Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Baharaeen, 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 354, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years, Michael has been involved in scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader and Scribe and is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Michael built a storage area and refurbished playground equipment at Crestview Elementary in Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Baharaeen 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 Austin Cade, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Austin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austin Cade 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 two outstanding constituents of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District: Garland and Mildred King of Harrison County, MO. Garland and Mildred celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on December 3, 2006. Garland and Mildred King were married on December 3, 1932 in Trenton, MO. They have 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild on the way. They have owned a family farm in Harrison County for 64 years. Garland and Mildred King have been outstanding citizens of Harrison County and northwest Missouri. They are dedicated and active members of Melbourne Baptist Church where Garland is a deacon. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Garland and Mildred King. Their marriage of 74 years is inspirational, and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hayden Oswald, 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 59, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Hayden has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Hayden 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 Hayden Oswald 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 Isaac Zeilinger, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Isaac has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Isaac 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 Isaac Zeilinger 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 Ryan Harris, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Ryan 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 Ryan Harris 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 Travis Cash, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Travis has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Travis 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 Travis Cash 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 Leach, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 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 Leach 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 ask you to join me in recognizing Ruth Elvira Dobbins of Sibley, Missouri. Ruth celebrated her 80th Birthday on January 17th and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone. Ruth is a fine citizen of Missouri and the Sibley community. It is an honor to represent Ruth in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best on this birthday and many more in the future.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Gregory Daniel Bedsaul, 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 145, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Gregory has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Gregory 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 Gregory Daniel Bedsaul 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 Blake Alexander McCarter, 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 145, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Blake has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Blake has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Blake Alexander McCarter 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 Joseph Arcano, 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 145, and in 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 Joseph Arcano 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 Drew Williams, 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 60, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Drew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Drew has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Among his accomplishments, Drew has earned 42 merit badges and attended Camp Gieger twice. He has also earned the God and Me, God and Family and God and Church awards, and further has served Troop 60 of Savannah as librarian and historian. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Drew Williams 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 Jeremy Christian Tyler Cruz, 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 376 and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeremy has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Jeremy has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Jeremy's dedication to his community is outstanding. He has received the World Conservation Award, the 12 Month Camper Award (four times), the 100 Nights Camper Award, and also planned and supervised the expansion of the main picnic shelter at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeremy Christian Tyler Cruz 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 Mitchell Kilpatrick, 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, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Mitchell has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Mitchell has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. For his Eagle Scout project, Mitchell researched 42 years of football statistics for defense, offense and special teams to determine the record holders for Truman High School. He also raised $1,300 to purchase a glass covered statistics case which now displays the record holders' names and their statistics at Truman High School. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mitchell Kilpatrick 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 the achievements of Shawn Wells, husband, father, and the postmaster of Cowgill, MO, who passed away on December 10, 2006. Mr. Wells was a 22-year veteran of the United States Postal Service and throughout his career was a clerk at the St. Joseph, MO Post Office, and the officer in charge at the Rushville, Dearborn, Mound City and Easton Post Offices. Mr. Wells not only provided his valuable service to the United States Postal Service, he also was a veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Hunley. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Shawn Wells, whose dedication and service to the United States Postal Service is truly admirable.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Benjamin Little Bear Brink, 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 388, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Benjamin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Benjamin 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 Benjamin Little Bear Brink 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 Helm, 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 138, and in 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 Helm 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 Will Gorman, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Will has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Will 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 Will Gorman 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 Tyler Coverdell, 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 75, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Tyler 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 Tyler Coverdell 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 Michael Reynolds, 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, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 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. Michael's dedication to his school work and church are outstanding. Michael works hard in school, while he remains involved with his church where he is the second assistant to the President of the Priest's quorum. Michael has also contributed significantly to the community, through his planning and organization of a food drive that collected more than 600 non-perishable food items for donation to the local food pantry. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Reynolds 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 C. Cross, a constituent of the 6th District of Missouri who recently added another prestigious award to his resume as he was named the Northlander of the Year by the Northland Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet held January 27, 2007. Dr. Bill Cross has lived one of the most admirable and distinguished lives any of us could hope for as he was a teacher, coach, and school administrator for 52 years. Bill Cross earned his bachelor's degree at Westminster College in Fulton, MO, while attaining his Ph.D at Kansas State University. Dr. Cross has been a mentor and role model for over 25,000 high school students and an additional 10,000 teachers in graduate programs. He has written and published multiple articles and authored books in the area of education. Dr. Cross has served as the sponsor for over 100 college students in the classroom practicum portion of their education major. He is frequently engaged as a speaker on the topics of business and education. But that's not all, Madam Speaker, Dr. Bill Cross has served two terms as mayor of the great city of Gladstone, MO. He serves on the board of directors of the Mid-America Regional Council, the Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri Municipal League West Gate Division, Head Start, Teaching and Reaching Youth, Clay County Coordinating Committee, Shepherds Center of Kansas City, and is a committee member of the National League of Cities. Dr. Cross was a popularly elected member of the North Kansas City School District. One special recognition I would like to address is that Dr. Cross is a fellow Eagle Scout, the tribe of Mic-O-Say. There is so much more that this great person has done and continues to do for his fellow man. If there ever was an example of a great person and one most deserving of recognition in the United States House of Representatives, it is truly Dr. William C. Cross. Teacher, civic leader, husband to Mary and father of three daughters and seven grandchildren, active member of North Cross United Methodist Church and valued friend and advisor to so many. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Dr. William C. Cross whose dedication and service to the people of the Sixth District of Missouri has been exceptional.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Phillip Belcher, 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 by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Phillip has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Phillip has been involved in scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader and Den Chief for Cub Scouts. Phillip is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is in the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Phillip built concrete stairs at the Rolling Hills Community Church. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Phillip Belcher 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 Will Gorman, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Will has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Will 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 Will Gorman for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.