Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize a special member of my staff. After more than ten years of service, Melissa Joanne Roe will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office. As a driven person and political leader in Jefferson City, Melissa began working in my District Office in 2004 and was immediately an important asset for my office. While with the office, she held many leadership roles and is ending her prominent career as my District Director. Melissa oversaw crucial issues such as transportation, river logistics and appropriations. Melissa could be depended on to keep my offices running efficiently and represent me at meetings when I was away in Washington. Melissa has also been instrumental in helping the various towns in my district to grow and prosper through the dedication to the district. Through earmarks, she was able to successfully establish growing businesses, make roads safer and strengthen communities. Melissa was also tireless in making sure my offices worked together in serving the people of the Sixth Congressional District. Her outstanding work and immense knowledge is incomparable. I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Melissa has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to this office and my constituents was a great example of how government should work. She would often work nights and weekends, while time and again going beyond her job description, all without complaint. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Melissa to begin the next chapter of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Melissa Joanne Roe for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Melissa's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Devin Tyler McGuire. Devin 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 412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Devin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Devin 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, Devin has become a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Fire-Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Devin has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Devin built a backstop and painted a storage shed for the Smithville Baseball and Softball League. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Devin Tyler McGuire 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 Tuesday, December 9, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on #552 and ``YEA'' on #553.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John C. Manka. John 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 412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. John has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years John 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, John has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. John worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide five additional handicap-accessible deer blinds for organized hunts at Smithville Lake. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending John C. Manka 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 Lowell Crouse. 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 412, 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 become a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew remodeled the Smithville Middle School Family and Consumer Science Room by repairing, building, and painting shelving for sewing machines. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Andrew Lowell Crouse 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 Kaleb Wade Barber. Kaleb 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 249, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kaleb has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kaleb 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, Kaleb has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Kaleb Wade Barber 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 Landon Montgomery. Landon 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Landon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Landon 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, Landon contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Landon Montgomery 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 Jackson Rexford. Jackson 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 206, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jackson has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jackson 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, Jackson has led his troop as the Patrol Leader and also became a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. Jackson has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jackson constructed four raised planters for Susquehanna Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri. All of the food produced in these planters will be provided to the church's food pantry. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jackson Rexford 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 Monday, December 1, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #532 and #533.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex W. Lewis. Alex 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Alex has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Alex W. Lewis 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 Daniel J. Rider. Daniel 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 1261, and 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. Most notably, Daniel has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Daniel J. Rider 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 L. Givens. 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 1261, 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 ask you to join me in commending William L. Givens 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 Thomas R. Givens. Thomas 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Thomas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many 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. Most notably, Thomas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Thomas R. Givens 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 Jordan J. O'Brien. Jordan 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jordan 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, Jordan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jordan J. O'Brien 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 Cody R. McKinney. Cody 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Cody has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Cody 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, Cody has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Cody R. McKinney 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 R. Hoog. 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 1261, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Andrew R. Hoog 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 Nolan P. McMichael. Nolan 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 1261, and 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. Most notably, Nolan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Nolan P. McMichael 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 John C. Adams. John 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. John has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years John 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, John has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending John C. Adams 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 Jacob P. Cogley. Jacob 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 1261, and 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. Most notably, Jacob has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jacob P. Cogley 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 Nathaniel J. Brancato. Nathaniel 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 1261, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathaniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathaniel 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, Nathaniel has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Nathaniel J. Brancato 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 Henry Samuel Graves. Hank 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Hank has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hank 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, Hank has become a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say while also attending the National Youth Leadership Training, the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree and High Adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch. Hank has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Hank restored and documented the grave markers, some dating back to the 19th century, in a family cemetery outside of Edgerton, Missouri, that had been abandoned and neglected for years. As Hank's uncle, I am proud of the young man he has become. As an Eagle Scout, I admire the determination he has shown in completing his path to Eagle. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Henry Samuel Graves 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 Terence W. McGarvey, IV. Terry 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 404, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Terry has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Terry 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, Terry has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Terry removed an invasive species, the Autumn Olive, from a three acre parcel of land in Thousand Hills State Park outside of Kirksville, Missouri, for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Terence W. McGarvey, IV, 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 Nolan Bright. Nolan 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. 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. Most notably, Nolan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nolan Bright 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 Dalton M. Archer. Dalton 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 206, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Dalton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dalton 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, Dalton has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Dalton constructed a military honor board that will be a permanent fixture at Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri, to distinguish the graduates who have served or are currently serving in our nation's armed forces. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dalton M. Archer 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 Noah Welborn. Noah 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 360, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Noah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Noah 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, Noah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Noah built a fence around the community garden at Lillian Schumacher Elementary School in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Noah Welborn for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.