Mike Gallagher

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Hill Top Bakery in Kaukauna. For the past 100 years, the Hill Top Bakery in Kaukauna has provided exceptional customer service and delicious, daily made, old-fashioned baked goods for people throughout Wisconsin. Originally a horse stable, their building on 7th and Main in Kaukauna was repurposed into a bakery and opened in 1923, where it still remains to this day. To say baking runs in the family is an understatement. Mark and Lynn Engel have owned and operated the location for nearly 30 years after they took it over from Lynn's parents, Harry and Diane Wirth, who ran the Bakery for the previous 26 years. The family's commitment to outstanding service and quality products for more than 50 years has made Hill Top Bakery a staple in Northeast Wisconsin. In addition to offering delicious baked goods for people throughout Northeast Wisconsin, Hill Top Bakery is known for its unwavering support of Kaukauna and the greater Fox Valley community. The Bakery has donated goods to organizations like Project Purpose, a collaborative mural experience that centers around students in Special Education at Appleton East High School. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Bakery donates a portion of its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I commend the dedication and unwavering support that the Hill Top Bakery team has shown to our community. 100 years in operation is no small feat and at Hill Top Bakery they have the perfect recipe for success, incredible people, a Northeast Wisconsin work ethic, and generations of family recipes that have been acquired over the last century. From their famous peanut squares to their cherry chip cookies, Hill Top Bakery provides top-notch baked goods to the people of Wisconsin. It is evident due to their continued success that the Hill Top Bakery is committed to providing homemade, authentic, and old-fashioned bakery items for people throughout Northeast Wisconsin, all the while making our community a better place. I invite all members of this body to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hill Top Bakery. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Mark and Lynn Engel and the entire Hill Top Bakery team on this remarkable milestone and wish them continued success for years to come.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the distinguished career of retiring Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners Principal, Mrs. Tammy Van Dyke. Mrs. Van Dyke has held several leadership roles throughout the education system in Northeast Wisconsin. Prior to assuming the role of Principal at Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners, Mrs. Van Dyke was the Principal at Nicolet Elementary School in Green Bay. During her time at Nicolet, she played an instrumental role in improving leadership skills in students and developed the LIONS (Leaders in Our Neighborhood and School) Club, which provided opportunities for students to interact with guest speakers, learn, and organize events for the school. Throughout her impressive career, Mrs. Van Dyke has been committed to bettering the lives of her students and their families. Her knowledge and leadership led to the growing enrollment rate at Green Bay Area Public Schools, which played a significant role in the recruitment and retainment of both gifted teachers and students at Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners. Mrs. Van Dyke's expertise and knowledge will surely be missed by her students, peers, and the entire Green Bay community. While Mrs. Van Dyke is leaving behind a notable legacy that will be admired by educators for years to come, I am confident that she will continue to be a valuable member of the Northeast Wisconsin community. Her dedication to Northeast Wisconsin has been truly remarkable, and I extend my sincere thanks to Mrs. Van Dyke for her years of service. Mrs. Van Dyke's distinguished career is deserving of the highest degree of recognition, and I wish her all the best in retirement.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Sarah (Meyer) Gard as she is inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame. A graduate of Lena High School, Sarah started four years for the Lena Varsity Girls Basketball Team. During her career at Lena High School, she surpassed the 2,000-point milestone and ended her career with a total of 2,176 points. The team made appearances at the Wisconsin Girls State Tournament twice and Sarah was named First Team All-State. Sarah's career at Lena High School is one that will be remembered for generations. After Sarah's very successful high school career, she continued her education and athletics at UW-Green Bay, where she joined the Women's Basketball Team. During her seasons at UW-Green Bay, Sarah excelled and was named to the Mid-Continent Conference Second Team in 1995. The UW- Green Bay record books reflect Sarah's hard work and commitment as she remains in the top 10 for Field Goals Attempted, Scoring Average, and Three-Point Field Goals Made. It is quite evident through these many records that Sarah's talent and dedication to the game never wavered. Since graduating from UW-Green Bay, Sarah has remained in Northeast Wisconsin and has been teaching in the Peshtigo School District for 18 years, where she is currently a second-grade teacher. I extend my sincere congratulations to Sarah as she receives this outstanding honor and for her years of dedication and commitment to our community. I once again congratulate Sarah Gard for being inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame and wish her, her husband Peter Gard and sons, Simon and Sam, nothing but the best for years to come.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Leona Yost, an incredible mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and Wisconsinite from Oconto. Leona Yost was born on July 28, 1923. She was the daughter of Herbert and Mary Whiting, and she grew up on their family farm. Leona graduated from Lena High School in the year 1941 and after her graduation, she worked at the egg factory in Oconto and later the Grant Store in Green Bay. In 1943, Leona married George Yost and they proceeded to work together on the George's family farm in Lena. Leona and George welcomed five beautiful children who went on to bless them with seven grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Leona is noted for having an amazing memory and a deep interest in coin collecting and coin history--she loves to share these passions with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Potentially of most importance, she is known throughout Oconto for her delicious potato salad. Leona has always been an active member of the community. She was an Oconto County 4-H leader for 37 years working for the Meadow Brook 4-H club. She also worked for several years for the town of Stiles as an election poll worker. Leona is a truly selfless woman who has worked hard her entire life to give back to others. She has lived an incredible life and has now reached a very rare milestone. I would like to ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Leona Yost happy 100th birthday.