Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michael Greenfield of Clive, Iowa 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, Michael presented a Food Allergy Safety Seminar to a variety of local groups. The work ethic Michael 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 Michael 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 I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Thank you, Mr. Braley. I'd like to now recognize the Representative from northern Missouri (Mr. Graves).

Mr. LATHAM. I would now like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa, Congressman King.

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman. I would like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley).

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials for the Record on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman. I'd like now to yield to my good friend from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, those of us from Iowa and elsewhere would like to recognize today the service of my fellow Iowan, Congressman Leonard Boswell, who will be leaving the House at the adjournment of this Congress. I first want to thank him for his 20 years of service to our great Nation in the U.S. Army. No one has done more to secure our freedom and the promise of a bright future than our veterans and military personnel. I know that Leonard counts his efforts to secure additional support for military families and veterans among his most meaningful achievements. I also want to recognize the gentleman from Iowa for his time in public service as a legislator. His distinguished career traces back to the Iowa State Senate, where he once served as president of that body. Although we haven't always agreed on the issues before us, Leonard's relationships with his fellow Members have enabled him to work with colleagues of all political stripes. His work on behalf of his constituents has exemplified what Iowans expect of their Representatives in Congress--those who are approachable, thoughtful, and hardworking. I appreciate the many years of service Leonard Boswell has provided to our home State of Iowa and its people. I know that he will continue to serve his fellow Iowans faithfully beyond the conclusion of this Congress--and in that, I truly wish him and his family the very, very best. Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay tribute to Leonard by providing their comments for submission into the Congressional Record. We do not have the luxury of time to read the numerous notes and well-wishes that came in, but I would like to highlight a few of those at this time. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad sent the following: I commend Congressman Leonard Boswell for his longtime dedication to public service. His selfless service to others has been demonstrated in many ways--as an officer in the United States Army, as president of the Iowa Senate, and as a Congressman from Iowa. Congressman Boswell should be proud of his public service accomplishments and for his personal achievements as a husband, father, and grandfather. I am heartened by Iowans like Congressman Boswell who have spent a lifetime serving the State of Iowa. We thank him for his service. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote: Representative Boswell has worked hard to represent his constituents. He did his job very well. While we disagreed politically, we never had a personal disagreement. We found plenty of common ground. I'll miss his camaraderie around Congress, but I have no doubt we'll run across each other because Representative Boswell is unlikely to avoid public service, which has been his calling for so long. Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell. Nancy Williams, president of AIB College of Business in Des Moines, wrote: I wish to recognize and thank Congressman Boswell for his dedication to our country, to Iowa, and to his constituents. He has changed our world, our country, and our State with his personal service for so many years. Every life has a great purpose, and Congressman Boswell has had a wonderful calling for his. I will wait in anticipation to see what he chooses to do next. I just cannot thank him enough. Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, wrote: Congressman Boswell was a Representative who would take the time to listen to Iowans. He paid special care and attention to all veterans. He was a friend of working people. When home visiting, he would make an effort to meet with the labor leaders in the State. He spent time listening to their concerns and would give honest answers on his positions, not always to the liking of the unions, but always honest and up front. Then Jon Murphy, director of government affairs at PolicyWorks, sums up the assurances we all have that Leonard will continue to serve his State and Nation: I would like to thank Congressman Boswell not only for his support of me, personally, but also for his service to our country. As a soldier and statesman, there are few people who have given more of themselves to our Nation. I wish him and Dody well as they move forward to their next adventure in life. I would ask them to take some time and get some rest, but I know that won't happen. That's not the Boswell way. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman. I, too, want to recognize Congressman Nussle here on the floor in honor of Congressman Boswell, and we have the distinguished minority whip, Mr. Hoyer.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say thank you to Congressman Boswell. I wish him and Dody the very, very best in the future. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay tribute to Congressman Boswell by providing their comments for submission into the Congressional Record, which follow. Remarks of Senator Chuck Grassley on Representative Leonard Boswell Representative Leonard Boswell is a strong advocate for his constituents and many other categories of individuals who are not necessarily constituents but important members of our society, including veterans and farmers. He saw the world as a 20-year veteran of the United States Army, returned home, and applied his broad perspective to public service, first in the Iowa state legislature, then in the U.S. Congress. He made a big impression on me in the 1990s when he was president of the state Senate. When he had an issue on his mind, he tracked me down at my town meetings or whatever it took. At times, he rode with me from one town meeting to the next so we could talk. That persistence on behalf of Iowans is something I greatly admired. His decorated military service, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, made him a natural for looking out for veterans' needs. Representative Boswell did a tremendous amount to raise awareness of veterans' suicide and promote preventive services. He championed and shepherded through Congress the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. This act, signed into law, is named for a soldier from Grundy Center, Iowa, who took his own life after returning from Iraq. As the operator of a farm in Davis City that has been in his family for generations, Representative Boswell understands the challenges facing family farmers. He's been a vocal advocate for an updated farm bill and other policies critical to the nation's farmers. Policy work to support economic growth in Iowa is another signature for Representative Boswell. He has promoted legislation that rebuilds the highways and other infrastructure that are necessary for job creation. In closing, Representative Boswell has worked hard to represent his constituents. He did his job very well. While we disagreed politically, we never had a personal disagreement. We found plenty of common ground. I'll miss his camaraderie around Congress. But I have no doubt we'll run across each other because Representative Boswell is unlikely to avoid public service, which has been his calling for so long. Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell.

