Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pause to honor a constituent of Missouri's 6th Congressional District and someone I am especially proud to call my friend, Glen O. Klippenstein, upon being honored with the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence by the Agribusiness Council of Kansas City. Glen was born in Canada and grew up working on the family cattle operation. His family emigrated to Pennsylvania when he was 11, and it was there that he would attend Penn State University and turn down a job running former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's farm outside Gettysburg. He and a friend would later move to Missouri and establish GlenKirk Farms. GlenKirk became one of the premier cattle operations in the nation, selling over 7,000 bulls and 7,500 females across all 50 states and internationally in 22 countries and earning a place in the Hereford Heritage Hall of Fame. Glen would later serve in the Missouri state legislature in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Glen is a tireless worker who is dedicated to aiding the agricultural community, serving as the two-term chairman of the National Beef Promotion and Research Board; as chairman of the American Polled Hereford Association; as director of the National Cattlemen's Association; as member and vice chairman of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Board; and as the CEO of the American Chianina Association. Mr. Speaker, I could list many more organizations that Glen has guided and worked with over his very distinguished lifetime. However, I ask that you join me, Glen's wife Linda, their children Brian, Brett, Noel, and Ivan, their grandchildren and the agricultural community in congratulating Glen O. Klippenstein on this accomplishment and wishing him God's blessings in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Craig E. Muiller. Craig is 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 earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Craig has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Craig has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Craig has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Craig E. Muiller 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Caleb Thomas Jaynes. Caleb is 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 1028, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Caleb has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Caleb has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Caleb has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Caleb has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Caleb led a group of scouts to the Platte City Cemetery to use GPS tracking and photographs to document nearly 1,000 gravestones in the cemetery and preserve the historical information online. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Caleb Thomas Jaynes 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Cable. Andrew is 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 1376, and 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. Most notably, Andrew has served his troop as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew constructed a gazebo with swings surrounding a fire pit at Immacolata Manor, a facility for women with developmental disabilities in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Cable 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mitchell Karl Wolbert. Mitchell is 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Mitchell has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mitchell has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Mitchell has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mitchell Karl Wolbert 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonah Andrew Hoppe. Jonah is 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jonah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jonah has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jonah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jonah Andrew Hoppe 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lucas Matthew Hodson. Lucas is 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Lucas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Lucas has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Lucas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lucas Matthew Hodson 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colby Layne Matthys. Colby is 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Colby has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colby has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Colby has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Colby Layne Matthys 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ethan Michael Cupp. Ethan is 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 1351, and 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. Most notably, Ethan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan Michael Cupp 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievements of Chief Larry Eugene Pratt. Chief Pratt is one of the most respected fire district chiefs and is retiring from the Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District after 53 years of service. I join with the families, fellow firefighters, and citizens of the Kearney community in congratulating Chief Pratt on his many years of success, contributions to the community and now his retirement. Chief Pratt began his firefighting career as a junior firefighter in 1963 while he was still in high school. Due to lack of manpower in the mid-1960s, Chief Pratt was one of approximately a half dozen students who were dismissed from Kearney High School to respond to calls during his high school career. While Chief Pratt was still a volunteer firefighter, he began a career working for Hallmark Cards for 34 years. In 1973, Chief Pratt became the Assistant Fire Chief and a year later after completing his EMT certification he was elected Fire Chief serving from 1975 through 1990. When the Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District was created in 1990 Chief Pratt was appointed Fire Chief. In March 2001 he was hired as a career Chief. During Chief Pratt's tenure, the call volume increased from 209 to a projected 1700 and the career positions increased from 3 to 28. With additional personnel and equipment, the ISO classification improved from a Class 8 to a Class 4 for the entire District. Chief Pratt truly believes in public service and commitment to keeping his community safe. Chief Pratt is a past president of the Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs 1976 through 1978, past president of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri 1989 through 1992, and past president of the Missouri Association of Fire Protection Districts 2011 through 2013. Chief Pratt has been a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Missouri Valley Division of Fire Chiefs since 1978 and received his Chief Fire Officer Designation in August 2002. Chief Pratt is a charter member of St. Michael's Knights of Columbus Council and the Kearney Rotary Club, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Kearney Area Development Council and KCB Bank. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the rest of the Kearney community, family and firefighters in applauding Chief Larry Eugene Pratt's outstanding achievements and contributions to the community, and the State of Missouri. I wish Chief Pratt and his family the very best in years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jameson King. Jameson is 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jameson has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jameson has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jameson contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jameson led a team of scouts in building a new sign for the historic Macon Presbyterian Church in Macon, Missouri, refurbishing the old sign and landscaping the north side of the building. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jameson 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Quinn Hall. Quinn is 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Quinn has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Quinn has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Quinn has led his troop as the Patrol Leader, became a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Warrior in the tribe of Mic- O-Say. Quinn has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Quinn constructed an octoball arena for his youth group at Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Quinn Hall 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Reece Dwiggins. Reece is 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Reece has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Reece has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Reece earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Reece also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Reece sorted, filed and cataloged all of the choir, organ and piano music for his home church, Macon First Christian Church in Macon, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Reece Dwiggins 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Truitt. William is 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, William has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Truitt 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Butler. David is 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, David has led his troop as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, became a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. David has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. David built five wooden storage boxes to hold the seat cushions for the swings at Immacolata Manor, a home for adults with developmental disabilities in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Butler 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Clarke Blodgett. Clarke is 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Clarke has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Clarke has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Clarke has mastered the bugle, led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Clarke also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Clarke built, installed and organized shelves inside a shed at Sacred Heart Church in Bevier, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Clarke Blodgett 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Blake Vandever. Blake is 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 81, and 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. Most notably, Blake has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Blake Vandever 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Garett Olson. Garett is 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 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Garett has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Garett has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Garett contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Garett sorted the clothing inventory and the restored the drop-off shed at the Better Living Center in Macon, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Garett Olson 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Clayton Bentch. Clayton is 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Clayton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Clayton has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Clayton has led his troop as the Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Firebuilder in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Clayton has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Clayton Bentch 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aaron Jacob Stockman. Aaron is 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 1394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Aaron has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Aaron contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Jacob Stockman 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Raymond Probst, Jr. Raymond is 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 1099, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Raymond has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Raymond has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Raymond contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Raymond Probst, 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joel Madden. Joel is 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 1099, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joel has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Joel contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joel Madden 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christian Charles Torchia. Christian is 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Christian contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Christian restored a section of hiking trail in Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christian Charles Torchia 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Asher Weinbaum. Asher is 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Asher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Asher has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Asher has led his troop as the Patrol Leader and Quartermaster. Asher has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Asher constructed a 160 foot path for Immacolata Manor in Liberty, Missouri, providing a safe walkway for the home for women with developmental disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Asher Weinbaum 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and Thursday, December 8, 2016, I missed rollcall votes due to my participation in a flyover demonstration in memorial of the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor at the George Bush Presidential Library in Houston, TX. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall Nos. 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, and 619.