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Sigmund for his service and accomplishments as the executive director of NEW Water and president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. Mr. Sigmund has committed his career to improving water quality throughout Wisconsin, as well as promoting a national water policy to create a more equitable water future. On July 13, 2023, Mr. Sigmund completed his service as president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. I stand today to recognize Mr. Sigmund's impressive leadership at NACWA as well as his service to the clean water industry. Since 2007, Mr. Sigmund has led NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, as its executive director, facilitating the delivery of the utility's wholesale conveyance and treatment services to 238,000 people throughout 15 municipalities in Northeast Wisconsin. Under Mr. Sigmund's leadership, NEW Water has achieved 100 percent permit compliance and ushered in a new era for the utility in recognizing that material sent to the facilities is a valuable resource to be recovered and reused. He orchestrated the Resource Recovery and Electrical Energy, or R2E2, project, which recovers valuable resources from the wastewater stream to produce electricity and recovers heat for processes that run the facility. Mr. Sigmund aided in creating a circular reclaimed water system that was developed with a national paper mill, boosting economic development for the region, and providing a sustainable solution for the industry. Mr. Sigmund launched an adaptive management approach to achieve water quality improvements more cost effectively by working collaboratively across rural landscapes in the Green Bay watershed. These efforts target a reduction of sediment and excess nutrient run-off into impaired waterways, an improved ecosystem, and a pathway for continued success. Under his leadership, NEW Water entered a partnership with NASA to advance scientific knowledge of harmful algal blooms and their impact on public health. This initiative is housed under NEW Water's Aquatic Monitoring Program, which was established in 1986 and is one of the longest running water quality monitoring programs on the Great Lakes. Mr. Sigmund also supports his community by creating an educational STEAM Superheroes Camp with the local Boys & Girls Club to build critical skillsets, inspire water stewardship, and establish a talent pipeline for future employees. During the early stages of the pandemic, NEW Water joined the Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program to advance public health efforts to understand COVID-19 in the community. Mr. Sigmund received his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. A licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin and Ohio, he has served and continues to serve on board and leadership positions at various organizations. He chaired the Water Resources Utility of the Future Task Force, which developed the Water Resources Utility of the Future Blueprint for Action. He served as a member of the Utility Advisory Group, where he helped develop publications on Effective Utility Management related to water and wastewater utilities, as well as other sustainability efforts. A recipient of the NACWA President's Award, Mr. Sigmund is also a Water Environment Federation, or WEF, fellow. He has received the WEF William D. Hatfield Award and the WEF Schroepfer Innovative Facility Design Medal. These accolades and awards attest to Mr. Sigmund's dedication to the clean water industry. His strong character and visionary leadership have been instrumental in charting a course for improved water quality, particularly in Lake Michigan's Green Bay. I thank Mr. Sigmund for his commitment to Northeast Wisconsin, and I congratulate him on completing his service as NACWA president.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, my flight arriving in D.C. was delayed so I was unable to participate in rollcall Nos. 329 and 330. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 329 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 330.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for his work, in a bipartisan fashion, on the CITI Subcommittee. His bipartisan spirit is always a pleasure, and the innovative mindset that my friend has brought to our work together, I very much enjoyed. My staff prepared a beautiful speech. I will, instead, be blunt and, hopefully, be brief. The way I see it is that we are in the early stages of a strategic competition or a new cold war with the Chinese Communist Party, and we are not winning in part because we haven't grasped the fundamental insight that in order to prevent war, which is a goal we all share, one must move and one must wage peace with the same alacrity, urgency, and creativity that one wages war. Despite the horrors on display in Eastern Europe on the battlefields of Ukraine, we have not yet improved our deterrent posture in the Indo- Pacific west of the International Date Line such that we can persuade Xi Jinping that his attempt to take Taiwan by force will fail. That is where this bill comes in. This makes extraordinary improvements in terms of our deterrent posture, which is a testament to the collaboration between Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith. To the Members of this body who are skeptical and who feel as if they didn't get enough wins in the bill, I get it. We are in divided government. This bill would look different if there was unified government one way or the other. What we have here is a serious bipartisan compromise. It is not perfect, but it is a good bill. The Armed Services Committee is the last remaining functional body in Congress. It works because everyone is brought into the process. None of us gets 100 percent of what we want, but we all get a chance to influence the outcome. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation. I believe it promotes the cause of peace, and I believe it promotes the cause of defending American sovereignty.