Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Bonnie Baker of Clarion, Iowa on her 26-year postal career and congratulate her on the occasion of her retirement. Mrs. Baker has been a shining example of dedicated public service throughout her career. Mrs. Baker began in 1982 by working as a window clerk in Dows, Iowa. The following year she moved to the Clarion Post Office, again working the front window. During her tenure in Clarion, Mrs. Baker worked periodically at the EDS plant when her services were needed. In October of 1993 she accepted a full-time position working for EDS. Mrs. Baker was responsible for a variety of duties at her most recent position, including resolving different mailing problems that may arise, managing the transportation system, and instructing new employees on their various assignments. I commend Bonnie Baker for her service to the State of Iowa throughout her many years in her postal career. It is an immense honor to represent Mrs. Baker in the United States Congress, and I know that my colleagues join me in wishing her a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Charles Clayton on earning the Community Hero Award, given by Safeco Insurance, for his longtime dedication to helping others and inspiring positive change in his community of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Charles is the founder of ``Athletics for Education and Success.'' By receiving a second chance as a youth, he felt the calling to educate and empower underprivileged youth. Athletics for Education and Success gives selected youth the opportunity to participate in athletic programs they are likely unable to afford. Charles incorporates education with athletics by focusing on tough issues that kids face today including drugs, teen pregnancy, and gangs. In addition, Charles has also organized a Disproportionate Minority Representation Council in Fort Dodge to create partnerships between citizens, law enforcement authorities, and schools in order to reduce the disproportionate amount of minority youth arrests in the area. Charles's dedication to his community and his commitment to improving the life of others should be commended. I consider it an honor to represent Charles Clayton in the United States Congress and I know my colleagues join me in wishing him the best in his continued work serving others.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer Jorgensen on her exemplary basketball career and congratulate her on receiving the honor of being named Iowa's 2008 Miss Basketball. Jennifer recently graduated from Southeast Webster-Grand High School and will be attending Pacific University to continue her illustrious basketball career. Jennifer has been recognized with a variety of accomplishments including a three-time first team all-state basketball choice as well as the IBCA all-region team. Jennifer leaves behind a stellar basketball career, finishing as Iowa women's second all-time leading scorer, fourth in rebounds, and fifth in assists. Jennifer is a shining example of the dedication and determination present in today's youth and their promise as tomorrow's leaders. It is an honor to represent Jennifer and her family in the United States Congress and I know my colleagues join me in wishing her the best of luck in her upcoming journey into higher education and collegiate athletics.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great achievement by seventh-grade student Talia Leman of Waukee, Iowa. Talia was named one of America's top ten youth volunteers for 2008 with the National Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Talia was selected from a field of nearly 20,000 candidates for her outstanding volunteer community service. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 13 years ago to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Talia received a personal award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for her school, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of her choice. Talia created ``RandomKid'' an organization that seeks to educate, motivate and unify young people around the world to work on a broad spectrum of pressing needs. She began the organization 2 years ago by encouraging kids to collect coins instead of candy on Halloween, and donate the money to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Her message was widely publicized to kids across the country and reportedly raised millions of dollars for Katrina victims. Talia established a nonprofit organization and created the website, www.randomkid.org which solicits young people for projects to help rebuild the Gulf Coast, raise money to build a school in Cambodia, find homes for stray pets, and collect DVDs for soldiers overseas. Talia is currently encouraging schools to make and sell their own private- labeled bottled-water products to help fund clean-water technologies. She's also working on setting up a ``mini-United Nations'' made up of young delegates from around the world who work together to address global children's issues. Talia is a shining example of the dedication, determination and faith present in today's youth and their promise as tomorrow's leaders. I am proud to represent Talia Leman and her family in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending Talia for her accomplishments and dedication to making a difference in the world.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, on June 9, I was touring flood damaged parts of my district in Iowa and was not present for votes. Had I been present for Rollcall votes 388, 389 and 390, I would have voted ``yes''.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I wish to make the following disclosure in accordance with the new Republican Earmark Transparency Standards requiring Members to place a statement in the Congressional Record prior to a floor vote on a bill that includes earmarks they have requested, describing how the funds will be spent and justifying the use of federal taxpayer funds. Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham. Bill Number: H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Account: MilCon, Air National Guard. