Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life of Army veteran and Saratoga Springs native, Richard C. Woodcock, Sr. Richard Woodcock was born on August 7, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, New York. After graduating from Saratoga Spring High School in 1958, Richard joined the U.S. Army and was subsequently honorably discharged. After his time in the military, Richard dedicated his life to serving the town and residents of Saratoga Springs. With the help of his father, Richard built Eastside Garage at 46 East Avenue in Saratoga Springs, which he owned and operated for fifty-five years. At Eastside Garage, Richard owned several tow trucks and was always willing to help his community whenever his services were needed, regardless of the time or day. He was the official tow truck driver of Saratoga Springs and a top provider for the American Automobile Association. After selling Eastside Garage, Richard opened a contract hauling business, RCW Transport. They delivered sanders and salt spreaders for Tarrant Manufacturing out of Saratoga Springs. Richard also transported materials to the new Tappan Zee Bridge Project for Fort Miller out of Greenwich, New York. During his retirement, Richard remained an active participant in his community. He was a member of the Hudson Mohawk Chapter of the American Truck Historical, where he organized performances, worked the front gate, and helped with ticket distribution. Richard also volunteered at the front desk of Matt's Service Center, which was owned by his business rival and lifelong friend Matt Ernst. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary life of Richard Woodcock. It is my hope that his active spirit and community service will be carried on by those who knew and loved him. Richard will be buried with military honors in the Saratoga National Cemetery.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 1440.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sarah Giblin Simonet on the 100th anniversary of her passing. Sarah Giblin was born in Carthage, New York on July 25, 1854, to two Irish immigrants. In 1871, Sarah married August Simonet and together, they moved to Croghan. Sarah and August had four children by the time she was twenty-three. IN 1881, Sarah enrolled in the first ever class of the Albany College of Pharmacy. There were twenty-one students in the class, twenty men and Sarah. Following her graduation from the Albany College of Pharmacy, Sarah returned to Croghan and opened a pharmaceutical practice in her general store. While working as a pharmacist, Sarah noticed the lack of adequate healthcare within her community. Sarah took it upon herself to fix this problem and enrolled at the University of Buffalo to pursue a medical degree. Upon her graduation, she returned to Croghan and became known as the ``lady physician.'' Sarah dedicated the rest of her life to treating her medically underserved community. Sarah had a remarkable career serving Croghan. Doctors and pharmacists have just recently begun prioritizing merging their practices to one location to create a more convenient and equitable medical experience. However, Dr. Simonet was doing this over a hundred years ago. The practice of merging pharmacy and medical expertise to one location is now seen as an optimal solution to provide service in rural areas. Sarah Simonet died on February 2, 1922, after a lifetime of serving her community. Even one hundred years after her death, the legacy of her work remains deeply impactful. The historical marker at the site of her former office and pharmacy on Main Street in Croghan is a testament to her lasting impact. I am proud to honor Sarah Giblin Simonet on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Paul Antonik for his exceptional career culminating in his appointment as Chief Scientist for Connectivity and Dissemination at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Antonik dedicated his long and distinguished career to developing warfighting information technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. Dr. Antonik began his work with the Department of the Air Force in 1978 as an electronic engineer at the Rome Air Development Center. After five years of service, he transitioned into the private sector, working on developing, designing, and evaluating sensor systems, waveforms, and signal processing techniques. In 1998, Dr. Antonik returned to government service and joined the Sensors Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Antonik's exceptional work earned him a spot in the Senior Executive Service in 2012 as the Chief Scientist for Connectivity and Dissemination. Dr. Antonik received six U.S. patents and authored or co-authored over fifty-five journals, papers, and reports. Additionally, Dr. Antonik won the prestigious Presidential Rank Award in 2019. As the Chief Scientist, Dr. Antonik led the Information Directorate as its principal scientific advisor and oversaw technologies that span the functional areas of command and control, communication, computer, intelligence, and cyber. Throughout his career, Dr. Antonik served the Air Force in a multitude of roles developing sensor systems and knowledge-aided signal processing techniques. Dr. Antonik was an early advocate for applying artificial intelligence into the radar signal processing chain, which is now a best practice for this type of work. I am grateful for Dr. Antonik's over thirty years of service to the Air Force and his contribution to the scientific community. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Dr. Antonik on his retirement and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the extraordinary life of retired Army Colonel Mike Plummer. Colonel Mike Plummer played a pivotal role in reactivating the 10th Mountain Infantry Division and bringing it to Fort Drum, New York. Col. Plummer's prioritization of creating an enduring bond between Fort Drum and the community forever changed the North Country. Col. Plummer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1960 prior to serving in Vietnam. For the next thirty years, Col. Plummer valiantly served in infantry units at every level of the XVIII Airborne Corps. While working at the Pentagon during the waning days of the Cold War, Col. Plummer recognized the growing importance of light infantry units. He was tasked with flying to northern New York to scope out Fort Drum as a potential base for the newly reactivated 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division. This visit would sway Col. Plummer into advocating for Fort Drum to be the home of the 10th Mountain Division. He believed the harsh winter conditions of Fort Drum would create a division that was prepared for any environment they may encounter. In 1984, Plummer brought the 10th Mountain Division to Fort Drum and immediately prioritized creating a strong relationship between the military and the North Country community. The required expansion of Fort Drum, prior to the arrival of the 10th Mountain Division, created many jobs and stimulated the economy in the North Country. Plummer's role in introducing the 10th Mountain Division into the region changed the North Country and the Watertown community forever. After serving as the 10th Mountain Division's first Chief of Staff at Fort Drum, Col. Plummer retired in 1991. Following his retirement from the Army, Col. Plummer remained committed to improving the North Country community and bettering the lives of Fort Drum soldiers. In 1992, Col. Plummer created the Adopt-a-Platoon program, which gathered community members together to write letters and send care packages to deployed soldiers and host a pizza party when they returned. This program started out local in the North Country and has now developed into a national program that has adopted service members of all branches of the military. The success of the Adopt-a-Platoon program is entirely due to Col. Plummer's dedication to ensuring the local community supports their service members. Col. Plummer dedicated his career to improving the lives of others. In addition to the Adopt-a-Platoon program, Col. Plummer served as an advisor to the Board of Directors of Advocate Drum, created the Yellow Ribbon campaign, organized scholarship funds for family members of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers killed or wounded in action. Helped establish the soldier 101 program in the North Country to give the community a better understanding of the life of a soldier, and developed the idea for the ``North Country Honors the Mountain'' monument in Watertown's Thompson Park. This monument commemorates the lasting impact that the 10th Mountain Division has on the North Country and pays tribute to the sacrifice of every Fort Drum soldier. Col. Plummer has made an indelible impact on the North Country and Fort Drum. Throughout his entire life he put his family, the 10th Mountain Division, and the North Country above himself. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to remember and celebrate the life of Col. Mike Plummer. The impact he has made on the North Country can never be overstated.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Johnstown Mayor Vern Jackson who has valiantly served the North Country and the United States for over fifty years. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Jackson on his retirement after five great years as mayor of Johnstown. Mayor Jackson has been dedicated to serving his community in many capacities throughout his storied career. Prior to entering politics, Mr. Jackson served in the United States Navy for twenty-five years and then worked for the Social Security Administration in Utica and Gloversville. After nearly thirty years at the Gloversville Social Security Office, Mr. Jackson retired and served as the chairman for the Johnstown Charter Review Commission. Subsequently, Mr. Jackson became the 4th Ward councilman and in 2017 was sworn in as the mayor of Johnstown. He was elected to complete the last year of the four-year term of his friend, the late Mayor Michael Julius. Throughout the last five years, Mayor Jackson has worked hard to better the lives of the people of Johnstown. He prioritized cooperation with the city of Gloversville and Fulton County on issues that impacted their communities. Mayor Jackson understood the importance of a city's first impression after traveling to many areas while working for the Social Security Administration. As mayor, he worked to stimulate business and motivate business owners to enhance the downtown high traffic areas and preserve historical Johnstown, providing the town with a better first impression. Mayor Jackson always had an open-door policy for any constituent who wished to meet with him. His accomplished record and willingness to serve are evident in his over fifty years of public service. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize his exceptional leadership and his example as a true public servant and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kirklin ``Kirk'' Woodcock for over 40 years of unwavering public service and congratulate him on his retirement. After serving as a Wilton Town Council Member, Mr. Woodcock devoted 34 additional years to the town as the Highway Superintendent. Mr. Kirk Woodcock is a native to the town of Wilton and was first elected to office in 1979 as a town council member. Eight years later, he ran for Highway Superintendent and has been reelected 16 times, a testament to his outstanding work for the community and the immense trust and respect the people of Wilton have for him. Throughout his 34 years serving as the Highway Superintendent, Mr. Woodcock oversaw transformative projects that facilitated Wilton's immense growth. Mr. Woodcock and his team successfully maintained, built, constructed, and plowed Wilton's 220 lane miles of road. Additionally, he has assisted many other departments in Wilton and has played a pivotal role in helping with the maintenance and construction of Gavin Park, Camp Saratoga, Grant Cottage, and the new Maple Avenue Firehouse building. Throughout his time as Highway Superintendent, Mr. Woodcock always prioritized the satisfaction of Wilton residents. In addition to going above and beyond as Highway Superintendent, Kirk has volunteered and organized fundraisers for Double H Ranch, which gives children facing life-threatening illnesses the ability to enjoy various outdoor activities in the Adirondacks, including the ski slopes that Kirk helped build. We are very grateful to Mr. Woodcock for loyally serving Wilton and its residents for the past 40 years. