a flag pole at Vineyard Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Garret Thomas Cochran 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 E. McKee, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Steven has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as 33 monthly campouts with the troop, 4 Camporees, and 3 Scout mall shows. Over the 4 years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 45 merit badges. Additionally, Steven has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, historian, quartermaster, guide and senior patrol leader. Steven also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the World Conservation Award, the Religious Knot, Brave Son of Mighty Silver Bird in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award, and the Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Steven landscaped the entire front area of the grounds of the Church of the Redeemer, after construction of the new addition of the church was finished. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Steven E. McKee 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 James Spencer Mansheim, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jay has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as the Sea Base High Adventure, Philmont High Adventure, 7 Camporees, 6 Scout mall shows, 3 Klondikes, and over 50 campouts with his troop. Over the 7 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 32 merit badges. Additionally, Jay has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, senior patrol leader and, since his 18th birthday, serving as the troop's assistant Scoutmaster. Jay also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Snorkeling Award, the BSA Lifeguard Award, the National Camping Award, and the World Conservation Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Jay built a new playground for his church as well as covering the area with wood chips and erecting a chain-link fence around the area. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Spencer Mansheim 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 Levi John Chettle, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Levi has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Bartle and the Sea Base High Adventure. Over the 5 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 58 merit badges. Additionally, Levi has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, troop quartermaster, den chief, historian and assistant senior patrol leader. Levi also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the World Conservation Award, the Heritage Trail Award, the 50-Miler Afloat Award, the National Camping Award, the 12-Month Camping Award 4 years in a row, Warrior Little Silent Stalking White Bear in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and the Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Levi mulched a playground, painted benches and trash receptacles, and planted 11 flower beds at Riverside Park. Additionally, he applied painted stencils to over 100 drainage manhole covers in the City of Riverside. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Levi John Chettle 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 Alan Brenncke, 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 1082, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for 4 years. Over the 9 years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges. Additionally, Kyle has held several leadership positions, serving as quarter master, historian, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, senior patrol leader and troop guide. Kyle also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, the God and Country Award, and Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout Project, Kyle painted the playground at the Buckner Elementary School in Buckner, Missouri. Additionally, Kyle painted two four squares, basketball lanes and playground signs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Alan Brennecke 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 Sterling Brennecke, 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 1082, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for 7 years and the Philmont Scout Ranch. Over the 11 years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges. Additionally, Christopher has held several leadership positions, serving as quartermaster, historian, scribe, librarian, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Christopher also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievments with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, the God and Country Award and Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Christopher landscaped around the front of the Buckner Elementary School as well as the courtyard. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Sterling Brennecke 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 Lance Michael Archbold, 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 134, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Lance has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as Camp Geiger, Camp Bartle, Camp Jayhawk, High Adventures hiking in Colorado, floating down Buffalo River and Current River, biking 225 miles of the Katy Trail in Missouri, and Junior Leader Corp for Webelos Day Camp. Over the nine years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned numerous merit badges. Additionally, Lance has held several leadership positions, serving as scribe, den chief, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, outdoor program manager, co-captain and captain. Lance also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, the On My Honor Award, and the Duty to God Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Lance helped the Independence visitors center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with their annual Christmas tree display for the community. He built stands for each tree they had on display so the trees would not tip over. The organization has used them for two years now. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lance Michael Archbold 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. Chairman, I rise today to talk about a very important issue, and that is overidentification and misidentification of children with suspected learning behavioral disabilities. If schools misdiagnose a child, it not only affects their report card, but it affects their future. We need to make sure that the right children receive special education. The Tancredo-Graves amendment seeks to address this problem which is driving up the cost of IDEA and putting misdiagnosed kids into special needs programs. The majority of kids with disabilities are medically diagnosed and, therefore, receive special education services. Children with learning and behavioral disorders should be no different. The bottom line is if a child has a medical disability, whether it be physical, mental, learning or behavioral, it should be diagnosed and have a medical opinion from a medical professional in order to receive the same special education services as those children that are medically diagnosed. The Tancredo-Graves amendment would protect parents, and most importantly, it would protect children from being labeled with a disability that they may not have.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brent Dunkel, 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 249, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brent has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Bartle and Philmont. Over the years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 48 merit badges. Additionally, Brent has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as assistant patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader and troop guide. Brent also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the World Conservation Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Brent prepared and landscaped a ``Welcome to Weston'' sign in Bless Park in Weston, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brent Dunkel 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 John Cleary, 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 249, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. John has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as Camp Bartle and as a counselor at Camp Naish. Over the five years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges. Additionally, John has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, senior patrol leader, quartermaster and chaplain aide. John also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the Order of the Arrow Award. For his Eagle Scout project, John planned and coordinated the replacement of playground equipment in his neighborhood park in Farley, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending John Cleary for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.