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Air National Guard. Address of Requesting Entity: 7700 NW Beaver Drive, Johnston, Iowa, 50131. Description of Request: Authorizes appropriation of $5.6 million for the construction of a new Vehicle Maintenance Facility and remodeling of the existing Communications Facility located at the 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Updating facilities at the 133rd Test Squadron is of the utmost importance and highest priority for the Iowa National guard. This project is approved on the U.S. Air Force Future Year Defense Plan (FYDP), and has been assigned the number HEMT039066. The facility is significantly short of space due to the expansion of the unit's mission, manning and resources. Since it is the only unit designated to test future Command and Control (C2) projects for the U.S. Air Force, the performance of the 133rd Test Squadron is vital to Air Force missions. A detailed financial plan based on form DD 1391 required by the Department of Defense for military construction projects follows.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express shock in the way this spending bill has been written and dumped into our laps, sight unseen, except by a few members of the Democratic Leadership. This supplemental bill has been crafted without the input of rank and file members, completely circumventing the committee process. There have been no hearings, no debates, no amendments allowed and about 18 hours to review this enormous bill. We now have a few members of the house, substituting their judgement on serious wartime funding issues, for the other 430 Members of both parties. Think about that for a minute. You and your colleagues have had no say in this bill--none. Again, members will have had 18 hours to review this 250 billion dollar spending bill. This is very troublesome to me as a member of the people's house and I know, for a fact, that it's troublesome to members from both sides of the aisle. Today, the 3 million citizens of my State of Iowa, and millions of other Americans--which, by the way, include soldiers serving overseas and their families waiting for their safe return--will have no say in how their tax dollars are being spent for our military. Whatever your position is on the war, or any Federal spending in this bill, the Speaker has set a terrible precedent for this institution. To the extent that we value precedent around here, this is not the type of bad precedent we should be allowing. Both democrats and republicans deserve better, and we deserve a voice. The way this process has been handled also taints the legislative success of good bills based on good ideas. The case in point is the inclusion of legislation I fully support and of which I am an original co-sponsor--the post 9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act. This bi-partisan bill overhauls the G.I. bill education benefits and increases the benefits available to veterans. This is a good bill dropped into an emergency spending bill that the Democrats know will not become law. The majority is using the G.I. bill for their political play book of attacks against Republicans in the upcoming elections--pure and simple. This provision, as a standalone bill, has wide support from veterans groups and Republicans and Democrats in both the House and the Senate. But the American people have the right to have their Members of Congress debate and amend the bill. I want to read a quote that is relevant to this sad situation. it comes from the Democrats' ``New Direction for America'' agenda--``Bills should generally come to the floor under a procedure that allows open, full and fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants the minority the right to offer its alternatives, including a substitute.'' Evidently, the Democrat leadership has abandoned that position, and rewritten the agenda to read: ``Spending bills should be written by the leadership, in secret, and sent to the floor of the House under a closed rule, safe from the rules of regular order, traditional debate or any risk of being amended by duly-elected members of the House--from either party.'' The citizens of this country deserve better, and the members of this body, on both sides, deserve better. This type of practice has no place in this house.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Osage High School senior Tianna Sullivan for helping to save the life of an elderly woman who had wandered away from a health care center. In the early morning of January 20, 2008, Tianna was driving home in 14 degrees below zero weather and came upon 88-year-old Marguerite Miller. Marguerite was barefoot and clothed only in a hospital gown. Although Tianna was scared, she knew that Marguerite needed help immediately. Tianna attempted to get Marguerite in her car, but she was so cold and stiff that she could only clutch to Tianna for warmth. Tianna dialed 911 and stayed with Marguerite until Osage police officer Brian Wright arrived. Marguerite's body temperature had dropped to 90 degrees, and they had a difficult time getting her in the police car due to her stiffness from the cold. An ambulance then came and took Marguerite to Mitchell County Regional Hospital. Later, she was taken to the Iowa City hospital burn center to treat her frostbite injuries. Tianna's heroic actions and quick thinking set an example for us all. Tianna's courage goes above and beyond what is asked of us as citizens of this country, and her willingness to help a stranger in need illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to do whatever it takes for the safety of our fellow citizens. For this I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in offering Tianna our congratulations and thanks. I am extremely honored to represent Tianna in Congress, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize high school athletic trainers Brian Jaquette of Fort Dodge High School and Sue Wilson of Johnston High School, for their quick thinking in treating a football player who suffered serious internal injuries during a football game last fall. The injured football player was tended to by Jaquette and Johnston, who decided that his abdominal pain was serious enough to call for an ambulance. It turned out that the injured player was suffering from a ruptured gall bladder, which would have caused blood poisoning and possibly death if left untreated. Were it not for Jaquette and Johnson's accurate initial examination and determination, it is unlikely that his injury would have been treated in time. The quick thinking and calm demeanor displayed by these two athletic trainers serves as a wonderful example to all those who care for others. I commend Sue Wilson and Brian Jaquette for their outstanding professional work and dedication to the young athletes they serve. I am honored to represent each of them in the United States Congress, and I wish them the best in their careers.