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank Kirk for his contributions to the town of Wilton and congratulate him on reaching this important milestone. I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Schuylerville High School football team on their impressive season and hard-fought championship game. The Schuylerville Black Horses, led by head coach John Bowen, handily won the state semifinal game 52-14, defeating Dobbs Ferry. The Black Horses had a season high rushing total in the state semifinal. The undefeated Black Horses carried this momentum with them into the championship game but came up just short of clenching their first state championship title. The Black Horses played hard throughout the entire game and put up a valiant effort in the Syracuse Carrier Dome. This loss ended the Schuylerville Black Horse's impressive winning streak, but they displayed a physical and mental toughness beyond their years this season. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Schuylerville Black Horses on their tremendous 2021 football season, culminating in a formidable effort at the state championship. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication throughout this season.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Moriah High School football team on an extraordinary season culminating in a great effort at the state championship game. For the third season in a row, the Moriah Vikings earned a spot in the state championship game at the Syracuse Carrier Dome. Led by Coach Don Tesar, the Vikings rose to the challenge of the semifinal game and overcame adversity after trailing at halftime. Their efficient offense converted three possessions into three touchdowns in the third quarter. The Vikings carried this energy and the record of an undefeated season into the state championship. The Moriah Vikings put up a valiant effort against the Tioga Tigers during the Class D New York State Championship, where they came just short of winning their first state title. Thanks to a tremendous effort put forward by the defense, the Vikings only gave up seven points in the first half. Their perseverance and determination are truly inspirational and worthy of celebration. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Moriah Vikings on their incredible 2021 season. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication throughout this year.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the AuSable Valley girls' varsity soccer team on winning the New York State Championship title. For the first time since the start of the program, the AuSable Valley girls' soccer team earned their place in the Final Four game led by head coach Lindsey Douglas. They carried this momentum with them through to the state championship game, and on November 14th, the AuSable Valley girls' soccer team made program history when they valiantly defeated the Carle Place Frogs in a 1-0 win. This momentous win was not achieved overnight. The team was focused and determined to reach this goal all season. The Patriots' unity and dedication was evident in their impressive performance in the championship game. The New York State Public High School Championship game was fiercely competitive and not easily won. Their win was no small feat and deserves to be celebrated. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the AuSable Valley girls' varsity soccer team on their tremendous win and their well-deserved state championship title. I hope that their hard work and dedication serves as inspiration for generations to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life of Navy veteran and former Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency Director, Bob Mitchell. Bob Mitchell was born in 1936 in Saratoga Springs and graduated from Al Penney Police Academy. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Navy in the midst of the Korean War. Bob was initially assigned to serve as a Signalman with Air Transport Squadron Five (VR-5) and played an important role in the occupation of Europe. Later in his career, Bob was assigned to the USS Gainard, the ship famously known for its participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis and its help with the Project Mercury space missions. Bob finished up his twenty years of military service at the Navy Recruiting Station in Buffalo, New York. During his tenure in the Navy, Bob spent over five years in foreign or sea service and retired in 1973 with the rank of Petty Officer First Class. For his courageous service, Bob was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (6th award), and the Navy Occupational Service Medal with ``E'' Clasp. After his retirement, Bob continued to dedicate his life to serving his country and community. He held positions with numerous community institutions and organizations, including the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff Department. Eventually, Bob became the Director of the Saratoga County Veteran Service Agency. His tremendous work in this role created life changing opportunities for the veterans he served. Bob organized numerous initiatives to support veterans and oversaw the creation of the Honor Deceased Veteran program. He was a true veteran's veteran. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary life of Bob Mitchell, and his brave and selfless service to his country and fellow veterans. It is my hope that his fearless spirit and bravery will be carried on by those who knew and loved him.