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Village of Harrison on the celebration of its 10-year anniversary. The residents of the Village of Harrison are celebrating 10 years since their incorporation as a Village. Harrison covers nearly 32 square miles throughout in Northeast Wisconsin, stretching into parts of both Calumet County and Outagamie County. The Village is home to around 14,000 great Wisconsinites, and it is truly a great place to call home. Harrison is located on the beautiful northeast shores of Lake Winnebago and is a combination of both rural and urban areas. The location was originally chartered as the Town of Lima in 1853 and later became the Town of Harrison in 1858. In 2013, a referendum passed to incorporate the entire area into a Village. Throughout the last ten years, the Village of Harrison has taken many actions to improve the community, especially when it comes to the improvement of local parks. The Village recently installed new volleyball and tennis courts and created new pickleball courts for community members and families to enjoy. The Village is constantly working to improve trails and update playground equipment--all these actions make the Village of Harrison a great place to live and raise a family. Each year since 2019, the Village of Harrison hosts the Fox Cities Festival of Lights located at Darboy Community Park. The festival is a free family event that works to create a holiday light display and each year it raises tens of thousands of dollars for area nonprofits. The Village celebrated their 10-year incorporation by holding a community event on July 19th that featured a parade, a brat fry, food trucks, sports & games, live music, fireworks, and more. The whole community has come together in celebration of this outstanding accomplishment. I would like to acknowledge this noteworthy milestone in the Village's history, and I wish the Village prosperity and success in its future.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable life of Angeline Allard. Angie was a great Wisconsinite, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community servant. Her life is a demonstration of what it truly means to care and what it means to passionately serve one's community. Angie was born in 1942 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. For four years, she lived in The Guardian Angel Home, an orphanage that became her home after the passing of her father. While there, she learned many life lessons and developed her caring spirit. Angie was known throughout the community as the ``Angel of Paul's Pantry.'' She volunteered for the first time with the Green Bay pantry in 1985, and one year later she became the first employee. She dedicated 38 years to the pantry and took incredible pride in the service that she provided to the community. She was the go-to person at the pantry and took on many different roles including overseeing all visitors, managing daily food distribution, and much more. She dedicated her life to the pantry and was constantly present. Angie was known for her no-nonsense leadership and tough as nails exterior that made her devotion and service to Paul's Pantry truly remarkable. She was a tough woman that possessed a heart of gold and a remarkable sense of generosity. In 2003 she received an Apostolic blessing by Pope John Paul II from the Vatican in recognition of her dedication to her community. She even made an appearance on The Glenn Beck radio show in 2013 to recognize her incredible efforts to Paul's Pantry. Aside from her service to the pantry, she gave back to the community in any way she could--she loved to give away fresh vegetables from her garden and would not take no for an answer. Her devotion to others was relentless and she especially loved to take care of children. Angie is survived by her children Marie and William, her siblings Beverly, Carolyn, Elaine, and Michael, her four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Angie will be remembered and missed by many throughout the community. Her service, dedication, and lifelong commitment to Paul's Pantry have created a legacy that will not be soon forgotten. My prayers and condolences go out to her family and to all the people she impacted.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise today to recognize Bethany Nursing Home in Waupaca for the celebration of their 125th anniversary. Bethany Nursing Home boasts a rich history of care and service dating back to the 1890s. The organization began under the name Bethania Bornerjem, Danish for ``Bethany Children's Home'', and specialized in providing a home to orphans. In 1954, the organization changed their mission and became a retirement home starting out with 18 residents. Since then, Bethany Nursing Home has seen impressive growth with the constant additions of staff, as well as consistent improvements and expansions. The home now features 100 skilled nursing home beds, 49 assisted living rooms, 40 assisted living apartments, 41 independent living units, and even a retreat house for family and friends. The nursing home offers a variety of care options including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. In 2013 the home opened the state of the art ``Springs Wellness Center'' that features many amenities including computerized strength training machines, an aerobic and dance studio, a walking trail along the beautiful Crystal River, and more. Bethany Nursing Home works hard to offer numerous services to their residents including cooking demonstrations, support groups, guest speakers, educational and fitness classes, and volunteer opportunities--the engagement and services provided are remarkable and truly provide a great all-around experience. Bethany Nursing Home provides unique care by bringing all the area churches together to work closely to provide expert care for all residents of different faiths and backgrounds. I want to thank all staff involved for providing such excellent service to the residents and I want to congratulate Bethany Nursing Home on reaching this impressive milestone. I wish them prosperity and continued success for many more years to come.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the Naval Research Laboratory's contributions to our Naval Services, the Nation, and the pursuit of scientific discovery and innovation. On July 2, 2023 the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) reached a momentous milestone--its 100th anniversary. Throughout its century of service to the Navy and our Nation, this renowned Laboratory has had a powerful impact on U.S. naval power and national defense. With scientific and engineering expertise, informed by its understanding of naval and national needs, NRL works in league with industry, academia, and other government organizations as it helps build sea power through mission-related research and development. In this, NRL has been enormously successful and has contributed substantially to the development of game-changing military technologies that secured the United States global technological and military leadership throughout key moments in history. NRL was pivotal in the invention of the first U.S. radar, deployed in time for the Pacific naval battles of World War II. NRL led the way with the launch of the world's first intelligence satellite, GRAB-I, a technology that helped keep the Cold War cold. And finally, NRL developed the original concept, prototypes, and first operational satellite of the Global Positioning System, which transformed America's military, economy, society, and the world itself. NRL's more recent achievements include its scientific role in developing the historic first operational ship-defense