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Tahira Hira's appointment to President George W. Bush's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. On January 22, 2008, President Bush established the new Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, chaired by Charles Schwab. Dr. Hira is one of only 16 members appointed by President Bush. The Council's purpose is to help keep America competitive and assist the American people in understanding and addressing financial matters. The Council will work with the public and private sectors to help increase financial education in schools as well as for adults in the workplace. Dr. Hira came to Iowa State University in 1980. She is the executive assistant to the university president and a professor of personal finance and consumer economics. Dr. Hira has been teaching and conducting research in family financial management, consumer credit, gambling, and consumer bankruptcy since 1976. She has published approximately 100 articles and book chapters and given approximately 200 national and international presentations in her field. Dr. Hira has also received various awards for her work and serves on several national committees and boards. Dr. Hira's list of awards and accomplishments represents the valuable resource she has provided to Iowa State University and financial education in America. She certainly has earned her position on the President's Advisory Council, and I know she will excel in her special advisory role. I commend Dr. Tahira Hira for her longstanding dedication and diligence to her profession and for her efforts to improve our Nation's financial literacy. I consider it an honor to represent Dr. Hira in the U.S. Congress, and I wish her the best while serving on the President's Council and in her future work.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cadet Lieutenant Amanda Veen of Perry, Iowa for being named Cadet of the Year by the Iowa Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Amanda, who is currently a sophomore at Liberty Home School, also received the Billy Mitchell Award and served as Color Guard Commander in the North Central Region Cadet Competition last year for the Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron. The Cadet of the Year award honors Amanda's dedication and commitment during her participation in the Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs. The Iowa Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, which is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 390 officers and cadets in Iowa. The Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs provide youth opportunities to reach their full potential as they study four subject areas: aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values. I know that my colleagues in the U.S. Congress join me in commending Cadet Lieutenant Amanda Veen for her leadership and dedication to representing the Iowa Civil Air Patrol. I consider it an honor to represent Amanda and her family in Congress, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joan Schwade for reaching a noteworthy milestone of 40 years' service as a meter reader in the community of Protivin, Iowa. As a meter reader in a small town, Joan gets a fascinating perspective of the community and has a great opportunity to regularly meet with townspeople. When she started her job in 1968, all of the 177 meters in town were located on the inside of homes. Times changed and today meters are located outside the homes, so readers like Joan are able to make it through their routes more efficiently. At the age of 76, Joan continues to enjoy the exercise and opportunity to talk with local residents. It is reported that she could do without the dogs and winter weather, but she plans to continue her work as long as she is able to perform it. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Joan Schwade for her service and dedication to the Protivin community as a meter reader. I consider it an honor to represent her in Congress, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mike Keefe from the State of Iowa Fire Marshall's Office, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment for the past 32 years for the safety of Iowans. After receiving a business administration degree in 1975, Mike began volunteering for the Decorah, Iowa fire department. While on the job, the fire department was called to a fire at the church he attended and where his mother worked as a secretary. He rescued his mother by helping her out a window. The fire officials asked Mike to assist in their investigation, and afterwards Mike was encouraged to apply for a position with the Iowa Fire Marshall's Office. He was offered and accepted a job in 1976 with the office as an investigator. Over the years Mike has investigated nearly 3,000 fires, providing reliable and dedicated service to many Iowans. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Mike Keefe for his service to the State Fire Marshall's Office and the people of Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Mike in Congress and I wish him and his wife, Susan, a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Florence McCown on the celebration of her 100th birthday on April 27, 2008. Florence was born on April 27, 1908 on a farm near Aplington, Iowa. In 1933, she married Burton McCown, and the couple resided in Eldora, Iowa. Florence and her husband owned a hardware store in New Providence and a plumbing and heating store in Eldora. She also taught for several years in the New Providence schools. Florence was a member of a state tournament qualifying basketball team and remained active in athletic events for the majority of her life. Florence currently resides at Grandview Heights in Marshalltown, Iowa. There have been many changes that have occurred during the past ninety years. Since Florence's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Florence has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime the population of the United States has more than tripled. I congratulate Florence McCown for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Florence in the United States Congress, and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Martha Kruetzmann on the celebration of her 100th birthday on April 2, 2008. Martha was born on April 2, 1908 to Peter and Lydia Wigand in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She was one of four brothers and three sisters. Martha was married to the late Reverend A.I. Kruetzmann and has three children, Eileen, Evelyn, and Edith; eight grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. She currently lives at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard, Iowa. There have been many changes that have occurred during the past one hundred years. Since Martha's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Martha has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. I congratulate Martha Kruetzmann for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Martha in the United States Congress and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Naughton on the celebration of her 90th birthday on April 29, 2008. Mary was born on April 29, 1918 in Illinois. She moved to Marshalltown, Iowa in 1948 when she married John Naughton. They happily had two daughters, three sons, nine grandchildren and one great- grandson. Mary currently resides in Marshalltown and is an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. There have been many changes that have occurred during the past ninety years. Since Mary's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Mary has lived through sixteen United States Presidents and twenty Governors of Iowa. And, in her lifetime the population of the United States has nearly tripled. I congratulate Mary Naughton for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Mary in the United States Congress and I wish her happiness and health for many years to come.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 239, I inadvertently missed the vote today on H.R. 5715 due to an unforeseeable conflict. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great work and service that Osage Unit 278 of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Iowa is doing on behalf of our young citizens' education. The members of Osage Unit 278 place a great value on the education of our young citizens who will be the leaders of tomorrow. The Unit recently held a scholarship luncheon/bake sale on April 5, 2008, with the purpose of raising money to give scholarships to the graduating seniors of Osage High School. Their objective was met, and funds raised will allow for 13 scholarships of $250.00 each to be awarded; 10 of those by the Unit; two to be given in honor of members by their families; and one from the Unit Auxiliary marching group known as the Starlighters. Unit 278 also contributed $250.00 to benefit the Special Olympians of the Osage School System, enabling them to attend the State of Iowa Special Olympics. The work of the 381 member Unit has always been highly respected, regarded and appreciated by the community of Osage. Their work and dedication exemplifies the great Iowa spirit of giving to help others. And Unit 278 truly follows one of the guiding principles of the American Legion Auxiliary mission statement, ``that Auxiliary members continue to be the leaders in all that is good in this nation today, tomorrow and for generations to come through serving others first and not self.'' I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in recognizing the dedicated work and accomplishments of Osage Unit 278 of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Iowa. I am proud and honored to represent all 381 members of the Unit in the United States House of Representatives and I wish them continued success in their future work.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Iowa Men's Wrestling Program on winning the 2008 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship. Dating back to the early 1900's my home State of Iowa has lead the way in shaping what competitive collegiate wrestling has become today. In fact, the first ever NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship Tournament took place in Ames, Iowa. Anyone who follows the sport will tell you that you can always count on a team from the State of Iowa finishing among the top of almost every tournament. At all levels, the State of Iowa has a long storied and honored wrestling tradition and it is the preferred sport of many Iowa households. It has been a hallmark of Iowa athletics for decades and its competition remains prominent in the majority of middle schools, high schools, state colleges and universities throughout the state today. There is a tremendous amount of hard-work, discipline and dedication required to succeed in wrestling, common characteristics of all Iowans which may explain why we have been so successful in the sport for so long. The University of Iowa's wrestling program has significantly contributed to this success and tradition. It has historically been, and remains, considered among the nation's elite programs. In 2008 the University of Iowa won its 21st national title, its first since 2000, and crowned two individual champions--senior Mark Perry and sophomore Brent Metcalf. And, Coach Tom Brands was selected as 2008 Coach of the Year. Again, I wish to congratulate the Iowa wrestling program on a job well done as they celebrate their 2008 national championship and I encourage my colleagues to do so as well by adopting this resolution.