Billy Long

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work and life of Rick and Mary McQueary. Rick McQueary and Mary Haseltine McQueary are a couple with a deep love and respect for the rich history in Springfield and Greene County. Each of their families arrived in Greene County in the mid to late 1800s. Rick's family began a pharmacy business in Ash Grove, Missouri and later moved it to Springfield where it grew into the premier drug wholesaler in southwest Missouri. Mary's family was active in farming and had the largest apple orchards in Missouri. Others in her family, including her father, were interested in practicing law and were noted lawyers in the area. Family stories fostered a love of learning about the history of this community still exist for both of them today. Mary currently serves as the president of the Board of Directors of History Museum on the Square, has been an active volunteer with the Museum for over 19 years, and has spent the last several years spearheading the development and construction of the Museum's new facility that opened in August of 2019. She and Rick are the co-chairs of the capital campaign for the Museum and she has served as the project manager for the Museum's construction project, overseeing a team of industry professionals, steering the direction of museum content, writing copy and even picking out finishes. This project is one of the largest historic revitalization projects in downtown Springfield. The ultra-modern History Museum on the Square is projected to attract 30,000 visitors each year with galleries featuring the Birthplace of Route 66, the first Wild West shootout with Wild Bill Hickok, and many other stories of the unique Ozarks crossroads. Rick and Mary have been able to show others that historic buildings and local history are worth preserving. The new facility allows the Museum to provide additional educational and community programming for both children and adults. Downtown is the heart of our community and this museum is the perfect place to tell the rich history of Springfield. So much of the area's history occurred right outside the windows of the Museum--the Trail of Tears, Civil War encampments, the first quick draw shootout in the Wild West, the Butterfield-Overland Stage route, and Route 66. Preserving and promoting this history while also contributing to downtown revitalization and improved tourism is a gift to the entire community. Their love of this community is only rivaled by the great love they have for their alma mater Greenwood Laboratory School and surpassed by their love for their family. They have been married for forty-four years and have three children and eight grandchildren. Rick and Mary's willingness to serve has led them to participate in all parts of the community including boards of major medical facilities, schools, universities, civic organizations, and their church. They have worked tirelessly to better the community they love so dearly. The History Museum on the Square is proud to award them the inaugural William F. ``Rick'' McQueary and Mary Haseltine McQueary Groundbreaker Award for their years of dedicated service to the preservation and display of the history of Springfield and Greene County. This award will now be presented annually to an individual, family or corporation making significant contributions to the History Museum on the Square and its mission. Madam Speaker, it is clear the McQueary's have an unbelievable love for their community and its history and am honored to be able to recognize them today.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the LifeChoices Health Network's 30th anniversary. Thirty years ago, LifeChoices began as a small neighborhood effort to help women whose babies were at risk. Today, LifeChoices serves women throughout southwest Missouri and the four-state area by offering at- risk women free education and medical services. These services include education programs, sexually transmitted infection testing, and early pregnancy care that is needed to ensure that moms and their babies are healthy. Over the past thirty years, LifeChoices has achieved many milestones. Over 3,800 individuals have received free and confidential services, and they have provided nearly 16,000 ultrasounds. To date, LifeChoices training programs have allowed 163 clinics to implement STI services. Additionally, they have had nearly 10,000 students from area public and private schools participate in their connection institute programs. LifeChoices has received national and international recognition for their commitment to helping other clinics across this nation and the world. Madam Speaker, the work of the LifeChoices Health Network is vital to ensuring at-risk women and their babies receive the care that they need at no cost to them. I give them my congratulations on a successful thirty years and wish them the very best in the many years to come.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Bobby and Ruth Wood from the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. After 50 years of service to the residents of southwest Missouri, Bobby and Ruth Wood, owners of the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, have decided to retire. The Wood's established Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in 1989 and over the years have earned their trademark ``tender moments-tender care.'' The Wood's have a long and respected history in the funeral industry. Bobby Wood started his career as a teenager, working in different roles at a local funeral home. Bobby then attended the Gupton-Jones Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas, becoming a first-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer. In 1960, Bobby met his wife Ruth who is a registered nurse and a graduate of St. John's School of Nursing. Bobby and Ruth live by their trademark ``tender moments-tender care.'' Along with being licensed funeral directors, both are pre-need counselors and know how to tend to the needs of those in their community. They know how to give members of the community the care they need in order to make them feel comfortable in their most difficult moments. While the Wood's are leaving their business in good hands with their daughter, there is no doubt that Bobby and Ruth will be missed. Madam Speaker, it is clear that the Wood's care for their community deeply and have put in their years serving the residents of southwest Missouri. I wish Bobby and Ruth a long and happy retirement. It is well deserved and well earned.