Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brett Penne of Parkville, Missouri. Brett 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. Brett has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brett has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brett Penne for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Duvall IV of Liberty, Missouri. James 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 1320, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Duvall 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dennis Lemasters II of Platte City, Missouri. Dennis 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. Dennis has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dennis has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dennis Lemasters II for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Lobbins III of Parkville, Missouri. Brett 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 1395, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Lobbins III for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul Jameson of Kearney, Missouri. Paul 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 1135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Paul has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Paul has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paul Jameson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Perry of Liberty, Missouri. 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 1247, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Perry for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aaron Rochen of Kansas City, Missouri. 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 1900, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Rochen for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian Cleek of Liberty, Missouri. Brian 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 1374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian Cleek for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cody Bartholome of Kansas City, Missouri. 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 1460, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cody Bartholome for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Chad Roberts of Liberty, Missouri. Chad 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 1135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Chad has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Chad has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Chad Roberts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Derrick Moss of Liberty, Missouri. Derrick 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 2418, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Derrick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Derrick has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derrick Moss for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Boren of Grain Valley, Missouri. Kevin 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 1228, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Kevin has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Boren for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Trevor Parrish of Blue Springs, Missouri. 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 1138, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Trevor Parrish for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Fluker of Kansas City, Missouri. James 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 1247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Fluker for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Guptill of Kansas City, Missouri. 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 1247, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Guptill for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua DeLong of Blue Springs, Missouri. Joshua 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 1216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Joshua has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua DeLong for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle Rowland of Buckner, Missouri. Kyle 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 1082, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Rowland for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Parker Christian of Gladstone, Missouri. Parker 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 1354, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Parker has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Parker has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Derek Schirmer of Gladstone, Missouri. Derek 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 1247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Derek has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Derek has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derek Schirmer for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mathew Miller of Grain Valley, Missouri. Mathew 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 1310, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Mathew has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Mathew has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mathew Miller for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Clyde Han, of Cameron, Missouri. On May 31, 2008, after 25 years of service, Clyde retired from the Cameron, Missouri Fire Department. Mr. Han has established a distinctive and well respected career serving and protecting the public. Clyde is a Certified Instructor for the University of Missouri Fire Service, and was the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Coordinator for Northwest Missouri for several years. Mr. Han is a certified Fire Investigator for the State of Missouri. Clyde was also an instructor for the Cameron Fire Department, as well as the Fire Inspector for the City of Cameron, Missouri. Mr. Han ended his career with the Cameron Fire Department as Captain. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Clyde Han, whose dedication and service to the citizens he helped protect has been truly outstanding. I commend Clyde on an exceptional career, and I am honored to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Roland Cook of Blue Springs, Missouri, for the great achievement of winning the 7th season of American Idol. For the past 7 years, tens of thousands of Idol hopefuls from across the Nation auditioned for a shot at being the next American Idol. David started his journey by traveling from Blue Springs to the regional auditions in Omaha, Nebraska where he impressed the judges with his version of Bon Jovi's ``Livin' on a Prayer.'' David's performance earned him a trip to Hollywood to compete on the show. Throughout the season, David showed great strength and a commitment to his music by putting his own personality into each of the songs he performed, and quickly stood out among the contestants. With the support of his family, friends and all of Blue Springs, David never gave up and due to his hard work and passion for music he became the new American Idol. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating David Cook on being named the new American Idol. I am proud to represent such a hardworking and gifted individual in the Sixth Congressional District. I know that all of Blue Springs joins me in wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Frank Buckles, the last remaining American veteran of World War I. Mr. Buckles was born on a farm near Bethany, Missouri in 1901. Mr. Buckles lied about his age to enlist after turning 16, and fought in France and Germany. Later, in World War II he became a prisoner of war for 39 months after the Japanese invaded the Philippines. Mr. Buckles' life represents the last of a generation that fought for our country to protect the freedoms that this country was founded upon. It is his service, and the service of those that he fought with that we will always remember and pay tribute to. Mr. Buckles is planning to honor his Commanding General John J. Pershing by visiting his boyhood home on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Frank Buckles, a true patriot that represents all those who have served to protect this nation. It is truly an honor to serve Mr. Buckles in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Chad Evan Dale Roberts, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Chad has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chad has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Chad Evan Dale Roberts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul Cody Jameson, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Paul has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Paul has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paul Cody Jameson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.