Mr. LATHAM. I would like to now recognize the person who's the subject of all this, my colleague, Congressman Leonard Boswell.

Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman. I would like to now recognize the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowan and supercentenarian Dina Manfredini on being named the most senior person in the world by the Gerontology Research Group. Dina is 115 years, 244 days young and resides in Johnston, Iowa. Dina was born in April of 1897 in Italy before moving to the United States at age 23 where she would go on to marry and have four children. Ms. Manfredini has worked in Iowa to support her family since the 1940's when her husband was injured in Des Moines' coal mine, even cleaning houses for additional income well into her tenth decade of life. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Dina's 115 years. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Dina has lived in three separate centuries through twenty U.S. Presidents and twenty-six Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled and, as of today, none can claim to be older than Dina. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Dina's amazing life. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Dina on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Henry Oberman of Clive, Iowa 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, Henry raised over one thousand dollars as he oversaw the installation of a meditation garden at Heartland Presbyterian Church. The work ethic Henry 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 Henry 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 I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brady R. Garden of Charles City, Iowa 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, Brady chose to demolish a crumbling wall at the World War I Memorial at Sunnyside Cemetery in Charles City and replaced it with a new wood structure with vinyl siding. In total, this project took more than 150 hours of hard work to complete. 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 on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I 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 Clint J. Carton of Earlville, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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, Clint chose to construct five separate exercise stations on the Heritage Trail near Dyersville. Clint's project required extensive coordination with the Dubuque County Conservation Board to account for the lack of water and electricity. In total, this project took more than 110 hours of hard work to complete. The work ethic Clint 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 Clint 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 I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jennifer Walter for attaining the rank of Brigadier General as she becomes the next Chief of Staff of the Iowa Air National Guard. This is a truly momentous occasion for the State of Iowa as Jennifer is the first female General Officer in the history of the Iowa Air National Guard. Jennifer Walter began her historic career as a technician in 1975 as a temporary Clerk in Operations. Airman Walter would serve the next 11 years of her career as an enlisted person in various roles before receiving her commission for the Academy of Military Science as a Second Lieutenant in 1986. Three short years later, Lieutenant Walter had received a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University, and would go on to successfully complete Squadron Officer School in 1994, Air Command and Staff College in 2000, and Air War College in 2004. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, and the State of Iowa Commendation Medal, just to name a few. Since January of last year, Colonel Walter had held the position of Vice Wing Commander of the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines where she was uniquely responsible for exercising command responsibilities and providing a combat ready force for mobilization. This position included ensuring mission ready personnel, equipment, and F-16C aircraft for worldwide tasking by commanding over 970 personnel and 21 aircraft. On Sunday, the Iowa Air National Guard will formally bestow Brigadier General Walter with her new role as she assumes the prestigious role as Chief of Staff of the Iowa Air National Guard where she will directly assist Iowa's Adjutant General. Mr. Speaker, I have been a long-time, outspoken supporter of Iowa's 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines because of the remarkable men and women who are the best in the Nation at what they do. Jennifer Walter's career is a testament to the 132nd Fighter Wing and what Iowans are capable of through hard work and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves. I applaud Brigadier General Walter on her most recent promotion in her remarkably storied career. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jennifer, and all of the Iowa Air National Guard, on the continued excellence they provide to Des Moines, the State of Iowa, and our Nation as a whole.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Edna Knudson on the coming celebration of her 100th birthday. Edna will celebrate a century of life in less than one short month on October 21st, 2012. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Edna's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Edna has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Edna was born on October 21st, 1912 in Evansville, Minnesota and spent her early years in Minneapolis working for Honeywell, Inc. In 1945, Edna moved to Parkersburg, Iowa with her husband Howard. As the successful small business owners of the local Coast to Coast hardware store, Edna and Howard raised their two children in the apartment above the store. Edna's life has been defined by the hard work and commitment she has given to her family, community, and church. Edna has never lost her passion for fun and, when she's not on a golf course, you can find her at the card table playing games or telling stories with friends and family. Edna will celebrate this special birthday surrounded by friends and family, including her four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Edna in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Knudson on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate William M. Hittle IV of Nora Springs, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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 William 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 William 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 I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ramona Esbeck on the coming celebration of her 100th birthday. Ramona will celebrate a century of life on October 7th, 2012. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Ramona's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Ramona has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Ramona in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Esbeck on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Katie Luzier of Norwalk, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year. To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Katie raised funds to permanently clean up trash on a bicycle path in her community. The work ethic Katie has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her selfless commitment to serving others and assisting her community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Katie and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Adam Walker of Hiawatha, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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 Adam 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 Adam 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 I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brett Bunnell of Norwalk, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year. To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Brett worked to update rooms in her church by installing blinds and redecorating. The work ethic Brett has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her commitment to serving a cause greater than herself and assisting her community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brett and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeanette Thorsbakken on the recent celebration of her 100th birthday. Jeanette celebrated a century of life yesterday, September 18th, 2012. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Jeanette's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Jeanette has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Today, Jeanette resides in Story City, Iowa where she likes to spend her time playing solitaire on the computer and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Jeanette also greatly enjoys visits with her family and sharing stories of the many changes she has witnessed in her life. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Jeanette in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Thorsbakken on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Laura Tibbs of Alden, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year. To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Laura brought attention to the issue of school supplies that are wastefully discarded despite widespread need. The work ethic Laura has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her commitment to serving a cause greater than herself and assisting her community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Laura and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the outstanding work being done every day in Des Moines, Iowa by members of the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. As we are well aware, the U.S. Air Force has recently proposed a reduction of hundreds of Iowa Air Guard positions and the retirement of the Wing's F-16 aircraft, included in cuts to the Air National Guard nationwide. In the face of this uncertainty, the fine men and women that make up the 132nd Fighter Wing have done what Iowans do best--let their work ethic speak for itself. I am honored to congratulate them on the four major national level awards they have attained in the last six months alone. The awards include the NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit, Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy, Maintenance Effectiveness Award in the Medium Category, and the ARC Logistics Activity of the Year Award. These awards affirm the 132nd as the Top Logistics Readiness Squadron and Top Maintenance organization in the entire Air National Guard. Yesterday, this House passed H.J. Resolution 117 with my support which contained a crucial provision that places a moratorium on the proposed retirement of the 132nd Fighter Wing's F-16s, along with other proposed aircraft retirements from the Air National Guard. I do not believe that the Air Force's recommendation to close this fighter wing was based on thorough cost-benefit analysis. I will continue working to ensure that defense spending decisions are based on solid data and strengthening our national security, and working to fight for the permanent protection the members of the 132nd Fighter Wing deserve. Mr. Speaker, the men and women that comprise the nationally acclaimed 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines are some of the most experienced in the Air Force. They are crucial contributors to our nation's security, both at home and abroad, and this body is wise for standing with them and pressing for more accountable decision making by the Pentagon. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Iowa Air Guard on their recent achievements as we look forward to many more to come. May God continue to watch over all of our soldiers, and their families, across the world and here at home.