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I have personal knowledge of this type of situation. Just within the last 30 days, a friend of mine lost a 3- year-old grandchild due to one of these situations. There can be nothing worse than losing a child. To have a vibrant 3-year-old child one minute and a deceased 3-year-old the next is not acceptable. This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for clothing storage units, to prevent them from tipping over onto children. In the spirit of bipartisanship, we support this bill moving forward with the House passage today. I thank my friend Ms. Schakowsky for her efforts in this endeavor. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2211, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I encourage our colleagues to vote for H.R. 2211. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, once again, I can relate to what this bill is trying to address. I was an auctioneer for over 30 years before I came to this body, and there was a college professor who attended hundreds of my auctions over the years. He was quite a toy collector, and he was also a professor at Missouri State University in my hometown of Springfield. Very tragically, within the last couple of years, he and his wife both succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a silent killer. It can happen anywhere. There is no warning-- any time, any place. Anything we can do to augment a solution here would be very, very good. H.R. 1618 directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a grant program for States to purchase and install carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units of low-income families; for the elderly; facilities that commonly serve children or the elderly, including childcare facilities, public schools, and senior centers; or dwelling units owned by public universities; and to assist in enforcement and education efforts related to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen anywhere in the United States, regardless of location or other external factors. It is an issue that is much more frequent than many realize. According to the CDC, 50,000 people a year in the United States experience carbon monoxide poisoning. Of those, at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. These grants will go a long way to carrying out carbon monoxide poisoning prevention actions, as they can be used for everything from installing alarms in these units of elderly individuals to training officials in the installation of such alarms. I am pleased to support passage of this bill today. It will improve safety and provide the tools and resources needed to combat this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1618, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. When we go home, people say: Well, can't you all agree on anything up there in Washington, because all you all do is fight? Why can't you work in a bipartisan fashion?'' I will admit, sometimes it seems like we can't agree to the fact that the Sun is going to come up in the east tomorrow, but on this bill, there is bipartisan support. We agree. Mr. Speaker, I want to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1618, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety rule to require flame mitigation devices on portable fuel containers. Furthermore, it directs CPSC to conduct an education campaign to alert consumers to the dangers of using or storing portable fuel containers near ignition sources and to report to Congress on the campaign. In addition, it amends the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act to expand existing child-resistance requirements for closures for portable gasoline containers to include portable kerosene and diesel fuel containers and component parts. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Margrett Lewis for her tireless efforts to help get this bill across the House floor today. She turned her personal tragedy into passionate advocacy in an effort to prevent others from facing a similar incident. I thank everybody for their work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Thompson and his bipartisan group of cosponsors, and I am pleased to support addressing this important safety issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 806, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 806, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post 13. In 1919, 100 years ago and shortly after the conclusion of the first World War, members of the U.S. Army's American Expeditionary Forces founded the American Legion. Over the past century, the American Legion has brought veterans in their local communities together and has been a strong advocate for veterans issues on Capitol Hill. In its infancy, only a few posts across the United States were formed, one of those posts was the Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post 13 located in Joplin, Missouri. Today, Joplin Post 13 celebrates its 100th anniversary. It has the honor of being one of only a handful of American Legion posts to turn 100. Its 100-year history hasn't been without its ups and downs. At its peak in the '50s, the post had upwards of 500 members. Just a few years ago, the post's membership dropped to fewer than 30 members. Today, the post is experiencing a resurgence of membership and currently has about 250 members. With this resurgence in membership, funds going to Post 13's activities have increased. The post is now able to hold an annual veterans expo, operate an honor guard to attend the funerals of local veterans, has created an endowment for nursing students at Missouri Southern State University and sponsors the Missouri Boys State program and the Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy. For 100 years, Post 13 has brought veterans in the Joplin area together in service to their fellow veterans and their local community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and the rest of this body join me in congratulating the Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post 13 on 100 years of fraternity and service to the veterans of southwest Missouri.