laser weapon, a technology that will be vital to defeating hypersonic missiles and asymmetric threats. Another is an instantaneous emergency assessment system for airborne contaminants and weapons of mass destruction that has supported security for Super Bowls, State of the Union events, and the last four presidential inaugurations. To protect U.S. intelligence communications, NRL invented Tor (The onion router) as a way to ``peel off'' and separate identification from routing for internet connections. Tor's many users include the military, journalists, whistle-blowers, victims of domestic abuse, and dissidents suffering within authoritarian regimes. These accomplishments are only representative of thousands of technologies and innovations, many of them still classified, that this remarkable Laboratory has produced since opening its gates 100 years ago. Together, they demonstrate the broad and powerful influence NRL has on our Navy and Republic through the work of dedicated Government scientists, engineers, and support personnel who serve the national interest. The U.S. Congress congratulates NRL on its centennial anniversary and wishes the Laboratory continued success in its mission to strengthen American naval power and develop vital technologies and capabilities for defending the United States, and democracy around the world.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, my flight arriving in D.C. was delayed so I was unable to participate in roll call number 273. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 273.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a truly remarkable man, Mr. Armin Barth. A proud Wisconsinite, husband, father, grandfather, and veteran who has dedicated his life to service. In the spring of 1944, World War II was raging in both the European and Pacific theaters, as the United States military and allied forces beat back the advance of the Axis powers. Against the backdrop of global conflict, a young man by the name of Armin Barth, from Appleton, Wisconsin, raised his right hand to serve his country. On June 24, 1944, at just 16 years of age, Armin chose to postpone his high school education and serve as a Merchant Mariner. This was not a decision that young Armin would have made lightly--the United States Merchant Marine suffered a higher proportion of casualties during the war than any other branch of the United States military. German and Japanese naval forces understood that the maritime logistics enterprise was the lifeblood of the allied war effort; therefore, the U.S. merchant fleet became a favorite target of Nazi submarines in the Atlantic and Japanese kamikaze planes in the Pacific. Putting the potential dangers out of his mind, young Armin knew that he had a vital job to do. Merchant ships sailing under U.S. and allied flags transported military personnel, hardware, ammunition, food, petroleum, and medical supplies in support of troops in contact all over the globe, providing a critical link between the American wartime industrial base and the front lines. From June 24 to August 15, 1944, Armin Barth served as a messman aboard the SS Canada Victory, a supply vessel which had been constructed as part of the World War II Emergency Shipbuilding Program. Following this assignment, he once again took to sea as a utilityman aboard the troopship Alcoa Patriot from September 9 to December 14, 1944. Young Americans who answer the call to serve in the Armed Forces, especially during wartime, are deserving of the praise and admiration of a grateful nation. As a testament to his character and courage, Armin Barth answered this call not once, but twice, before his 18th birthday. On June 9, 1945, Barth enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Private First Class and served honorably as a Motor Transport Operator and Dispatcher until his discharge from the United States Marine Corps Reserve on April 14, 1950. Upon his discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Armin and the love of his life, Lois, built their home in Appleton and proudly raised five children: Jean, Joan, Gary, Keith, and Kevin. Following Armin's service in the military, he applied the leadership skills he gained to his civilian career as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways operating out of Menasha, WI, which he did for 55 years. Furthermore, Armin has continued to support and serve his local community by transporting fellow veterans from the Appleton VA Clinic to the VA in Milwaukee for appointments. Armin has many accomplishments throughout his career to be proud of, but one of the most important has been his family. Armin shared many valuable life lessons with his children as they grew up and placed a special emphasis on education, as he was never able to graduate high school. The lessons Armin instilled in his children resulted in several college degrees or other advanced certifications. Today, I extend my sincere congratulations to Armin for receiving his high school diploma from Appleton West High School. Mr. Speaker, I once again thank Armin Barth for his unwavering service and dedication to the United States. Our nation is safer, and Northeast Wisconsin is better, because of his service. I urge members of this body to join me in honoring Mr. Armin Barth for his selfless commitment and service. Mr. Armin Barth is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of retiring Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) President, Dr. Jeffrey Rafn. An exemplary member of the Northeast Wisconsin community who has had an incredible impact on higher education. Dr. Rafn has held many roles during his 42-year career in education and is now retiring from his 26-year role as the president of NWTC. After earning his Ph.D. in sociology from Boston University, Dr. Rafn served as an educator and administrator throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Dr. Rafn set an incredible bar as an educator and administrator, eventually becoming the State Commissioner of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System before moving to Northeast Wisconsin in 1997 to begin his career at NWTC. Dr. Rafn's time at NWTC has resulted in many major accomplishments from passing a $46.6 million building referendum in 2001 to a $66.5 million building referendum in 2015. During his career, NWTC also became the first college in Wisconsin to utilize e-textbooks and saw significant expansion by creating campus locations beyond just the original Green Bay campus--in Sturgeon Bay and Vlarinette. Dr. Rafn is an innovative leader who spearheaded meaningful advancements that drastically improved the NWTC learning experience for all students During his 26 years at NWTC, Dr. Rafn was an inspirational leader who garnered an impressive list of accomplishments and led the institution to new heights. Under Dr. Rafn's leadership, NWTC was recognized by Community College Weekly in 2003 as the fastest growing large community college in the nation