Luke Messer

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Scott Silveus for his contribution to our state. During my entire tenure in Congress, Scott has been a loyal friend and wise adviser. Scott is also a leader in Indiana's agriculture industry, serving as an executive at Silveus Insurance Group. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Scott is a brother in Christ. I have appreciated his prayers and encouragement over the years. I want to thank him for his friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Kenzie Kittle, for her work in my office and her service to our state. Kenzie served in my Washington, D.C. office during my first and second term in Congress, as a staff assistant and later as our press secretary. In that role, she helped lead our communications effort on social media and assisted countless constituents from our District. Since leaving our office, Kenzie has managed social media accounts for major U.S. companies and now works as a Social Media Strategist at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition, she runs a thriving life and style blog, called Simply J&K, covering fashion, food, drinks and more. On a personal note, Kenzie is a positive spirit and kind soul with a big smile. Literally, every day, Kenzie made our office a better place to work, and she was a valuable member of our team. I want to thank Kenzie for her friendship and her hard work in our office. I wish her and Jordan continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Josh Owens, for his work in my office and his service to our state. Josh served in my Washington, D.C. office as an economic policy adviser during my first term in Congress. In that role, he served as the staff lead for our work on the House Budget Committee, he helped develop legislation, and advised me on economic policy issues. Since leaving our office, Josh has taught economics at Butler and Indiana University and now serves as the CEO of SupplyKick, a thriving Indianapolis-based online marketplace retailer. On a personal note, I cherish my friendship with Josh and his parents. Josh and I are both proud alums of Wabash College too. I wish him and Andy continued success in all that remains ahead for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on the 6th Congressional District Education Advisory Committee. The members of the Advisory Committee met with my team regularly to discuss important education issues in Indiana. During the time I've served in Congress, numerous education issues have been at the center of the national stage. This Committee advised me on everything from school nutrition to higher education finance. The Committee's valuable insight helped me better represent Hoosiers from the 6th Congressional District in Congress. I would like to thank all of the members of the Committee, including Dave Pfaff, Dave Adams, Jim Roberts, Chris Hoke, Ryan Mikus, Paul Ketcham, Jeff Whorley, Jr., John Ellserer, Dennis Ice, Elizabeth Jones, Kathleen Mote, Chris Gage, Jill Landers, Sam Snideman, Steve Fisher, Mary McCoy, Tim Scales, Curt Merlau, and Brelyn Nolting. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to making Indiana a better place to live for all Hoosiers. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on the 6th Congressional District Faith Based Advisory Committee. The members of the Advisory Committee met with my team regularly to discuss important faith issues in Indiana. During the time I've served in Congress, numerous issues relating to religious freedom, life, marriage, and faith have been at the center of the national stage. The Committee's valuable insight helped me better represent Hoosiers from the 6th Congressional District in Congress. I would like to thank all of the members of the Committee, including Glenn Tebbe, Clay Morgan, Steve Yeaton, Larry Gember, Sister Joan Miller, Frank Baldwin, Ryan McCann, Shane Whybrew, Pamela Russell, Mathew Barnes, Brett Fischer, and Marcus Schrader. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to making Indiana a better place to live for all Hoosiers. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served of the 6th Congressional District Veterans Advisory Committee. The members of the Advisory Committee met with my team regularly to discuss emerging veterans issues in Indiana. We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and for their service and sacrifices to our country. Ensuring we honor the commitment to all of those who have served has been a top priority of mine since coming to Congress. The Committee's valuable insight helped me better represent Hoosier veterans' priorities in Congress. I want to thank all of the members of the Committee, including Emmy Hildebrand, Mark Pillar, and Rick Caldwell. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to making Indiana a better place to live for all veterans. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Wade and Gertrude Whitaker for their contribution to our state and their community. Wade and Gertrude have made a positive and lasting impact in Connersville and embody exactly what ``Hoosier hospitality'' is meant to be. I could always count on them, and I know our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service in Fayette County. On a personal note, the Whitakers were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. They are loyal confidants and wise advisers. I want to thank them for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on the 6th Congressional District Manufacturing Advisory Committee. The members of the Advisory Committee met with my team regularly to discuss emerging manufacturing issues that are impacting Indiana. Manufacturing accounts for nearly one-third of the total GDP in Indiana and manufacturers employ more than a half of a million Hoosiers across our state. The Committee's valuable insight helped me better represent Hoosiers in the 6th Congressional District in Congress. I would like to thank all of the members of the Committee, including Jody Fledderman, John Meredith, Chris King, Whitney Foughty, Dominic Grote, John Linville, Kevin Ahaus, Lawrence McCormack, Lisa Kobe, Mike Wickersham, Ryan Hou, Sue Smith, Timothy Rushenberg, Tom Ryder, and Blair Wheat. I appreciate their service on the Advisory Committee and their dedication to making Indiana a better place to live for all Hoosiers. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on the 6th Congressional District Agriculture Advisory Committee. The members of the Advisory Committee met with my team regularly to discuss emerging agriculture issues in Indiana. Agriculture has played a critical role in Indiana's economy throughout our state's history. Indiana is home to nearly 60,000 farms that produce a wide variety of crops and livestock. The Committee's valuable insight helped me better represent Hoosier farmers' priorities in Congress. I would like to thank all of the members of the Committee, including Anngie Steinbarger, David Howell, Mark Bacon, Matt Chapman, Elaine Gillis, Jim Douglas, Gerald Guack, Leah Beyer, Brett Glick, Harold Cooper, Jeremy Russell, Eugene Whitehead, Kari Steele, Jonathan Sparks, Ed Yanos, Andrew Fix, Clark Jordan, Tom Chalfant, Tyler Silveus, Christian McCray, Bryan Fischer, Scott Logue, and Tobe Forshtay. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to making Indiana a better place to live for all Hoosiers. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on our 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board. As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating young Hoosiers from Indiana's 6th Congressional District to the United States Military Service Academies. Each Member of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for each available vacancy to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Each year, the members of the 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board work with my staff and I to evaluate the applications of young men and women from our District who are seeking admittance to a military academy. During my time in Congress, we have nominated more than 90 young men and women to these academies. Many of them have since graduated and are currently serving our country. I want to thank all of the members of the Nomination Board, including, Nate LaMar, Jan Frazier, Robert Morrow, David Martin, and Kelly Poltrack for their service. The Board's insight and experience has always been helpful to me and my staff. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to our country. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Tres York, for his work in my office and his service to our state. Tres worked in my Shelbyville office for over a year, serving as a staff assistant and driver. Tres is a hard worker and was a huge asset to our organization. Since leaving our office, Tres has worked for the Indiana House of Representatives, MIBOR Realtor Association, and now is an Advisor for Foresters Financial. On a personal note, Tres is my friend. We share a love for the life lessons of sports and a commitment to family. I want to thank Tres for his friendship and his hard work in our office. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family. I will be cheering Tres on every step of the way.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Stephen Goddard, for his work in my office and his service to our state. Stephen worked on our team during the 115th Congress, serving as a legislative fellow in my Washington, D.C. office. In this role, Stephen was responsible for advising me on a variety of policy issues, managing our internship program, handling tour requests, and writing consistent mail. He also helped write the Eastern Legacy Extension Act, which extends the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail eastward. The bill recently passed by the House of Representatives and awaits action in the Senate. Since leaving our office, he has gone on to work as an Account Manager at Bloomberg Government. I want to thank Stephen for his friendship and his hard work in our office. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Tyler Costas, for his work in my office and his service to our state. Tyler worked in my Indiana office for nearly a year, serving as a member of our political operations team. He also interned in our Washington, D.C. office, where he was responsible for giving tours of the Capitol, and working with our legislative team. Tyler has an incredible work ethic and was a tremendous asset to our team. On a personal note, I admire Tyler's loyalty, intellect and work ethic. He has been a valuable member of our team, and I have no doubt Tyler's future is very bright. I want to thank Tyler for his friendship and his hard work in our office. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Jody Fledderman for his contribution to our state and community. Jody is a loyal friend and has been a wise adviser during my entire tenure in Congress. As a member of the 6th District Manufacturing Advisory Committee, Jody regularly met with my team to discuss emerging manufacturing issues that are impacting Indiana. He is also a community leader and employer at Batesville Tool and Die in Ripley County. Our state is better off today because of Jody's extraordinary leadership and service. I also want to thank Jody for his support of my work in Congress. He is a good man and one of my favorite people from the 6th District. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize former State Senator Beverly Gard for her contribution to our state. For 24 years, Bev represented Hancock and Shelby counties with honor and integrity in the Indiana General Assembly. She established herself as a tenacious and effective leader in the Senate and always put the interests of her district first. It was an honor to serve with Bev during my time in the Indiana General Assembly. On a personal note, Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with Bev. She has been a loyal friend and a wise adviser to me during my entire tenure in Congress. Both Jennifer and Bev are proud alums of the University of Tennessee and Bev was also among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank Bev for her friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish her continued success in all that God has planned for her and her family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Mayor Damon Welch for his contribution to our state and the City of Madison. Over the years, Damon has been a loyal friend and wise adviser to me. He has also served the City of Madison, as mayor, with honor and integrity. Damon has made improving the quality of life in the community his main priority for years. Several economic development initiatives, including being designated as a Stellar Community in 2017, have been the result of Damon's hard work and commitment to the historic City of Madison. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Damon is a brother in Christ. I have truly appreciated his prayers and encouragement over the years. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize J.R. and Carol Showers for their contribution to our state and their community. The Showers have made a positive and lasting impact in Shelbyville and embody exactly what ``Hoosier hospitality'' is meant to be. When J.R. served as County Chairman, we worked extensively together to support Republican candidates and principles. Our state is better off today because of the Showers' extraordinary leadership and service in their community. On a personal note, I have known J.R. and Carol for the past two decades. They hosted my first event as a state legislator in Shelby County. And, they have supported our efforts every step of the way since. J.R. and Carol are loyal friends and wise advisers. Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with the Showers and I will always be grateful for their support of my work in Congress. We wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Mayor Mike Bettice for his contribution to our state and the City of Batesville. Throughout his career, Mike has served the City of Batesville with honor and integrity. As mayor, Mike has done an incredible job of engaging the Batesville community and working to ensure its success. Our state is better off today because of his leadership and service. On a personal note, we are both proud alums of Wabash College. Mike is a loyal confidant and among my closest friends in politics. I want to thank him for his support of my work in Congress and wish Mike continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Bill and Kaye Whitehead for their contribution to our state and their community. The Whiteheads have spent their lives serving the Delaware County community. They are full-time farmers but Bill and Kaye spend much of their time serving their community in numerous capacities. Their embodiment of ``Hoosier hospitality'' has truly made a difference in Delaware County and our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, I've known the Whiteheads for 18 years. Jennifer and I cherish their friendship. Bill, like me, overachieved in marriage. The Whiteheads were also among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I am forever grateful to Bill and Kaye for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Jeff and Danae Sponsel for their contribution to our state and country. Over the years, Jeff and Danae have served the City of Shelbyville and Shelby County in a variety of roles with honor and distinction. Jeff is always quick with a joke, yet has a fiery passion for serving his fellow Hoosiers. He has spent years serving in various positions in the community, including on the City Council and as the Shelby County Election Deputy. Danae is a rock star and has dedicated herself toward advancing Republican principles with the local party. It has been an honor to work with them and our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Jeff and Danae were among my earliest supporters of my first run for the state legislature. Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with both Jeff and Danae and I would like to thank them for their support of my work in Congress. We wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Dr. David Welsh for his contribution to our state and his community. This year, Dr. Welsh was honored for Excellence in State Advocacy for his lifelong commitment to advocating on behalf of patients in Indiana and his encouragement of other surgeons to engage in advocacy. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, the Doc is among my closest friends in politics and was one of my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank him for his friendship and incredible support of my work in Congress. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Barb Hackman for her contribution to our state and Bartholomew County. As Chair of the Bartholomew County Republican Party, Barb has given countless hours toward advancing our shared conservative principles. Barb's positive spirit and quick smile have made an incredible difference in Columbus. Our state is better off today because of her extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Barb is among my closest friends in politics. She is a loyal friend and a wise adviser. I want to thank Barb for her incredible support of my work in Congress. And, I wish her continued success in all that God has planned for her family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Victor Whitehead for his contribution to Delaware County, and our state. Victor is a hard worker and a great advocate as County Chair in Delaware County. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to advance Republican values and to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers living in the City of Muncie. It has been an honor to work with him. Our state and Delaware County is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Victor has been a loyal friend and wise adviser during my entire tenure in Congress. I would like to thank him for his friendship and support of my work. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Mayor Mike Ochs for his contribution to our state and the City of North Vernon. Throughout his career, Mike has served Jennings County and the City of North Vernon with honor and integrity. From his time as a sheriff's deputy to his service as mayor, Mike has made improving the quality of life in North Vernon and the surrounding area his main priority. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Mike has been a loyal friend and wise adviser during my entire tenure in Congress. I want to thank him for his friendship and support of my work. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Scott and Tara Smalstig for their contribution to our state and their community. The Smalstigs are an institution in Delaware County and have spent their lives devoted to improving their community. I have known Scott and Tara for over 20 years, as they set Jennifer and me up on a blind date in Muncie. Scott is an executive at Meridian Health Services and spends his free time giving back to the community and coaching youth sports. Tara is an attorney at a law firm in Muncie and is continually recognized for excellence in the legal profession. She has also spent years serving on local boards and volunteering for community organizations. Without a doubt, Delaware County is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. This may go without saying, but the Smalstigs were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I would like to thank them for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. The Messer family cherishes the time we get to spend with them, and we wish them all the best in whatever God has planned for their family.