Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. John Byrd as the President of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. This month, President Byrd announced that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the upcoming 2012 2013 academic year as Simpson's 22nd president. Dr. Byrd has been involved with higher education in numerous ways for more than 30 years and has been Simpson's president since 2005. Over his long career, Dr. Byrd has acquired valuable experience in academic services, planning and strategic services, institutional research, student affairs, financial aid and enrollment management. Dr. Byrd originally received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, before earning is Ph.D. in health education from Southern Illinois University. It goes without saying that President Byrd will certainly be missed on the Simpson campus. It was through Dr. Byrd's leadership that Simpson initiated a new strategic planning process to accompany new faculty initiatives. President Byrd's legacy will be felt for years to come through his work to increase diversity on campus as well as overseeing the college's plans for building renovation and construction. Dr. Byrd will leave Simpson next year with a completed Kent Campus Center, expanded Blank Performing Arts Center, updated Pfeiffer Dining Hall, as well as a new activities quad well under way. Outside of Simpson, Dr. Byrd is known for his extensive involvement in the community, most notably the Indianola Rotary Club. Dr. Byrd also serves his community in his capacity as a member of the Village Advisory Council, Greater Des Moines Committee, as Secretary of the Board for the Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors, and as Chair of the Executive Committee for Iowa Campus Compact. I want to thank President Byrd for his many years of service to the students and employees of Simpson College. It is an honor to represent all the great people of Indianola in the United States Congress, and I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in wishing Dr. Byrd, and his wife Nancy, happiness and good health as they enter this new chapter of their lives together.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tanner Knowlton of New Hampton for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. The work ethic Tanner has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Tanner and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joel Uhlmeyer of Ames for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Joel chose to make various improvements at the Ames Izaak Walton League. He felt this unique project was an important way to give back to the Ikes for supporting Scouting and outdoor activities. The work ethic Joel has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Joel and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tyler Conlon of Sheffield for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Tyler is the first Eagle Scout honored by Troop 24 of Sheffield, Iowa since 1948. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. The work ethic Tyler has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Tyler and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brady Brinkmeyer of Ames for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Brady's project involved an extensive landscaping renovation of the chapel entrance at Riverside Bible Camp near Story City where he has spent several past summers himself. The work ethic Brady has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brady and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dean VanEvery of Ames for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the last century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Dean's project was to renovate a nature trail at Brookside Park in Ames, which required serious rehabilitation after flooding had left the trail covered with large amounts of debris. The work ethic Dean has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Dean and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of R. Lucia Riddle as the Vice President of Federal Government Relations for the Principal Financial Group. Ms. Riddle joined Principal in 1974 as a management trainee in the health division and quickly began rising through the company. By 1997, Lucia had obtained her M.B.A. from Drake University and had officially assumed her role as Principal's Vice President of Federal Government Relations in Washington D.C. Principal Financial Group is a well-respected, worldwide company that has called Des Moines its home since 1889. More than 8,000 Iowans are employed by Principal Financial Group and thousands more do business with this great company renowned for its honest and professional reputation. As Vice President of Federal Government Relations, Lucia expertly assumed the responsibility of directing legislative and advocacy efforts with a focus on the company's life and health, privacy, tax and financial services issues. Every day, Ms. Riddle played the important role of representing thousands of Iowans, and the company itself, as a valuable and effective spokesperson to members of Congress. In addition to her role at Principal, Lucia is a member of several insurance and financial service industry related technical and policy committees for numerous organizations, as well as serving on multiple boards across the country, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art to the Des Moines Art Center. Recently in 2011, Ms. Riddle received the President's Award from the Washington Government Relations Group and this year has been named as one of Savoy Professional Magazine's ``Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America'' for the second time since 2008. Over her 38 year career with Principal, Ms. Riddle has embodied the ideals of leadership and dedication by assuming several roles above and beyond the call of duty. Lucia is a testament to the high quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans. I invite the members of the House to join me in wishing Lucia a long, happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nick Keller of Ames for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Nick's project was to build a covered shelter along Ada Hayden Lake's highly traveled pedestrian trail on the outskirts of Ames. The work