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50 years of service by Crowder Industries of Newton County, Missouri. In August of 1969, Crowder Industries opened its doors in Newton County. Its mission was simple: provide meaningful employment to disabled citizens. Since then, hundreds of people have come through its doors and received the opportunity to work in and serve their community. Today, Crowder Industries works in areas such as assembly, packaging services and cardboard production for its community partners, providing not only employment for those with disabilities, but also serving the community, and helping other local businesses. Crowder Industries currently employs 110 people, most of whom have some disability. These hard-working employees work alongside people who provide vital support for the process and keep the company functioning smoothly. The success of Crowder Industries is in large part due to the support of the Newton County community, and local businesses. They provide Crowder Industries with the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. Madam Speaker, Crowder Industries has spent the last 50 years striving towards a goal. It was formed with the idea that everyone should be able to have meaningful employment. Its motto is, ``Our People Make the Difference.'' Crowder Industries has fulfilled its mission and its motto. Its work has bettered the citizens of Newton County, and all southwest Missouri, and I can think of no greater honor than to recognize Crowder Industries achievements here.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments and talent of Emalee Flatness. Emalee, a graduate of Willard High School in southwest, Missouri, recently competed in the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge. The challenge is a national contest, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, that allows high school students to submit songs they have written that could one day be in a Broadway show. Out of 500 submissions, six were chosen, and Emalee was one of those six. Emalee's journey started when she was just 14 years old. It was then that she started writing lyrics dedicated to her great-great-great- great-grandfather, Arnoldus Zweerink, who was drafted by the Union Army in the Civil War and died nine days before General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. She has continued working on the song, finally submitting to this year's contest. She named her song ``Bring Him Back to Carolina.'' The song chronicles not only the feelings of Arnoldus but also his wife Elizabeth, who was unaware of his death at the time of the surrender. Emalee is now working with two New York City-based musical theater artists to put the finishing touches on the song before the final recording. She is also preparing to attend Missouri State University, in Springfield, to study history, and continue her passion for songwriting. Madam Speaker, it is evident that Emalee is an immensely talented woman with a strong passion for music and history. It is with great honor that I rise to recognize her award-winning song, and wish her luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the fabulous life of Adrian Meyers, who turned 100 on April 4 this year. Adrian was born and raised in Kenton, Tennessee, graduating from high school there in 1937. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee-Martin for two years before transferring to Murray State University where she graduated with a bachelor's of science in chemistry. Not long after graduating, Adrian accepted a fellowship at the University of Kentucky where she received her master's degree in mathematics while serving as a graduate assistant. After earning her degree, she returned to Kenton to take care of her father. However, she continued her teaching career, eventually becoming an associate professor of mathematics at Illinois State University, where she taught for 18 years. One of the many highlights of Adrian's long career was attending the National Science Foundation Institute in San Jose, California. It also happened to be the place she met her future husband, Dr. W.H. Meyers. After a long career in education, Adrian and her husband decided to use retirement to travel. They went to various locations all across the U.S. and Europe. This is a woman who has always stayed very informed in current events, listening to several commentators daily. Her husband passed away a few years ago, sadly, and she has since relocated to Springfield, Missouri, to be near family. Madam Speaker, it is evident that Adrian Meyers has lived a beautiful life. She spent her entire professional career graciously serving as a public-school teacher, which is beyond laudable. America owes her a debt of gratitude for her many years of service, and I am honored to rise today, recognizing this extraordinary life.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the decade of service that Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri has provided to its local communities as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. When Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri was founded in 2009, there were just two offices and two employees focused on family and mental health counseling. However, its role drastically changed in May 2011, when a powerful tornado struck the city of Joplin. Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri raced into action and became a vital lifeline for those who had lost everything. Within a year of the disaster, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri had become the largest provider of Disaster Case Management in the entire state. Soon after, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri launched a new program, aimed at helping to rebuild the community. With the help of volunteers, it worked to repair 250 homes, and completely restore 15 in the Joplin area. Since then, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri has expanded to include assistance with flood-damaged communities. It also opened their LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, to serve the needs of homeless pregnant women in the community and have even started Support Services for Veteran Families Program. What started as a small operation has turned into a well-oiled machine. There are now 85 staff operating out of nine offices across southern Missouri, covering 25,719 square miles. Due to the large area covered, it is difficult for those in need to come to these offices, so the staff goes to them, ensuring that they help as many as they possibly can. Their mission is simple, ``Motivated by the love of Christ, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri seeks to improve the lives of the vulnerable by providing quality, compassionate social services, which meet local needs.'' Madam Speaker, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri exemplifies the best qualities that an organization can possess. They work every day to serve the needs of the communities of southern Missouri, mainly assisting those who are in poverty or have recently lost their entire livelihood. I am honored to rise in recognition of their services and ask all Americans to join me in gratitude for their continued service.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 10, 2019, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures due to travel complications. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: (Roll No. 242) H.R. 542--Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act, had I been present I would have voted yes. (Roll No. 243) H.R. 2539--Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act, had I been present I would have voted yes. (Roll No. 244) H.R. 2590--DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard Maxson, a professor at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, for winning the 8th Annual International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu, Hawaii. Richard spent his youth performing in his hometown of Ventura, California, and working at Christian summer camps by providing the musical soundtracks to sing-alongs and services. Little did he know where these experiences would take him. In 2007, Richard was on a business trip in Hawaii when he came across a sign for free ukulele lessons. Curious to see if he had what it took, Richard signed up and learned his first song: Little Red Hibiscus. Inspired by this, Richard returned to Springfield, bought his first ukulele and became what he refers to as a recovering guitar player. As much fun as Richard was having, he wanted others to join in on the fun. That's why in 2012 he formed a ukulele club at Drury University, called the DUkes. His goal was to attract Drury students by sitting in a coffee shop playing his ukulele. It worked. By 2013, 20 students joined the club and were drinking coffee and playing the ukulele with him. Over the next few years, the DUkes, under the direction of Richard, performed at various events in Springfield. In August 2015, the DUkes traveled to Springfield's Sister City of lsesaki, Japan, to perform at the Isesaki Summer Festival. Richard also began performing with his wife, Karen, in a ukulele duo called Uke 66, performing in the United States, Mexico and Japan. On a whim, Richard entered the 8th Annual International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu in 2019. As the only contestant from the mainland United States, Richard was one of six finalists in his division of 19 and older. A few hundred people watched Richard on his way to victory as he performed an original piece, titled ``Hedgehog Cafe,'' which was inspired by a trip he took to Japan with his wife in 2017. Madam Speaker, the world needs dedicated individuals who are eager to share their gifts with those around them, and that is exactly what Richard has done and continues to do. That is why it is my great honor to rise today congratulating Richard Maxson on his award-winning performance and original composition.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Gary Turner of Sarcoxie, Missouri. Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Gary was in the first graduating class at Glendale High School where he excelled at both academics and sports. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri-Rolla until 1968 when he got drafted into the United States Army. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne, the 1st Infantry Division and finally, with the 25th Infantry Division. After returning home, Gary continued his service to our country by co-founding a veterans' center in Springfield focused on men and women coming back from war and providing them with the resources they need to assimilate back into society. He has always said it's not what he gets, it's what he can give back. To add to his already long list of accomplishments serving others, in 2011, Gary took over as head of the Community Foundation in Sarcoxie, which he has led ever since. Created in collaboration with a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to help with job creation and economic development in rural areas, the foundation is a way for residents to give to their community and see the fruits of their labor in real time, as the benefits all go directly into the community. Gary says that the foundation is a way for everyone to get involved in the community, and he hopes that the foundation will last forever. He has also been involved with Sarcoxie Board of Education and City Council and is chairman of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, providing grant assistance to four area counties. Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress it is my great pleasure to stand and recognize the lifetime of service that Gary Turner has given to his country and local communities. He has truly earned this great honor, and I ask all Americans to join me in thanking him.