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Garth D. Lloyd for his recognition as the 2020 Veteran of the Year. Garth Lloyd was born and raised in Rochester, New York. In 1969, Mr. Lloyd was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division as an 11 Bravo, Infantryman. Coincidentally, Mr. Lloyd's former battalion is now assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. While bravely defending his country, Mr. Lloyd was seriously wounded in action by a booby trap on February 12, 1970 and evacuated to the United States. Subsequently, Garth was medically discharged as a Specialist 4th class. For his courageous service, Mr. Lloyd was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Mr. Lloyd continued to serve his community by working at the water treatment plant in the city of Saratoga Springs. Upon his retirement in 2012, Garth began volunteering at the Saratoga County VA Mentor Program, where he served as a mentor and friend to numerous disabled veterans. Mr. Lloyd has also spent many years volunteering his time as a docent at the New York State Military Museum. He works closely with the Docent Advisory Committee and the education opportunity program, which engages middle and high school students visiting the museum. Mr. Lloyd, and his wife Diane, have instilled their commitment to service in their son, a physician's assistant at Albany Medical Center, and their three grandchildren. The Veteran of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition co- sponsored by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Garth Lloyd has led a life devoted to selfless service and volunteerism and it is clear why he was chosen as the 2020 Veteran of the Year. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Garth for his service and congratulate him on his recognition as the 2020 Veteran of the Year.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ellen Bouchard for receiving the Distinguished Personal Achievement Award from the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Ellen Bouchard is a prime example of someone deeply devoted to serving her community. In addition to working as a Business Development Officer at Dannemora Federal Credit Union, she is a dedicated member of her local Rotary Club. She has served as a board member, the chair of the Roducky Derby, and the President of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club. As a further marker of her selfless dedication, she has received numerous awards including the Rotary Paul Harris Award, Rotarian of the Year, and the Rotary President Award. Going above and beyond for her community, she has also served on the board of the Senior Citizens Council, Lake City Referrals, Go Red for Women, PBS, and Business and Professional Women. Ellen Bouchard is an outstanding role model for Girl Scouts throughout Northeast New York. Ms. Bouchard truly embodies the spirit of service present throughout the North Country. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Ms. Bouchard for her commitment to her community and congratulate her for this well-deserved recognition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Behan for receiving the 32nd Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award from the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mark Behan was born in Troy, New York, and moved to Glens Falls as a child. After graduating from Colgate University, Mr. Behan completed executive development programs at the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Law School. Following a successful career as a reporter, editor, and newspaper executive, Behan founded Behan Communications Inc., which counsels a variety of clients in public and community relations as well as crisis communications. Additionally, Mr. Behan has been actively engaged in serving the North Country for decades. For 18 years, Behan was a member and vice chair of the Board of Governors of Glens Falls Hospital. He also served on the boards of Kelly's Angels Inc., the Glens Falls Foundation, Arrow Financial Corp., and many other charitable community organizations. Behan recently led the Warren County Hospitality Communications Group to enhance the tourism industry in Warren County and is working with the Warren County's Economic Recovery Task Force. Mark Behan has led a life devoted to service, charity, and leadership. It is clear why Mr. Behan was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award from the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award is the chamber's most distinguished for community service and is named in honor of J. Walter Juckett, a remarkable businessman and civic leader. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Mark on this honor and thank him for his years of service in the North Country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of New York State Assemblyman and Assemblywoman John and Chloe Ann O'Neil on the occasion of their memorial dedication service. Prior to Mr. O'Neil's time in the Assembly, he dedicated his life to teaching students at various universities throughout upstate New York, such as Canton College of Technology. He spent over twenty years working with the United University Professions to ensure professors all over New York were well represented. Mrs. O'Neil spent her life dedicated to serving others through volunteer work at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and decades of teaching at the Parishville-Hopkins Central School. John and Chloe Ann were married in April of 1966 at Sacred Heart Church in Cicero, New York and the loving couple had two children. John and Chloe Ann O'Neil were both dedicated New York State assembly members. John was elected to the Assembly in 1980, representing the St. Lawrence County area. He served six terms, working up until his passing in 1992. Chloe Ann worked closely with John while he was in office and was subsequently elected to John's seat in a special election, serving from 1993 to 1998. Both John and Chloe Ann O'Neil were enthusiastic advocates for helping others and improving the quality of life