Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Spencer Rosenak. Spencer 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 216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Spencer has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Spencer 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, Spencer has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, participated in the 2010 National Jamboree and has held several leadership positions within his troop, including Assistant Patrol Leader and as the Chaplain's Aide. Spencer has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Spencer documented the directory of those buried at B'nai Yaakov Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri, and created a map of the plots in the cemetery. Spencer then published his work on the internet, providing an online directory for anyone interested in those buried at the cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Spencer Rosenak 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 Michael Duane Curtis. Michael 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Michael 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, Michael has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Duane Curtis 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 Scott Mason. Alexander 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alexander has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alexander has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Alexander has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Scott Mason 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 Timothy Aaron Mason. Timothy 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Timothy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Timothy 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, Timothy has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Timothy Aaron Mason 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 Michael Anthony Mason. Michael 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Michael 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, Michael has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Anthony Mason 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 Alex Abend. 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 1360, 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 proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Abend 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 Reid F. Schmidling. Reid 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 216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Reid has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Reid 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, Reid has earned 51 merit badges, attained the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say as well as Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Troop guide with Troop 216, and participated in many other outside activities including chess club, hockey, golf, choir and violin. Reid has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Reid organized and installed an 1860's flagpole and fence around the Pony School at the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Reid's parents, Dale and Candise, his family and friends and I in commending Reid F. Schmidling 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 Coleman Guy Taylor. Coleman 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. Coleman has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Coleman 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, Coleman has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Coleman organized and planned a remodeling project for one of the Children's Ministry rooms in King Hill Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Coleman Guy Taylor 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 Captain Gaylen White. Captain White retired on October 31, 2011 after 32 years with the City of Cameron Police Department. Captain White has faithfully served the citizens of Cameron since 1979, joining the force at the age of 23. Since then, he has advanced to oversee the Cameron Police Department Patrol Division, a role which has led him to have a direct influence on the daily lives of the citizens of Cameron. Thanks to Captain White and the officers serving under his command, Cameron continues to grow and be a safe and secure community in northwest Missouri. Captain White now joins his loving and supportive wife Phil in retirement and looks forward to spending more time with his family. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Captain Gaylen White for his accomplishments with the City of Cameron Police Department and for his efforts put forth in serving the citizens of Cameron, Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the outstanding achievement of Immacolata Manor in Liberty, Missouri, for celebrating 30 years of providing habilitation services to persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Immacolata Manor's mission is to focus on the values and principles of community membership, self-determination, human rights, and basic needs, so that each individual will be supported and empowered to achieve their highest potential and to live their lives with dignity and respect. The beautiful property on which Immacolata Manor is located is a former country estate, centering around a handsome colonial house that stands on 40 acres. Immacolata Manor opened in 1981 by several women who all had daughters with developmental disabilities. In recent years, they have been successful in raising funds to build five fully- accessible homes. They currently provide residential services to 31 adults. Some of the residents are employed in local businesses. Those who are not employed are able to participate in the great My Day Program, conducted on the Manor campus. This community integration program includes individualized recreational and life skills activities designed to meet the needs of each participant. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Immacolata Manor for their exceptional dedication to providing residential and habilitation services to persons with developmental disabilities. Immacolata Manor is a true community partner and Liberty landmark. I wish the agency 30 more years of greatness to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Vernon of Versailles, Missouri, on his 80th birthday. Andrew is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, entering the service in 1952 and retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1973. During that time, Andrew served in Germany and in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service, along with other decorations. After his service, Andrew returned to Missouri with his wife of 61 years, Inis, and two daughters, where he worked as a real estate agent and continued in service to his community and peers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in wishing Andrew Vernon a happy 80th birthday and in thanking him for his service to our country.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Salem Lutheran Church of Salisbury, Missouri, as they celebrate their sesquicentennial anniversary. Salem Lutheran has maintained a strong presence in their community since the church was founded in 1861 by German and Scandinavian immigrants. Organized as a typical country church, Salem Lutheran has stood the test of time from the Civil War and Reconstruction, through the 20th Century and now into modern times, continuing to minister and remain a pillar of the region. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Salem Lutheran Church of Salisbury, Missouri for their 150 years of service to the Salisbury community.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 11, I missed a couple of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 771 and ``nay'' on Nos. 