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor of introducing my friend, the Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney, along with his wife, Christine, and my wife, Barbara, in the gallery, and the Hargis family from Springfield, Missouri, members of the First and Calvary Church. Reverend Chaney is a third-generation minister. Reverend Chaney serves as the senior minister at the historic First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, a church that is a very special place for my family. Reverend Chaney serves as an important spiritual voice for us and the Springfield community. Congress has a longstanding tradition of beginning each day in prayer. I am privileged and honored to have the opportunity to welcome Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney to the people's House as he opened today's session in prayer.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history, service and accomplishments of the National Society of Pershing Rifles, whose members and alumni will observe the organization's 125th Anniversary during its national convention, March 14 through 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1891, Second Lieutenant John J. Pershing, then a military instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, selected a top-tier group of cadets to ``promote the highest ideals of the military profession,'' among other things, within the Nebraska cadet corps. In 1894, the group was named The Pershing Rifles, in honor of their founder and mentor. Lieutenant Pershing would go on to become Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I, and remains the only active duty American to be awarded the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. Since its humble beginnings, the Pershing Rifles have vastly expanded, and now numbers more than 600 ROTC cadet and midshipman members spread across more than 60 campuses nationwide. Now in its 125th year, members remain steadfast in their determination to carry on the organization's original goal of promoting excellence in the military arts. The mission of the National Society of Pershing Rifles is to aid in the development of successful officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force; foster camaraderie and esprit de corps among all three Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs; further the purposes, traditions, and concepts of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and give civilians an opportunity to be part of a military organization without formal commitment to the military. Alumni of the Pershing Rifles have fought with valor and distinction as military and naval officers in every American conflict since the Spanish-American War. Distinguished alumni include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, among many other notable American military, political, professional, and cultural leaders. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise and recognize 125 years of service to the nation since the formation of the Pershing Rifles. Throughout their history, they have strived for excellence in all that they do and have clearly lived up to the vision of their founder. I can think of no tribute more fitting, to honor the living legacy of General of the Armies John J. Pershing and his vision for military and civic excellence.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of New Covenant Academy, located in Springfield, Missouri. New Covenant Academy was founded in 1979 by a group of parents and grandparents, who wanted to afford their children the right to a Christian education. This dedicated group could not have imagined that after 40 years in operation, the school would grow from 22 enrolled students during the first year, to 650 this academic year. It is fitting, that to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, New Covenant Academy will open a second campus, providing a new home to the 5th through 8th grade classes. The mission statement of New Covenant Academy is simple, ``New Covenant Academy is a Christian college preparatory school committed to achieving Academic Excellence teaching Biblical Truth and developing Christ-like Character for students grades JRK through 12th grade in the greater Springfield area.'' This is what that small group of dedicated parents wanted and envisioned when they set out to open this school in 1979. Mr. Speaker, New Covenant Academy has served the Springfield area for the past 40 years. Over that time, they have provided Christian education to many students, and making a lasting impact on the lives of all who walk through their doors. They have achieved their goal through hard work and faith. I am pleased to rise today, honoring a truly tremendous school.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the magnificent life of Guido Hibdon, who was a resident of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, legendary fisherman and a great friend to many. Guido was born a third-generation angler on July 10, 1946. He loved fishing so much that at the age of 13 he began guiding on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. His storied career began when a Bassmasters tournament was scheduled to be held on the Lake of the Ozarks in 1980. His family and friends convinced Guido to take a shot at testing his skills against the tournament professionals, including legends Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston and Rick Clunn. This led to the start of friendships with all these men, and a career of tournament fishing that lasted over three decades, which included winning numerous championships. Guido valued his family above all else. His wife Stella, daughter Dotty and two sons, Chuck and Dion, along with the whole extended family, were always his most faithful cheerleaders. Guido's example inspired many to take up the sport of fishing, including his son Dion, who won the Bassmasters Classic in 1997. This made the pair the only father and son to win this tournament and earned them the title, ``The First Family of Bass Fishing.'' In 2001, Guido was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, a fitting honor to a tremendous man. His passion for fishing and being on the water never faded, even after an illness forced him into retirement in 2015. Guido exemplified the finest qualities that a person could possess. His hard work and dedication to everything he held dear, and his treatment of others was indeed commendable. His daughter Dotty said it best, ``To say that he was a kind and generous man would be an understatement. He was humble and gentle with all, but still very stern and deep in treating people with dignity and respect. No matter who you were or where you came from, he gave you his time and attention.'' Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have known Guido as a friend and fellow angler. I join his family, friends and the entire bass fishing community in grieving his loss and honoring his lifetime of accomplishments and service to bass fishermen everywhere.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a good friend of mine, Richard ``Skip'' Armstrong, for his 51 years in the workforce. After more than five decades in the workforce, Skip retired on August 31, 2018, from Maranatha Village in Springfield, Missouri, where he was the Director of Facilities and Capital Projects. However, Skip's career began long before his time with Maranatha Village. At the age of 16, Skip began working in the hen houses of Lubec, Maine. Once he turned 17, he began working at North Lubec Manufacturing and Canning Company. Skip spent many years working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Cardo Automotive Products and as an independent building contractor in the city. He even started his own small business, LTD Parts, in Sparta, Tennessee, which is still in operation today. As the years passed, Skip worked all across the U.S., including Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and then finally, Missouri. Skip has been much more than a hard-working employee through the years. He is the cherished only son of the late Lewis ``Duke'' and Florence Armstrong. He has been a loving husband of 43 years to Deborah Armstrong, and a devoted father of three daughters, Janine, Jennifer and Julia, and a father-in-law to two of the best son-in-laws around, Mark and David. His grandchildren, Greyson, Charlotte, Graham and Lincoln simply can't wait to see more of Pappy in the coming years. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to say thank you to Skip for his years of hard work and commitment to southwest Missouri as well as his friendship. Fifty-one years is a long time and something worth celebrating.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Sergeant Edward Wilson (Retired) for receiving the honor of Retired Soldier of the Year. He not only served his country through his distinguished military career, but continues to serve his community and fellow veterans. In 1969, Edward Owen Wilson began his military career in the Navy when he was drafted to serve in Vietnam. After serving four years, he was honorably discharged. He again took up the cause to defend our country when he enlisted in the Army a few years later. During his time in the military he recieved a number of military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and many others. His military career helped instill the values that led to his compassion and commitment to the well-being of his fellow veterans. This fall, 1SG Edward Owen Wilson (Retired) will recieve the honor of Retired Soldier of the Year from the Retiree Council of Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. This honor is bestowed to veterans who play an important role in aiding their fellow veterans in their lives after their military service. After retiring in 1998, Mr. Wilson made it a priority to continue his service to his country with a focus on helping fellow veterans receive the assistance they need, disability or other veterans assistance programs. He also is an active volunteer for Forsyth High School JROTC Color Guard in Missouri and is involved as an Event Project Manager for the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to congratulate 1SG Edward Owen Wilson (Retired) on this distinguished honor. I hold the deepest respect for members of our military and our veterans

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the non-profit Better Life In Recovery, based in Springfield, Missouri, for its distinguished efforts to aid individuals suffering from substance abuse and other mental health issues down the long road of recovery. On September 8, Better Life In Recovery will hold a 5k/10k run in honor of Recovery Month during the month of September. Better Life In Recovery was founded to help individuals who are dealing with substance abuse and mental health with a focus on education, awareness and community service. It helps to reintegrate individuals back into their communities through volunteer work and support. Better Life In Recovery is a shining example of an organization that brings hope to others who are suffering by providing reassurance that recovery is within reach. Recovery Month is a time to honor organizations that help people fight to take back their lives and raise awareness about the challenging obstacles facing people on the path to sobriety. As many people struggle to get sober, it's the help and support from family, friends and communities that keeps them on the road to recovery. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to recognize Better Life In Recovery and its efforts to spread awareness for Recovery Month. I would also like to encourage individuals who are struggling to take back their lives to seek out support from their family, friends and communities.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: (Roll No. 368) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018; providing for proceedings during the period from July 27, 2018, through September 3, 2018--yes. (Roll No. 369) On adoption of the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018; providing for proceedings during the period from July 27, 2018, through September 3, 2018--yes. (Roll No. 370) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2017; and H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018--yes. (Roll No. 371) On adoption of the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2017; and H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018--yes. (Roll No. 372) On passage of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act--yes.