and more recently, in 2021 was recognized as a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream. Dr. Rafn won the Wisconsin Technical College System Eagle Management Award in 2019 and won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Vistage in the same year. Dr. Rafn's accomplishments throughout his career did not go unnoticed and his lengthy list of awards is demonstrative of that fact. I commend Dr. Rafn for his dedication and commitment to NWTC and to Northeast Wisconsin. Outside of his responsibilities as president of NWTC, Dr. Rafn has been an active member of the community and has been committed to advancing education in all ways possible. He currently serves or has served on several commissions and boards such as: the Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis Council at UW Madison, the Brown County United Way Board of Directors, the Advisory Board of Community College Research Council at Teachers College at Columbia University, the Executive Committee on Advance Business Development, and many more. Dr. Rafn has truly applied his leadership skills and utilized his profound experience to better his community and higher education. Dr. Rafn served close to 1 million students and created a legacy that will be admired by educators for years to come. Dr. Rafn's presence as President of NWTC will be missed and his distinguished career deserves the highest degree of recognition. I wish him and his family all the best in retirement.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career of Mike Grimm and to celebrate his retirement from The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Grimm has dedicated his life to conservation and ecological studies throughout Northeast Wisconsin, and he has been instrumental with my ``Save the Bay'' initiative since its inception. Mr. Grimm began his career in the field of ecology and conservation with his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and later a Master of Science in Natural Resource Planning. He joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 1991, and later moved to Door County in 1994 to create the ``Door Peninsula Project.'' Since then, he has served as a conservation ecologist throughout the region and has taken part in planning, researching, and restoring different land management projects on behalf of TNC. Mr. Grimm has been a leader when it comes to TNC's philanthropic missions and has played a pivotal role with land acquisition projects throughout the region as well. He has extensive knowledge of the diverse ecological and biological landscapes of northeast Wisconsin, and he has conducted a significant number of ecological assessments throughout the region. His research and conservancy efforts have been profound, and he has worked hard to preserve and protect our unique northeastern Wisconsin landscapes and wildlife. Furthermore, Mr. Grimm has been a key component of the Save the Bay initiative since its inception in November of 2015. He led the first Lower Fox Watershed Workgroup meeting for the program in 2016 and has facilitated meetings throughout the region for the past eight years. Mr. Grimm has invested many hours towards this collaborative program and has significantly contributed to its success. He has been instrumental with the formulation of goals and priorities for the initiative, and has played a substantial role with planning, preparation and idea generation. Mr. Grimm's work throughout Northeast Wisconsin has been nothing short of incredible. His presence at The Nature Conservancy will be missed, as well as his thoughtful leadership at Save the Bay meetings, but the work he has done and projects he started will continue forward and will preserve his legacy. Mr. Grimm's impact on the community will not soon be forgotten and I would like to urge everyone to join me in thanking Mr. Grimm for his great career and his many years of service to Northeast Wisconsin.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize one of my Legislative Assistants, Grace Paul, for her service to Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District. Following her graduation from UW-Madison with a degree in International and Global Studies in 2020, Grace began her career in my Washington, D.C. office. She has served in more positions than anyone else on my staff. She has been a Staff Assistant, Press Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, and Legislative Assistant. Through her long tenure, Grace has become an expert on Northeast Wisconsin. She has visited every county in my district, captured photos of Luxemburg farm fields, Big Smokey Falls, and Door County Forgeworks, and most importantly, despite her Chicago ties, Grace has cheered on the Packers at Lambeau Field. Through her many roles, she exemplified the true meaning of hard work while overseeing interns, corresponding with constituents, supporting my communications team, and drafting legislation. As a Press Assistant, she was integral in producing my podcast, the NEW Look, and helped grow my audience far beyond the tens of listeners we had when the podcast first started. And she helped create the NEWsflash, our monthly newsletter that's become a staple of my constituent correspondence. As a Legislative Assistant, Grace handled my committee work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as Postal, Trade, Immigration, Small Business, and Law Enforcement issues. In this role, Grace built relationships with hundreds of constituents across the district and served them all incredibly well. Using her experience, Grace has helped move along legislation that will make a lasting impact on Northeast Wisconsin. For example, just this week the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act moved through committee markup for the first time with her help. Grace has been a valuable member of my team and an asset to Northeast Wisconsin. I wish Grace the best of luck as she pursues her law degree. I am sure she will continue to excel in her future endeavors, and I thank her for her years of hard work and dedication.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Emergency Rescue Squad on its 75th Anniversary. As the Rescue Squad celebrates this milestone, we look back on the outstanding history that has shaped the organization. On April 5, 1947, the Ansul Rescue Squad was established after founding member Joe Banich conducted a survey at the Ansul Company about employees who understood first aid procedures. Following the survey, Mr. Banich was given permission to facilitate a sign-up for individuals interested in first aid training. Eight men signed up to take an extensive 21-week first aid training course and the first rescue squad was formed. The group of men, referred to as the ''Great Eight,'' began a legacy of service that would live on for generations. Throughout the years, the Great Eight expanded their knowledge and skill while providing services to the sick and injured. The men continued to play a critical role in the community and therefore, were provided with a Rescue Squad vehicle and first aid equipment. By 1949, the group had grown to eighteen members who answered more than 1,300 calls from community members in need. Then in 1959, the Ansul Rescue Squad was turned over to the Marinette and Menominee community management and became the Emergency Rescue Squad as it is still referred to today. Today, the Rescue Squad receives up to 20 calls in a 24-hour period demonstrating the clear need and service they provide to northern Wisconsin. I commend the numerous members of the Rescue Squad, past and present, for their years of selfless service and dedication to the community over the years. Over the last 75 years, the Emergency Rescue Squad has played a critical role in the success and safety of communities throughout Marinette County, including the cities of Marinette, Peshtigo, Menominee, and the towns of Peshtigo, Porterfield and Grover. I extend my sincere appreciation to past and present members of the Emergency Rescue Squad for their years of exceptional service to Northeast Wisconsin. It is my honor to commemorate this historic milestone for the Emergency Rescue Squad. I invite all members of this body to join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Emergency Rescue Squad. The Rescue Squad is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin and is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Bob Miller as the 2023 Recipient of the Luxemburg Casco Distinguished Alumni Award. Born and raised on his family's farm in the Village of Luxemburg, WI, Bob grew up knowing the true meaning of hard work and developed an interest in agriculture at a young age. While attending Luxemburg High School, Bob was involved in many extracurricular activities such as football, basketball, National Honor Society and served as the President on the Student Council. Following his graduation from Luxemburg High School, Bob traveled to De Pere to attend St. Norbert College. In 1969, Bob celebrated two outstanding milestones, graduating from college, and marrying the love of his life, Linda. Bob and Linda have two sons, Steve and Jeffrey and four grandchildren: Caleb, Rylee, Evelyn, and Isaac. Following their marriage and throughout the years, Bob and Linda took over their family farm operation. For more than half a century, Bob and his family continued to run their family farm and became leaders in the northeastern Wisconsin agricultural community. In addition to his family, Bob has also led a life of faith. Bob was ordained as a deacon by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay in 2005 and served at the St. Mary Luxemburg Parish for years following. It is quite evident that through these many examples, Bob has committed himself to making the world around him a better place. Bob is a true asset to our community and to Northeast Wisconsin. Luxemburg Casco and all of Northeast Wisconsin is proud that Bob calls our community home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Bob Miller for receiving the 2023 Luxemburg Casco Distinguished Alumni Award. Bob's dedication and commitment to the Luxemburg Casco community and Northeast Wisconsin is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Neville Public Museum of Brown County for once again receiving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the Nation's museums. Starting from humble beginnings in 1915, nine members of the Green Bay Art Club came together and held a one-week exhibit in the basement of the local library to showcase objects from the Greater Green Bay Area. Following increased interest, the library soon ran out of space and in 1923, Mr. and Mrs. George Mason of New York City donated $60,000 to build a permanent museum. In return for their donation, the Mason family asked that the museum be named after Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Neville in honor of their dedication to the Green Bay community. On 1927, the Neville Public Museum opened to the public. Throughout the years, the Neville Museum has continued to showcase the happenings of the world to the people of Northeast Wisconsin. As their mission states, the Neville Public Museum has continued to bridge the multi-generational communities through exceptional exhibits and innovative programming. In recognition of the continued work and dedication, the Museum received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Receiving this award represents the difference the museum has made in education, the local economy, and on the diverse cultures and heritage within our communities by displaying history science, and art. The Neville Public Museum is now one of the twenty-one museums in the State of Wisconsin with accreditation. The Neville Public Museum joins just over 1,100 currently accredited museums. Accreditation is a rigorous process that consists of a year self-study, an independent body of museum professionals, and a visitor committee report. Museums seeking accreditation must undergo this process every 10 years and this is an incredible feat for the Neville Museum. Of the over 33,000 museums nationwide, the Neville Museum once again joins an elite group of museums in the country. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Neville Public Museum of Brown County for receiving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the museum's Executive Director, Beth Kowalski-Lemke and to the entire Neville Museum staff on this outstanding honor.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Corrections Officer Kevin Nikolai. Officer Kevin Nikolai was born in Wausau to Joanne Carol (Baars) and Terrence Nikolai on January 26, 1982. He was raised in Kronenwetter, WI with his two older siblings, Kim and Scott. After graduating from Mosinee High School in 2000, Officer Nikolai attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After graduation he began his employment with the Outagamie County Jail serving as a Collections Officer. Serving with the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office, Officer Nikolai dedicated his life to serving the people of Outagamie County and Northeast Wisconsin and I thank him for his years of unwavering service. Throughout Officer Nikolai's career with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, he was known by his fellow officers as the one who was always willing to lend a helping hand and for his ability to communicate with those around him. Serving as an instructor, Officer Nikolai positively impacted his coworkers and endeavored to leave a positive impact on the world. Officer Nikolai's legacy will live on and be remembered by everyone who knew him. Mr. Speaker, today the people of Northeast Wisconsin thank Officer Kevin Nikolai for his extraordinary service and devotion to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, including his son Logan, and to all of the people who were touched by his life.