Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ian Fleming. Ian 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 1433, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ian 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, Ian has become a member of the Order of the Arrow and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Ian has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ian constructed and planted a water garden for visitors to enjoy in English Landing Park in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ian Fleming 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, November 12, I missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on #516.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Tarkio First Baptist Church, which will commemorate the 125th anniversary of its founding in my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri on September 21st, 2014. Since 1889, the Tarkio First Baptist Church has served the community through its faith, fellowship and welcoming spirit. From the first time they opened their doors until today, First Baptist has stood as a cornerstone of the Tarkio community. First Baptist has experienced wars and conflicts as well as times of peace and prosperity. It has served as a haven through many hardships of economic struggle and social change. Through droughts, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, as well as harvests both good and bad, this church has remained a constant source of comfort. It has served congregants by promoting faith in God, the Bible, prayer and the community itself. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Tarkio First Baptist Church. For 125 years, this church has supported Tarkio and its people come what may. It is truly an honor to serve this church and its congregation in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, September 15, I missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 497.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Captain Mary R. McCormick, a proud veteran of our United States Navy, on her retirement after 26 years of service. After graduating first in her class as an Ensign in the JAG Corps Student Program from the Navy Justice School in 1988, Captain McCormick was released from active duty on June 30, 1992 and soon was affiliated with the Select Reserves. Captain McCormick has impeccable knowledge concerning military and civilian appellate criminal law. She has represented servicemembers from all military branches during her six- year civilian military appellate practice, and she has served five years as appellate counsel. Captain McCormick served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado from October 1992 through June 1995 where she was lead appellate attorney. She was recalled to active duty from November 2010 through September 2013, to serve as Appellate Defense Counsel for Guantanamo detainees. Captain McCormick was named Missouri's Elder Law Attorney of the Year for 2006 and she is author of the treatise Missouri Elder Law published annually by West/Thomson Reuters. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Captain Mary R. McCormick for her admirable service to our country as well as her passion for the law.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Takoda Lucker. Takoda 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 419, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Takoda has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Takoda 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, Takoda has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Takoda Lucker 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 Jamison Dunn. Jamison 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 1414, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jamison has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jamison 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, Jamison has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. After graduation, Jamison plans to continue a life of service by enlisting in the Armed Forces and serving our country. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jamison Dunn 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 Riley Tomlinson. Riley 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 419, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Riley has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Riley 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, Riley has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Riley Tomlinson 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 Alexander Lapp. 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 374, 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. Alex remodeled a loft at Liberty Christian Fellowship Church in Liberty, Missouri, repainting it and adding railings and other safety improvements as the church converts the loft from a space for teenage youth to a space for children to meet. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Lapp 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 Matthew Barmann. Matthew 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 419, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Matthew 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, Matthew has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Barmann 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 achievement of Dr. Edward Gettemeier. Dr. Gettemeier is the principal of Hardin Middle School in St. Charles, Missouri, and has been selected by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2014 Missouri Middle School Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Gettemeier's ability to excel in the ever-demanding role of principal in all aspects of education. Dr. Gettemeier is a major contributing factor to the increasing success students are finding at Hardin Middle School. He has modeled a high-rate work ethic that has permeated throughout the school. Through his work, Hardin has seen a significant increase in access to technology and developed programs to meet the needs of Hardin Middle School's diverse student population. Dr. Gettemeier has been a leader on implementing the St. Charles School District's Standards-Based Grading and worked with the St. Charles Juvenile Justice Center to develop a Teen Court system for Hardin students. His plan to improve the ABC's--Academics, Behavior, and Climate--have transformed Hardin Middle School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Dr. Edward Gettemeier's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Dr. Gettemeier's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating him on his outstanding achievement, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of Dr. Jason Taylor Snodgrass of Independence, Missouri. Dr. Snodgrass is the principal of Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri, and has been selected by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2014 Missouri High School Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Snodgrass's ability to excel in the ever-demanding role of principal in all aspects of education. Dr. Snodgrass is a major contributing factor to the increasing success students are finding at Fort Osage High School. His results- driven leadership has seen an increase in the average ACT score and a 10% increase in ACT participation. His mantra, ``Here at Fort Osage, we do things a little bit better!'' has built up school spirit and pride while empowering the students of Fort Osage High School into believing in themselves and their own future. Dr. Snodgrass is a true asset to the Fort Osage School District with his commitment to students, relationship building and long-range goals for students, teachers and Fort Osage High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Dr. Jason Taylor Snodgrass's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Dr. Snodgrass's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating him on his outstanding achievement, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Allen Jacob Webb. Allen 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 43, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Allen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Allen 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, Allen has earned the rank of Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Allen has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Allen restored a grave box at Mt. Mora cemetery, the oldest operating cemetery in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Allen Jacob Webb 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 Friday, July 25, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 453 and ``yea'' on No. 451, No. 452, and No. 454. On Monday, July 28, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 455, No. 456, and No. 457. On Tuesday, July 29, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 458 and No. 459. I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 460, No. 461, and No. 462. I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 463 and No. 464.