ethic Nick has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Nick and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Robert Graveline of Ames for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Robert's project transformed an unused grassy area into a prayer garden for the St. Cecilia Church in Ames. The garden required a great deal of landscaping mastery and includes a walking path among the various plantings. The work ethic Robert has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Robert and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and acknowledge the volunteers of Clarion, Iowa, for their hard work and becoming 2012 National Honorees of Make a Difference Day. This year, more than a thousand citizens of Clarion participated in Make a Difference Day activities, earning them the prestigious honor as one of the nation's 2012 Make a Difference Day winners. Make a Difference Day is a celebration of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA Weekend, this annual day of service mobilizes more than 3 million volunteers nationwide to create positive change in their communities. This group of outstanding volunteers from this three-stoplight town of 2,800 has made a substantial impact in their community by completing hundreds of small acts of kindness that culminated in their well- deserved national recognition. From crocheting robes for seniors to cleaning ditches, from raking leaves to running errands for neighbors in need, this small town came together a thousand strong to make an unforgettable impact on Make a Difference Day. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Clarion and its citizens in the United States Congress and I trust my colleagues in the House will rise to join me in congratulating them on a job well done. Clarion has shown the nation once again that small towns can surely do big things.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Patrick Palmersheim for being awarded the Medal of Honor from the Iowa State Daughters of the American Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and incorporated by Congress in 1896 as a national volunteer organization committed to encouraging patriotism and promoting American ideals though better education for our nation's children. Nationwide, DAR boasts more than 170,000 members from 3,000 chapters across all 50 states in addition to various international chapters as well. The most prestigious honor awarded by Daughters of the American Revolution is the DAR Medal of Honor. To receive this prestigious award, one must be a native born American who has shown an extraordinary commitment to the qualities of service, leadership, trustworthiness and, of course, patriotism. DAR Medal of Honor recipients are recognized for making lasting contributions to our American heritage through selfless service to their country, state, community and fellow man. Accordingly, Mr. Palmersheim has been serving Iowans his entire career. Patrick served nine years in our nation's Air Force before civically serving in his rural Iowa community through his roles on the city council, as a volunteer firefighter, and as mayor. In 2002, he was appointed Executive Director of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs by then Governor Tom Vilsack. Patrick's leadership in his new role directly led to Iowa becoming the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation that allowed nursing homes the opportunity to report their residents for potential eligibility for federal benefits from the Veterans Administration. Mr. Palmersheim was also instrumental in establishing the long-desired Iowa Veterans Cemetery, which has provided a final resting place for 80,000 veterans since its groundbreaking in November of 2006. Mr. Speaker, what Mr. Palmersheim has done for the state of Iowa and our veterans cannot be understated. He is truly the benchmark for which this prestigious award is bestowed. It is an honor to represent Patrick and all of Iowa's veterans in the United States Congress and I trust my colleagues in the House will rise to join me in congratulating Patrick for all he has done.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mark Farlinger of Cresco for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Mark's project was to construct a kiosk and a welcome sign to assist the visitors of Vernon Springs Park in Howard County. The work ethic Mark has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Mark and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Hy-Vee Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ric Jurgens, and to express my appreciation for his years of service to his company and to the people of Iowa. For Ric, successfully assuming the head responsibilities of one of the Midwest's largest grocery companies was no accident. He has been a dedicated employee of Hy-Vee for 42 years. His career with Hy-Vee began as a part-time employee, stocking shelves in Ames, while pursuing his degree at Iowa State University. Upon graduation, Mr. Jurgens was offered his first full-time position in the company and has been climbing the ranks ever since. Most notably, in 2001, Mr. Jurgens became Hy-Vee's third president in company history; two years later Ric would be elected as Hy-Vee's CEO and by 2006 he had been elected as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Jurgens' successful tenure is one that will never be forgotten by the Hy-Vee family. Under Ric, Hy-Vee enjoyed record sales to the tune of a staggering 7.3 billion dollars for 2011 from 235 stores across eight states. Ric has overseen Hy-Vee's transformation from a respectable grocery store chain to an industry-leading powerhouse that still prides itself on staying true to its foundation--the employees. Above all, the employee owned Hy-Vee will always be about rewarding hard work, even providing the unique opportunity for a part-time employee to someday hold the company's highest office. Mr. Speaker, throughout his entire professional career, Ric has never wavered in his commitment to providing excellent service and quality products to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. While Hy-Vee will surely miss Mr. Jurgen's expertise, he leaves his company, which is stronger than ever, in good hands. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Mr. Jurgens on a job well done, and I wish Ric and his wife Carol a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Paul Schlenker of Indianola for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well- maintained over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Paul's service project included researching, designing and installing historical signs at each end of the Summerset Bike Trail in Warren County, which stretches from Carlisle to Indianola. Paul's signs recount the history of the railroad that formerly occupied the trail. The work ethic Paul has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Paul and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of one of the preeminent voices of Iowa journalism. Mike Glover, whose byline has accompanied countless Associated Press reports from the Iowa Capitol for three decades, announced this week that he's retiring in May. Mr. Glover's work has appeared on the front pages of newspapers across Iowa and throughout the country, offering concise and timely news and analysis on some of the biggest political stories of our time. He's covered nearly every major presidential contender to pass through Iowa before the state's first-in the-nation caucuses. And while the Iowa General Assembly is in session, his presence in the halls of the Statehouse in Des Moines seems nearly ubiquitous as he tracks down the news of the day. Mr. Glover began his career working for newspapers in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Bloomington, Illinois, before he started at the Associated Press, where he would spend the next 32 years. He currently lives in Windsor Heights with his wife, Betty, who serves on the Windsor Heights City Council. Throughout Iowa's political and journalistic circles, he's earned a reputation for doggedly pursuing the truth and reporting the facts in a no-nonsense fashion. To my great pleasure--and occasionally to my consternation--Mr. Glover has put me in the crosshairs of his tough-but-fair questioning on numerous occasions during my appearances on Iowa Press, a weekly news and current events program on Iowa Public Television. I know Mr. Glover to be a consummate professional and a true newsman in every sense of the word. Mr. Speaker, in an increasingly chaotic and fractured media environment, Mr. Glover's career is a shining example of the importance of objective and factual reporting, something I know every member of this chamber respects and appreciates. Please join me in congratulating Mike Glover on his illustrious career and wishing him a happy retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, as we search for solutions to ensure that the Medicare system remains solvent for seniors and future beneficiaries, I believe it is vitally important to support cost- effective benefits that allow seniors to remain healthy and independent. Many of the treatments that were once offered exclusively in a hospital or physician setting can now be safely, effectively, affordably and efficiently provided in patients' homes by skilled clinicians. Home health care offers an intermediate level of care for patients who have difficulty accessing outpatient care or who need intensive assistance with an acute or chronic health problem. Home health services are cost effective because they prevent costly hospitalizations, and serve as an alternative to expensive skilled nursing facilities. According to an October 2010 report in the Des Moines Register, seniors utilizing skilled home care cost taxpayers an average of $607 per month, compared to an average of $3,687 for seniors in nursing homes. Not only is home care less expensive, but studies also show that the vast majority of seniors prefer to live independently and remain in their home if possible. A case study through the Veterans' Administration (VA) highlights the benefits of home healthcare. The VA has provided comprehensive primary care services to veterans in their homes since 1972 in an effort to keep patients in their homes and reduce inpatient hospital days. The program was specifically designed to target patients with complex chronic diseases through an interdisciplinary team of health professionals. This program showed a reduction in inpatient hospital days by 62 percent, and a reduction in nursing home bed days by 88 percent. This translated into a reduction in the cost of care from $38,000 to $29,000 per patient per year for patients enrolled in the program (a 24 percent reduction). The Medicare program continues to increase in importance in my home state of Iowa, where our senior population is increasing dramatically. The percentage of Iowans age 65 and older is expected to grow from 14.8 percent in 2009 to 22.4 percent by 2030, according to the Iowa Department on Aging. I am committed to preserving benefits for current recipients and those nearing retirement, while guaranteeing the program's solvency for future generations of Americans. Seniors throughout Iowa depend on Medicare for their health coverage, and we have to do everything we can to safeguard those benefits. As we examine solutions to address Medicare's solvency, there is strong evidence that home care is a cost-effective benefit that should remain accessible to seniors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Melissa Heer of Ames for receiving a coveted Fullbright award to study and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Melissa's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is India. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent future leaders like Melissa from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating her for receiving this prestigious award. I wish her the best of luck in her studies and future career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Charity Straszheim of Story City for receiving a coveted Fullbright award to study and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Pamela's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is the Czech Republic. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent future leaders like Charity from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating her for receiving this prestigious award. I wish her the best of luck in her studies and future career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Michael Knudson of Decorah for receiving a coveted Fullbright award to study and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Michael's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is Norway. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent future leaders like Michael from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating him for receiving this prestigious award. I wish him the best of luck in his studies and future career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Pamela Madsen of Ames for receiving a coveted Fullbright award to study and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Pamela's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is India. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent future leaders like Pamela from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating her for receiving this prestigious award. I wish her the best of luck in her studies and future career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Logan Pearce of Mason City for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Logan completed a two-part project by building numerous bat houses to provide a more ecological solution to insect control, in addition to the placement of six fishing line recyclers to assist both the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Department and the Lime Creek Nature Center. The work ethic Logan has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Logan and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Dr. Jimmy Senteza of Urbandale for receiving a coveted Fullbright award to lecture and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Jimmy's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is Uganda where he will proudly be representing Iowa's own Drake University. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Dr. Senteza from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him for receiving this prestigious award and I wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Catherine and Jennifer Compton of Ames for each receiving a coveted Fullbright award to study and conduct research abroad this academic year. The Fullbright Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. This program is known as America's flagship international exchange program. First established by Congress in 1946, the Fullbright Program has served the purpose of building mutual understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world. Appropriations from the United States Congress, participating foreign governments, and private sector contributions fund the Fullbright Program. The program has exchanged over a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries, since its inception. Catherine's host country for the 2011 2012 academic year is Germany, while Jennifer will be hosted by Jordan. To receive a Fullbright award is truly a great honor. Recipients of this award must demonstrate significant leadership potential in their chosen field and are selected on the basis of their academic or professional achievement. The experiences provided by this program ensure that tomorrow's leaders are both knowledgeable about the world and well-rounded. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent future leaders like Catherine and Jennifer from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating them for receiving this prestigious award. I wish them the best of luck in their studies and future careers.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kale Render of Indianola for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Kale's project included landscaping and renovating Indianola's National Balloon Classic Launch Field. The work ethic Kale has shown in this project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Kale and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic career of the Iowa Hawkeye nation's legendary Defensive Coordinator, Norm Parker. Norm came to Iowa City in 1999 with a new coaching staff faced with the daunting task of reestablishing the Iowa Hawkeyes as a powerhouse football program on the national stage. Coach Parker played a pivotal role in accomplishing this task in short order by consistently coaching the Hawkeye defense into one of the nation's best. Norm built the Hawkeye defense into one of the most consistently dominant defensive units in all of college football both statistically and physically. Over the last 13 years, Coach Parker has coached 34 players, prior to this year's upcoming draft, that have gone on to play at the sport's highest level in the National Football League. At the University of Iowa, Norm's rushing defense finished among the nation's top ten on five separate occasions, in addition to three top-ten scoring defenses in the last four years. Any fan of college football knows that Coach Parker held a commitment to his program that is unlike any other, and in 2010, despite his battle with serious medical issues, coached the Hawkeyes to a fifth- ranked national defense, sixth-ranked rushing defense, and seventh- ranked scoring defense before finishing the season as the Insight Bowl Champions. In 2011, Norm announced his retirement just weeks after being awarded the nation's Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association. Throughout his 48-year football career, Norm has held himself to the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. His success as a defensive coach is only matched by his impact as a positive role model for countless young Iowans, on and off the field. Whether you are a fan of the Hawkeyes, the Cyclones, the Bulldogs or the Panthers, there is no denying the profound impact Coach Parker has had on college football and the state of Iowa in general. Mr. Speaker, I believe Iowa sportscaster Jon Miller said it best when he proclaimed, ``Simply put, Iowa football would not be Iowa football without Norm Parker. Iowa football will have a tough time remaining Iowa football without Norm Parker.'' The impact Coach Parker has had on Hawkeye football and the state of Iowa will be evident for decades. Even as a Cyclone, it is my distinct honor to represent all college football fans across Iowa, the nation, and in the United States Congress, in thanking Coach Norm Parker for his commitment and dedication to the sport of football, his students, and the people of Iowa and wishing Norm and his wife Linda a long, happy and healthy retirement with much less stressful Saturdays.