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Fairfax Kiwanis Club which will recognize the 65th Anniversary of the club on October 4th, 2011. A special ceremony will take place to honor the history and tradition of the Fairfax Kiwanis Club that has existed since 1946. The Fairfax Kiwanis Club is involved with numerous service projects each year. When a community need arises, the Kiwanis club is ready to respond. Such was the case when the local library needed a sidewalk replaced. The club responded by raising $25,000 for the project. The Fairfax Kiwanis club is very active with youth activities, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The club participates in international efforts in addition to their service in the local community. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of men and women who share the challenge of community and world improvement. Since its founding in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915, Kiwanis has grown to more than 8,400 clubs in 96 nations. There are about 606,600 active members in the Kiwanis family, representing nearly every culture on every continent, all seeking to improve people's lives. Kiwanians give their time to make their communities and world better places in which to live and work. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Fairfax Kiwanis Club. The Fairfax Kiwanis Club is a tremendous service organization that serves its community well.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Trevor Wayne Parker. Trevor 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 303, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Trevor has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Trevor 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, Trevor has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Trevor Wayne Parker 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 Christopher Noal Browning. Christopher 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 237, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christopher has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Christopher has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Christopher designed and constructed a divider wall around the restrooms at Bunceton Park in Bunceton, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Noal Browning 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 Nathan Jay Chaloupka. Nathan 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. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan 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, Nathan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Nathan designed and built an outdoor prayer and meditation area for the First United Methodist Church of Kearney. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Jay Chaloupka 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 Samuel Morrison Evans. Samuel 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. Samuel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Samuel 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, Samuel has earned 65 merit badges and spent countless hours volunteering at the Cameron Food Pantry and with the American Legion. Samuel has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Samuel planned and constructed landscaping around Parkview Elementary in Cameron, Missouri. Samuel also designed and painted murals inside the school gymnasium to make the room more appealing to the student population. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Samuel Morrison Evans 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 Austin Salmon. Austin 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. Austin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Austin 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, Austin became a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, as well as maintaining a position on the Honor Roll of Liberty North High School in Liberty, Missouri. Austin has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Austin built shelving and renovated the basement of Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church in Raytown, Missouri, a small church long in need of the renovation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austin Salmon 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 Northwest Missouri State University Football Coach Mel Tjeerdsma. Coach Tjeerdsma is one of the most successful and well respected coaches in the history of collegiate football, coaching Bearcat Football for 17 seasons. I join with the rest of the Bearcat Nation in congratulating Coach Tjeerdsma on his many years of success, contributions to the community and retirement. Mr. Speaker, Coach Tjeerdsma orchestrated arguably the greatest football program transformations in the history of collegiate athletics. In his first season, Coach Tjeerdsma went from 0-11 in 1994 to 183-32 with three national championships and 12 conference championships. He coached 44 All-Americans, 119 All-MIAA student athletes, and 14 National Football League players. Coach Tjeerdsma's leadership and mentoring has made a difference in the lives of his student-athletes. Coach Tjeerdsma was recently recognized and inducted into the NCAA Division II Football Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, Coach Tjeerdsma is not only the Bearcat football program's all-time winningest coach, but his focus on the classroom is second to none for his student-athletes. Coach Tjeerdsma's teams have featured seven academic All-Americans and one National Scholar Athlete of the Year. Coach Tjeerdsma's football graduation rate is far above the national average of 53 percent with an impressive 85 percent. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the rest of the Bearcat Family in applauding Coach Mel Tjeerdsma's outstanding achievements and contributions to the community and to the sport. We wish Coach Tjeerdsma and Carol the very best in years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize Mr. Carlie Erdman on the occasion of his 100th birthday celebration. Mr. Erdman was born on August 11, 1911 in a sod house near Benkelman, Nebraska. He arrived in Missouri as soon as he could, though, moving here when he was just two months old. In 1936 he married his late wife, Arlene Thompson, on June 20th. Mr. Erdman has been a lifelong farmer in Northwest Missouri and a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Carlie was my neighbor for as long as I can remember. In fact, he taught my brother Todd and I to water-ski at Big Lake. He spent many gorgeous summer afternoons boating at Big Lake and enjoying the water. It is amazing, Mr. Speaker, when you stop and look at all the historical events that Carlie has seen firsthand. He saw the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, the First Man on the Moon, the invention of the computer, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, September 11th, and so on. However, the greatest tribute to Carlie is not his longevity. You see, everyone in Atchison County knows Carlie. He is the first one there if you ever need help, and he is the first one there if you have something to celebrate. It's a tribute to the kind of person Carlie is that if you ask people who know him, they all say the same thing: Carlie is a good man, a good neighbor, and a good friend. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday Carlie's friends and family will gather to mark this extraordinary occasion. I hope that the whole House will join me in celebrating Carlie's 100th birthday and wishing him good health.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, August 1, I missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 691.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 25, I missed a couple of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 630 and ``nay'' on Nos. 631, 632, 634, 635, 636.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 21, I missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 612.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Maxwell Kenner Dusch. Maxwell 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 362, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Maxwell has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Maxwell 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, Maxwell has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Maxwell Kenner Dusch for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.