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarion Public Library on its 100th year anniversary. The Clarion Public Library serves over 3,000 residents of Clarion, Iowa as well as residents of the surrounding areas in Wright County. In February 1907, the Clarion City Council voted to contribute $5,000 to erect and maintain a public library after Mr. Morgan Everts, a pioneer of Webster City, Iowa, offered to supplement the project with a $10,000 donation. The structure of the library was erected by F.F. McManus at the contract price of $9,921, without a furnace or furnishings, and was built in the same style of architecture as the Carnegie libraries around the country. The building was opened to the public in April 1908. The 5,000 square-foot library contains a large basement where the heating plant, store rooms and auditorium are located. A high flag- staff is set in front of the building, designed to hold ``Old Glory,'' which was the gift of Captain Terrell. From April 1908 to January 1913, Mrs. G.T. Eldridge served as the first librarian and was subsequently followed by Mrs. Irving E. Nagle. Mrs. Marrian Gannon was the longest serving head librarian from 1967 to 1996, and the current head librarian, Nola Waddingham, has served since 1996. In 1984, a total remodeling of the library was completed. With a grant from the Kinney-Lindstrom Fund and help from the city council, the children's library was moved to the basement, an elevator was installed, and a meeting room for cultural events was constructed. Today the Clarion Library Board and the City of Clarion are raising funds to expand and renovate this historic library. Throughout the many years the Clarion Public Library staff has strived to meet the needs of the people in the area by providing excellent information and encouraging citizens to read. I congratulate the Clarion Public Library on this historic anniversary. It is an honor to represent Nola Waddingham, the library board of trustees, and all of the Clarion Library staff in the United States Congress, and I wish the Clarion Public Library continued success well into the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor a great achievement by a young American from Garner, Iowa. This Sunday, April 13, Mataya Huling will be presented with The Girl Scout Gold Award. This is the highest achievement possible within the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. According to the Girl Scouts, the Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into ``going for the Gold.'' It is something that a girl can be passionate about--in thought, deed, and action. The project is something that fulfills a need within a girl's community (whether local or global), creates change, and hopefully, is something that becomes ongoing. The project is more than a good service project--it encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills. This award is certainly very prestigious, as last year only 5.4 percent of all eligible Girl Scouts received the Gold Award. According to the Garner Leader and Signal newspaper, Mataya's Gold project was to redo the Garner-Hayfield High School Drama Department prop room. Mataya has been actively involved in drama programs since her days in junior high school. She worked 80 hours to organize, clean, repair and properly store props, costumes and materials used by the drama department. Previously Mataya earned the Girl Scout Silver Award by planning and presenting several bike safety workshops for younger troop members and pre-school age children. Along with her dedication to Girl Scouts, Mataya is involved in countless other activities in her school and community including chorus, band, GAP Teen Council, golf, and has volunteered teaching Sunday Bible School at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Mataya is a shining example of the dedication, determination and faith present in today's youth and their promise as tomorrow's leaders. I am proud to represent Mataya and her parents, Mark and Missy, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in not only congratulating Mataya but also recognizing that maybe one day in the not too distant future we will see Congresswoman Mataya Huling serving in this historic institution.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Jeremy D. Anzevino as a recipient of a Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery. heroism, and meritorious service. Captain Anzevino earned the Bronze Star while he was commander of Co. L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. He was team chief and staff maneuver advisor for the Military Transition Team. 1st Battalion. 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, from January to July 2007. His award citation states, ``Anzevino provided advice and assistance to Iraqi leaders of 1st Battalion during counterinsurgency operations, which led to the elimination of numerous insurgents.'' Captain Anzevino's bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His heroism illustrates the compassion of Iowans; willing to risk their own lives for their country. For this I offer him my utmost respect, congratulations, and thanks. I commend Captain Jeremy Anzevino's courageousness and service to our great nation. I am honored to represent Captain Anzevino in the United States Congress and I wish him the best in his future service to our country.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of New Hampton, Iowa Police Officer Charles Lembke on the occasion of his retirement, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to protecting the citizens of his community. For the last 28 years, Officer Lembke has served New Hampton faithfully and honorably. Officer Lembke's daily courage goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. His service in providing safety to his community earns him respect and honor, and for this, I offer him my utmost respect, congratulations and thanks. I commend Officer Charles Lembke for his many years of loyal service in protecting Iowans. It is an immense honor to represent Officer Lembke in the United States Congress, and I wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement.