Eric Schmitt

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from Missouri, Mr. Marc Roecker. Marc is CEO and general manager of Laclede Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Lebanon, MO, and will be retiring from this position at the end of May. For nearly 42 years, Marc has been a leader in Rural Electric Cooperatives both in Iowa and Missouri. Over the past 10 years as CEO and general manager, Marc has overseen a significant amount of growth, implemented many technological improvements, and helped navigate the twists and turns of the economy, and he has done it all with a steady hand. He has been a great leader and a great friend of the Ozarks region. In his community, Marc was selected to serve on the Fort Leonard Wood Institute and Sustainable Ozarks Partnership at Fort Leonard Wood. These groups are focused on fostering the region's continued commitment to national defense and advocating for local and regional development initiatives, as well as the sustainment and growth of Fort Leonard Wood. Marc is a strong advocate for supporting the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, both past and present. Leading up to his retirement, Marc has been asked what he will miss the most. In response, he says he will miss the people he has met over the years: members, employees, board directors, and colleagues alike. He said there is something very special about being a part of an electric cooperative and working with people who are so committed to serving their members. Laclede Electric Cooperative and the Ozarks region are incredibly grateful for Marc's dedication to the electric industry and Rural Electric Cooperatives. His selfless service to his community is an incredible example of citizenship, and they are all fortunate to call him a neighbor and friend. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Marc Roecker, and I wish him the best in his much- deserved retirement.

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Mr. Edgar ``Bee'' Ernest Wilhelms, Jr., of Reynolds County, MO. Edgar Wilhelms, Jr., born in Exchange, MO, on September 12, 1925, was the last remaining World War II veteran in Reynolds County. In 1943, at 18 years old, Edgar enlisted with the U.S. Army. During his time in service, he achieved the rank of corporal and aided the Allied efforts in the European Theater. In January of 1946, Corporal Wilhelms left the Army to return to his family back in Missouri. A few months prior to his military service, Edgar married his loving wife, Lucille G. Haywood, in Ellington, MO. During their marriage, they had four children. Edgar's greatest joy in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great- grandchildren. In addition to spending time with his family, Edgar enjoyed fishing, cooking fish, and hunting quail, squirrel, deer, and elk. Edgar was also very involved in his community. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6660 in Centerville, MO, a former member of the Barnesville Masonic Lodge No. 353, and a congregant at the Ellington First Baptist Church. Edgar passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the age of 97. He is remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Edgar ``Bee'' Ernest Wilhelms, Jr., and I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time of mourning.

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, today I rise in celebration of Robert Joseph Nuelle's 95th birthday, who has and continues to live a life defined by service. Born on April 7, 1928, in Jennings, MO, to Eugene and Sophie Nuelle alongside 11 siblings, Robert attended McBride High School in St. Louis. Following World War II, he chose to serve his Nation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, the same path of his older brother Kenny. Both served as SeaBees. While serving, Robert was stationed in Pensacola, FL, and later served on a destroyer in the Korean war. He played baseball for the Navy's team, and in a very unforgettable moment, he had the opportunity to play with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams. And following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Robert played for the minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves and played semi-pro baseball for another team. While an accident at work unfortunately ended his baseball playing career, Robert found success in other arenas. Robert worked at Telegraphic Services, later renamed to TSI Graphics, a company that specialized in ``Lino-Type,'' which entailed printing books using hot lead. While at TSI Graphics, Robert transformed the company by expanding their business to major publishers in New York and ensuring that the company operated as good corporate citizens. He retired in 1993. Following his retirement, Robert became heavily involved in philanthropic efforts. He volunteered at Wings of Hope, a humanitarian aviation organization, serving as the charity's chairman for their golf tournament alongside helping in the charity's other efforts. Robert also became involved with Friends of Kids with Cancer, where he still volunteers to this day. He has been the chairman of their golf tournament, delivered food to kids going through chemotherapy, and aided in the charity's mission, which is to support children going through cancer and their families. He still remains a cherished member of their organization. Robert also volunteers at a food pantry every Monday, undeterred by the pandemic. Robert and his first wife, JoAnn, married in 1955 and moved to Creve Coeur, MO. They had two children, Robert, Jr., and Mark. JoAnn passed away in 2005 after 50 loving years of marriage. Robert was remarried to Peggy Hummert in 2009. Outside of public service, Robert plays golf every week, weather permitting, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Robert truly embodies sacrifice and service. Having served proudly in the military, spent his entire career at a single company, raised a loving family, and dedicated his retirement to philanthropy, he is a shining example of a great Missourian.

Mr. SCHMITT

Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and memory of T.E. ``Jake'' Fisher, of Portageville, MO. Jake Fisher was well known for his time as director of the University of Missouri's Delta Research Center, in Portageville, MO, which was renamed the ``Fisher'' Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center in Jake's honor after his retirement in 2011. Jake began his career at the Delta Research Center in 1961 and worked his way up from farm worker to director by 1989, until his retirement after more than 50 years with the University of Missouri. To commemorate Jake's service to the University of Missouri, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources created the T.E. Jake Fisher Scholarship Fund, to continue Jake's huge legacy of encouraging students from the Bootheel region to attend Mizzou. Jake's devotion to his community and the State of Missouri will never be forgotten. He served on numerous boards over the years and maintained connections with folks across the State. One of his most passionate roles was president of the Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, a position he held until his retirement in September of 2022. He also held positions on the boards of the M&A Electric Power Cooperative and the Associated Electric Cooperative. Jake was a fine man that will forever be remembered for possessing a heart of gold and an enormous friendly presence. I had the distinct honor of meeting Jake at the Annual Fisher Delta Research Center Field Days, an event where thousands of guests from across the State of Missouri gather to celebrate agriculture, Southeast Missouri, and life- long learning. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Jake Fisher, and I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Shelly, daughter Stacey, and remaining family and friends during this difficult time of mourning.