for New York State residents. John O'Neil tragically died in a car accident in 1992 and Chloe Ann O'Neil passed away in a two-car collision in 2018. The O'Neils were true assets to the North Country and every New York State citizen has benefited from the immense civic commitment of this legendary couple. I am proud to honor the lives of John and Chloe Ann O'Neil on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ron Jackson for receiving the Francisca Irwin Award for Community Service from the Essex Community Fund. For decades, Ron Jackson has selflessly served the North Country. Mr. Jackson has lived in Essex all his life, joining the local fire company at 16 before studying engineering at SUNY-Maritime and serving with the Merchant Marines. As town Supervisor for 10 years, Mr. Jackson worked to upgrade the community sewer and water systems and helped gather funds for Beggs Park. A pillar of the local EMS and fire units, he helped to both design and build the fire house. Following the events of 9/11, he even led an ambulance crew to New York City to offer assistance. Mr. Jackson remains a devoted community leader today and currently serves on the town board. The Francisca Irwin Award for Community Service is named for ``Frisky'' Paine Irwin, who was a devoted advocate for the Adirondack community. Based on Mr. Jackson's decades of tireless service, he is undoubtedly deserving of this recognition. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I thank Mr. Jackson for his service to the North Country and congratulate him on receiving this award.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kara Maggy for receiving the Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow Award from the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Kara Maggy has been a Girl Scout for 11 years in addition to her participation in 4-H. She works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Meadowbrook Nursing Home, where she treats each resident with respect and the highest quality of care. Going above and beyond what is required of her to help others, she has twice provided potentially life-saving assistance at accidents outside of her job. As proof of her dedication to serving her community, she received the Presidential Award at her CV-TEC graduation. This young woman serves as a great example to the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Ms. Maggy truly embodies the spirit of helping her neighbor, which is present throughout the North Country. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Ms. Maggy for her commitment to her community and congratulate her for this well-deserved recognition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life of Charles Smith on the occasion of his passing. Mr. Charles Smith was born in Keene, New York in 1924 to Samuel and Elsie Smith. In 1943, he was drafted to fight in World War II and joined the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division. Mr. Smith had grown up skiing during intense winters in Upstate New York and decided to enlist as a ski trooper, soldiers specifically trained for mountainous warfare. His unit was sent to Italy where they fought in the Apennine Mountains and the Po Valley, at one point fighting for 20 continuous days and crossing 120 miles. Facing snipers, mines, and machine guns, his unit experienced the highest casualty count for their size and period in combat with 992 deaths and 4,000 wounded. While bravely defending his country, Mr. Smith was injured by enemy shrapnel but courageously continued to fight alongside his unit. Mr. Smith was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroic service to his country. After the war, Mr. Smith married his wife, Roberta Louisa Manley, and had three children. He became a carpenter and worked on building Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Always dedicated to his community, he was also a proud volunteer at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for over a decade. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary life of Charles Smith, and his brave and selfless service to his country. It is my hope that his fearless spirit and bravery will be carried on by those who knew and loved him.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jacqueline Prather for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Jacqueline Prather is the dedicated Child Care Director of the Plattsburgh YMCA Bright Beginnings. She embodies everything the YMCA stands for and always does her job with respect and care. In addition to her work at the YMCA, she is a military wife who has supported numerous community projects at every location her husband has been stationed. Her impact over the past 25 years has been exceptionally far-reaching. She has worked to ensure over 2,000 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have a loving place to prepare for kindergarten. Ms. Prather truly embodies the spirit of care present throughout the North Country. She is a wonderful role model for girls throughout the region. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Ms. Prather for her commitment to young people and her community, and congratulate her for this well-deserved recognition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Louis Tessier for his decades of service to Lake George and all of Warren County, New York, and to mark the dedication of ''Lou Tessier Way'' at the Warren County Airport. Louis Tessier first came to Lake George in the 1970s when he purchased the Four Seasons Hotel. He quickly got involved in the local community and was elected to the Lake George Town Board in 1982. Just two years later, Mr. Tessier was elected as Supervisor of the Board, a position he held until his retirement in 2009. His long list of accomplishments in this role includes overseeing $500,000 in renovations for the Lake George Town Hall, acquiring the land for Usher Park Beach, and assisting in building the Scoville Learning Center at Adirondack Community College. In addition to his years of service on the Lake George Town Board, he also served as Chairman of the Board for Warren County's Board of Supervisors, budget officer for Warren County, and a member of the American Legion. A pilot himself, Louis Tessier was a devoted advocate for the Warren County Airport, He went out of his way to support the staff and assist them whenever they needed help. He put in hours of work to help organize the Adirondack Balloon Festival. In honor of his commitment to the airport and the community it serves, the Warren County Board of Supervisors unanimously decided to rename the entrance road to the airport ``Lou Tessier Way.'' Mr. Tessier truly embodies the community spirit present throughout the North Country. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Mr. Tessier for his decades of service to Lake George and Warren County and congratulate him for this well-deserved recognition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Don Gruneisen for receiving the prestigious Betsy Kaplan Award from the St. Lawrence County Republican Committee. Mr. Gruneisen has been a dedicated community leader in St. Lawrence County for decades. Since he first became active in local politics in the 1980s, he has been a consistent voice for the members of his community and the causes that he believes in. Today, he serves as the St. Lawrence County Republican Committee Treasurer, a Regional GOP Chairman, and as the Potsdam Republican Town Chair. The Betsy Kaplan Award, named after a former St. Lawrence County Republican Committee Chairperson, is given by the St. Lawrence County Republican Executive Committee to Republicans who go above and beyond to serve their North Country community. Based on Mr. Gruneisen's decades of activism and service, he is undoubtedly deserving of this recognition. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I thank Mr. Gruneisen for his service to the North Country and congratulate him on receiving this award.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Bowman on the occasion of his retirement as the Veterans Services Agency Director for Clinton County, New York. Steve has dedicated his life to the well-being of his country and his community. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for 18 years before retiring in 1994. In 2004, Steve was appointed as the Director of Veterans Services Agency for Clinton County. In this role, he has worked tirelessly to support the veteran community, serving a staggering 800 veterans a month on average. Throughout my time in Congress, Steve has been a vital resource, working closely with my office to assist veterans throughout the North Country. In addition to his work as the Director of Veterans Services, he is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the North Country Veterans Association. Finally, on top of everything he has done for the Clinton County veteran community, Steve and his wife Gail are also small business owners, operating a family diner in Rouses Point. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Steve and congratulate him on reaching this important milestone. His dedication to our North Country veterans has left a significant impact on the community. I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the unveiling of her statue in her hometown of Johnstown, New York. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a legendary leader in the fight for women's rights, particularly for women's suffrage. She was a key organizer of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which is credited with launching the women's rights movement in the United States. Stanton was the primary drafter of the Declaration of Sentiments which detailed the rights championed at the convention. Stanton went on to found the National Women's Suffrage Association, which she presided over for 20 years. In 1866, Stanton became the first woman to run for Congress, even though she did not yet have the right to vote herself. In addition to her important work fighting for women, she also took up the cause of slavery. An ardent abolitionist, she co- founded the Women's Loyal National League to encourage Congress to pass the 13th Amendment, making slavery illegal. Elizabeth Cady Stanton died in 1902 after a lifetime fighting for equality. The 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote, would not become law for 18 more years. Over 100 years after her death, the legacy of her work remains deeply impactful. This statue erected in her hometown of Johnstown, New York is a testament to the lasting effect that her fight for equality had on this nation. I am proud to honor Elizabeth Cady Stanton on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of United States Navy Seaman 1st Class Lyal J. Savage. At the age of 19, Seaman 1st Class Savage gave his life in service to this nation during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His remains were accounted for on July 29th, 2019, after being declared dead while missing in action for nearly 80 years. Seaman 1st Class Savage was born in 1922 to Roswell ``Ross'' Savage and Elizabeth Savage. During World War II he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Oklahoma. On December 7th, 1941 the USS Oklahoma was hit by enemy torpedoes while docked at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. The sinking of the USS Oklahoma claimed the lives of 429 crewmen, including Seaman 1st Class Savage, who was declared dead while missing in action. On July 29th, 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was able to declare Lyal Savage accounted for nearly 80 years after his death. Lyal Savage received the Purple Heart for his heroism and sacrifice on that fateful day. On August 21, 2021, Seaman 1st Class Savage will reach his final resting place in his hometown of Dexter, New York, where he will be buried with full military honors. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I thank Seaman 1st Class Savage for his service and his sacrifice, and I am proud to honor his legacy of defending American liberty, freedom, and democracy.