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Brillion Boys Basketball Team for winning the WIAA Division III State Boys Basketball Championship. Following an impressive and hard-fought season, the Brillion Boys Basketball Team traveled to the Kohl Center in Madison to compete in the 2023 WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. After a hard fought 57- 55 semi-final victory against Lakeside Lutheran, the team advanced to the championship game where they defeated a strong West Salem team with a final score of 61-55. I applaud the entire team and coaching staff for their hard work and determination during the tournament and ultimately bringing the gold ball back to Brillion. Congratulations to Coach Shimek on a remarkable season and for securing the state title. A special congratulations to the seniors on the team, Parker Braun, Caeden Holly, Bennett Olson, Derek Fischer, and Jeremy Lorenz. I wish them all the best in the next steps in their careers and congratulations on a remarkable season. A state title is an impressive achievement and one that requires a season filled with hard work and commitment. By finishing the season with a record of 29-1, it is quite evident that every member of the team worked tirelessly to achieve this success. This is a team that will be remembered by the Brillion community for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Chad Shimek and the entire Brillion Boys Basketball team for their outstanding accomplishment. It is my honor to recognize the Brillion Boys Basketball team and I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding their remarkable season.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Lena American Legion Post 342 on its 100th Anniversary. Post 342 was founded on February 1, 1922, when the founding members came together to sign the Legion constitution forming the Lena American Legion Post. For 100 years, the Lena American Legion Post 342 has upheld the vision of legions across the country to the highest degree. Post 342 proudly carries the names of Lena natives and World War One veterans, Corporal Everett Doney and Private Desire DeGrave. Corporal Doney was born on October 3, 1893. He enlisted in the armed forces in 1917, serving with the Company M, 127th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Division of the U.S. Army in France. Corporal Doney was killed in action on August 4, 1918. He is laid to rest in the soldier's section of Evergreen cemetery in Oconto, Wisconsin. Private DeGrave was born on April 8, 1896. He enlisted in the armed forces in 1917 and served with the 150th Machine Gun Battalion of the 42nd Division, American Expeditionary Force in France. Private DeGrave was killed in action on July 27, 1918. He is laid to rest at St. Charles Catholic cemetery in Lena. The legion carries on the memory, service, and sacrifice of Corporal Doney and Private DeGrave through their vision of strengthening America by improving the lives of veterans, the military, and their families. Post 342 has continued to grow from their beginnings 100 years ago. Post 342 now has over 42 members located across the United States, who work together to teach future generations about the importance of service. The members of Post 342 are a true inspiration and example for all Americans. The continued service and dedication that the members of Post 342 have shown to not only the Lena community, but to the United States of America is deserving of the highest degree of recognition. As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Post 342, we must recognize the outstanding service that they continue to provide to Lena and the entire Oconto County community. Post 342 takes great pride in supporting the local Lena High School and other organizations via numerous community events. Post 342 continues to be a voice for the men and women who have served our country. At Post 342 every day they put country before self, just as they did the day they joined the service. American Legion Post 342 Doney-DeGrave is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the Lena American Legion Post 342 Doney-DeGrave as they come together to celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the De Pere Boys Basketball Team for winning the WIAA Division 1 State Boys Basketball Championship. After an impressive undefeated season, the De Pere Boys Basketball Team traveled to the Kohl Center in Madison to compete in the 2022 WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. After quickly securing a 55-44 win in the semifinals over Kettle Moraine, the team advanced to the finals where they faced No. 2 ranked Arrowhead in the State Championship. The boys' strong defense led them to an impressive 69-49 win over Arrowhead in the State Finals, bringing a state championship back to De Pere. Congratulations to Coach Winchester on a perfect season and the coveted state title. A special congratulations to the senior boys on the team, Johnny Kinzinger, Hogan Demovsky, Gabe Herman, Caleb Dietsche, Trey Plos, Ethan Ramos and Zack Kane. l wish them all the best in the next steps of their careers. A state title is an outstanding achievement and the pinnacle of high school sports. Achieving this goal is a testament to the tireless efforts and commitment displayed by every member of the team throughout the season. By finishing with an undefeated season, the Redbirds also set a record with the first-ever 30-0 season in WIAA history. This is a season that will be remembered by the De Pere community for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Brian Winchester and the entire De Pere Boys Basketball team for this remarkable accomplishment. It is my honor to recognize the De Pere Boys Basketball Team and I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding their outstanding season.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Notre Dame Academy Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2023 WIAA Division 2 State Championship. Achieving the title of State Champion is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work that the coaches and players display every day throughout the season. After beating No. 3 ranked McFarland in the semi-finals the Tritons advanced to the finals where they faced No. 1 ranked Pewaukee who handed them their only defeat of the season. The Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team dominated with their strong offense capturing the state title over Pewaukee in the Championship game with a 64-49 win at the Resch Center. I applaud Coach Sara Rhode and the entire Lady Triton team for their outstanding performance during the 2023 Girls basketball season. Winning one golden ball much less three in a row is a feat that you and the entire Notre Dame community should be incredibly proud of. Following years of hard work, the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team has left a remarkable legacy that will be remembered by the Green Bay community for years to come. The team won their third consecutive Division 2 state title while also setting a WIAA record for the most points scored in the State Tournament. It is quite evident that the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team has become a powerhouse in Division 2 throughout the years securing titles in 2000, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the entire Lady Triton coaching staff and team for their outstanding display at the 2023 Division 2 State Girls Basketball Tournament. It is my honor to recognize these young women and I wish them nothing but the best for seasons to come.