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 22, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 433 and No. 434 and I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 435 and No. 436.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph Meidl. Joseph 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 117, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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, Joseph has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Meidl 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 Christian. 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 87, 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 proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Christian 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 a special member of my staff. After more than ten years of service, Buffy Renee Smith will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office. Originally from the Sixth District, Buffy brought an understanding of the people and issues that only someone with her deep roots could bring. Buffy began working in my Washington office in 2004, then later moved back home to Missouri and joined my District office staff. She has served as a staff assistant, field representative, scheduler and Director of Operations for my office over the years. Buffy could be relied on to keep my office running efficiently and represent me at meetings when I was away in Washington. Buffy managed my schedule both in Washington and in District for many years, helping me represent the people of the Sixth Congressional District. Whether I needed to meet with officials in Platte County during the 2011 floods, manage a bill on the House floor or attend a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure town hall in Wisconsin, I could count on Buffy to get me there and make sure I had all the information I needed for the event. I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Buffy 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 Buffy to begin the next chapter of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Buffy Renee Smith for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Buffy'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 Austen James Knepper. Austen 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 214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Austen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Austen 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, Austen has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Austen organized and led the construction of a trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austen James Knepper 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 a special member of my staff. After almost eight years of service, Shawna Marie Searcy will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office. Shawna began working in my campaign office, then joined my District office staff in 2006. She has served as a field representative over the years for many counties, including Clay County, the largest county in the Sixth Congressional District. Shawna could be relied on to listen to my constituents' concerns and represent me at meetings when I was away in Washington. Shawna has also been instrumental in helping students in my district who are seeking nominations to our nation's military academies through that process. When it came to planning events, I knew Shawna would always put together an excellent event, whether a ribbon-cutting for a new bridge, a reception for the Congressional Art Contest honorees, or the Sixth Congressional District Small Business Expo. She was always at ease speaking publicly for me, while her warm smile and happy heart left an impression with my staff and constituents that they will always remember. I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Shawna has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Shawna to begin the next chapter of her career. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Shawna Marie Searcy for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Shawna'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, on Friday, July 11, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 403 and ``yea'' on No. 404. On Monday, July 14, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 405 and No. 406.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 8, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 369 and No. 370.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jaxon Riley Harvey. Jaxon 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 309, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jaxon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jaxon 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, Jaxon has led his troop as Patrol Leader. Jaxon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jaxon organized and led the pouring of a concrete pad for a picnic shelter at his church that another Eagle Scout was building. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jaxon Riley Harvey 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 Evan Todd. Evan 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 357, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan 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, Evan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Evan organized and led the construction of a sidewalk outside of Ravenwood Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Todd 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 a special member of my staff. After more than ten years of service, Sarah K. R. Woodward will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office. Sarah began working in my campaign office, then joined my Washington office staff in 2004. She has filled many roles in the office, including staff assistant, scheduler, field representative and caseworker. Whatever role I needed Sarah to fill, she did so with exceptional proficiency and skill. Most recently serving as a field representative and caseworker, Sarah is known for her patience and kindness in dealing with constituents. Whether it is listening to a veteran's retelling of war stories, speaking to a room of civic-minded high school students, or assisting a single-mother in getting Social Security numbers for her daughters, Sarah's experience and listening ear can put constituents at ease. When it came to planning events, I knew Sarah would always put together an excellent event, whether for the Congressional Art Contest, the Sixth Congressional District Leadership Academy, or a veteran's medal presentation ceremony. I have received many letters of thanks for the outstanding constituent service Sarah has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Sarah to begin the next chapter of her career. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Sarah K. R. Woodward for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Sarah'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.