Mr. GALLAGHER

Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud Mater Dei graduate, a proud Mater Dei Monarch, and I rise to honor a Rollinson, but probably not the one you are thinking of. Laurie Rollinson was my AP U.S. history teacher and imbued in me a love of United States history, a fascination with our country's history and values. The more I think about it and look back on it, it set me on a path to not only further exploring those issues in college and graduate school but to serving my country in the United States Marine Corps and, ultimately, serving my country in the United States Congress. Among Coach Rollinson's many accolades, perhaps none is higher than he out-kicked his coverage in terms of the woman he married, and she had a profound impact on my life. Thank you to Laurie Rollinson, though we are here today to recognize Coach Bruce Rollinson. The other reason--I just want to mention the true power in the Rollinson house because--and this is a bit of a shameful confession--I was a nerd in high school. I spent more time studying for Mrs. Rollinson's class than I did pursuing athletic excellence. I was not a member of the Mater Dei football team. I went to many a game and cheered on from afar. In fact, I actually played flag football with the other Heisman trophy winner that Coach Rollinson coached, Matt Leinart, in junior high. I was so bad, I dropped every pass that Matt Leinart threw to me. I was intimidated to play--too intimidated to play for Rollo. Even if you weren't on the team, any student at Mater Dei was profoundly impacted by Coach Rollinson. There was nothing better at Mater Dei than a pep rally before a big game in which Coach Rollinson would come out there with his raspy voice and fire up the entire student body. I have been to 8th & I ceremonies in the Marine Corps. I have been to all sorts of fancy State visits. There is nothing with more energy and more excitement than a Mater Dei pep rally where Coach Rollinson is talking to the student body. The thing that Coach Rollinson did was not talk about the Xs and Os of football, that would have gone way over my head. I would have immediately stuffed myself back into a locker if that was the topic of conversation. He connected the playing of football to the pursuit of excellence and what we were all there to do, which was to honor God. Part of the Mater Dei mission--I have always felt since I started to learn a bit more about the combination of athletic excellence, academic excellence and leadership, I found that there are a lot of similarities between Mater Dei's core values and the core values of the United States Marine Corps. We say: Honor, courage, commitment in the United States Marine Corps. They say: Honor, glory, and love at Mater Dei. I found myself thinking a lot about those core values. Honor: What does it mean to pursue honor on a football field? I would argue that there is honor in simply doing your job well, regardless of what position you play. As Coach Rollinson famously said: ``You create the effort, God controls the outcome.'' There is honor in putting in the effort on the field in order to do your absolute best. That culture of honor and excellence permeated Mater Dei, and it was a direct result of Coach Rollinson's leadership. We honor God simply by doing our job well: whether you are a coach, whether you are a player, whether you are a United States Congressman, whether you are a President, whether you are anybody pursuing honorable work. In the Marine Corps we talk about this as ``ductus exemplo,'' ``lead by example.'' Do your job well and you can inspire others. Glory: Glory is obvious on a football field. I have colleagues who are national champions. Coach is a four-time national champion. You have had your share of glory on the football field. You have also probably had your share of setbacks and heartbreak, but ultimately you are not there to glorify yourself, you are not there to glorify even the program, per se. It is all about glorifying God, glorifying that pursuit of excellence, and glorifying the community that you are an integral part of building at Mater Dei High School. Glory on the football field translated to a sense that we are all part of something greater than ourselves at Mater Dei. It was as palpable as a student. That is a direct result of your leadership, Coach Rollinson. Finally, love: I don't want to get all, you know--we don't do a lot of trust falls and hugging here in the House Republican Caucus. I think the reason that football is so compelling, even more so than any of the other sports, is this sense of sacrifice and genuine love for your teammates, more so than any other sport. I think it is a pure team sport. That willingness to sacrifice for your teammates is the ultimate expression of love and leadership, I would argue. Coach Rollinson, your ability to instill those values--those core values of honor, glory, and love--into everything that you did in leading the Mater Dei football team had a profound impact not only on the lives of the players that played their hearts out for you, but on the lives of every single student that walked through the doors of Mater Dei High School. I still think about it to this day. Though, I regret not being able to call myself a former player of yours, I feel that I owe you a significant debt of gratitude for setting that example of leadership that I got to witness at a very early age. We can list all your titles, we can list your wins, we can list your national championships, we can list all the great players that you coached, but it is impossible to quantify the impact that you have had on tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of lives because of what you meant to Mater Dei High School. Thank you, Coach Rollinson, not only for everything you accomplished on the field, but for everything that you accomplished off the field. I stand in awe of it. I am reminded of the quote--let me paraphrase it a little bit: Some men have to spend their whole lives wondering if they made a difference. You do not have to wonder about that, Coach Rollinson. You have made a profound difference on the lives of thousands of young men and women who attended Mater Dei High School. Thank you for your leadership. It is an honor to be here today. You have even inspired colleagues from other parts of the country to come here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to honor your accomplishments.