David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gerald Kirke of Des Moines, Iowa, for his induction into the 2017 Iowa Business Hall of Fame. The Greater Des Moines Committee founded the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 1975 to honor Iowans who have helped to enhance the state's business climate. Gerald is the Chairman and CEO of Kirke Financial Services, L.L.C., an investment, real estate and consulting firm he founded in 1999. His other business ventures over his long career include owning a company that manufactured patient fixation and tumor targeting software, a carbon fiber composite manufacturing plan, and an entertainment company that operates three casinos in Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Gerald on his induction into the 2017 Iowa Business Hall of Fame and commend him for his dedication to our great state. It is with great pride that I recognize him today and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rolling Hills Bank and Trust of Anita, Iowa, for celebrating over 140 years in business. Founded in July of 1876, Rolling Hills Bank has remained dedicated to family traditions and committed to making its community better. Their motto is: ``A Homeowned Hometown Bank Investing in People.'' Originally named the Anita State Bank, its name was changed in 1989 to Rolling Hills Bank and Trust. They have seen a lot during their time in operation, helping customers through the Great Depression and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. The bank has expanded with branches in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. Bank officials are committed especially to helping students and families in agriculture through their Heifer program. Each year, they purchase ten heifers then select students to raise them so they can experience the responsibility of raising the heifers, maintaining records, and the cost associated with it. After five years, the students pay back the bank in cash or with bred heifers that are passed on to the next year's recipients. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Rolling Hills Bank and Trust for their many years of dedicated and devoted service to their customers. It is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in applauding their accomplishments and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the RailsWest Museum of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for maintaining 150 years of railroad history in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. RailsWest Museum is located in the former depot of the Chicago, Rock Island Pacific railroads. The RailsWest Museum is operated by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and the building and grounds have been renovated to preserve its rich history. The depot that houses the current museum was built in 1899, but the original depot was built in 1870. During its years in operation the depot saw thousands of local soldiers leave Council Bluffs for military duty, and it was also a welcome sight when many of them returned home after their military service. The Rock Island Line's last day of operation was March 31, 1980. Today, the museum promotes 150 years of railroad history with displays, artifacts, and exhibits. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate the RailsWest Museum for their dedicated and devoted service in preserving the railroad history of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County. It is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the RailsWest Museum's accomplishments and in wishing the staff and volunteers nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jody Reynolds of Des Moines, Iowa, for being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. Jody has been a tireless advocate for children her entire life. Her experience with birth complications with her third child opened her eyes to what services were and were not available, and led her to advocacy. She's helped to raise $109 million for Variety--The children's Charity over the years, and served as the first female president of Variety International. One of the many words of advice she offered to the magazine was to press forward through adversity, and to also enjoy the journey. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Jody for being named a ``Sage Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud her for her service to her community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jody for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Paul Danforth of Des Moines, Iowa, for being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. Paul is a longtime leader in the clinical social work community, having the distinction of being the first African-American to have a private practice in Des Moines and serving as an instructor at three universities. He's been a longtime advocate for social justice, and has devoted countless hours to making a difference for the community's most vulnerable people. One of the many words of advice he gave to the magazine included to not give up, and to think positively. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Paul for being named a ``Sage Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud him for his service to his community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Paul for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joyce Chapman of Des Moines, Iowa, for her being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors those community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. Joyce dedicated 55 years to West Bank in Des Moines, where she became the first female executive vice president, established the bank's foundation which provides grants to charities, and served as a mentor to other women in the banking industry. Today, women make up half of the officers of the bank to which she devoted so many decades. She was also honored to be the first female president of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. One of the many words of advice she offered to the magazine was to ``show up each day to contribute and make a difference.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Joyce for being named a ``Sage Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud her for her service to her community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Joyce for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Don Blumenthal of West Des Moines, Iowa, for being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. Don grew up in his father's scrap-iron yard company, and launched several businesses over his career beginning in 1964 with Steel Warehousing, Inc. Don and his wife, Margo, are just as well-known through for their philanthropic efforts in the Des Moines area, supporting organizations such as Youth Emergency Services and Shelter, United Way of Central Iowa, Varity--The Children's Charity, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and the Blank Park Zoo. One of his many words of wisdom he has offered to the magazine is to ``remember the community that has made your life possible.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Don for being named a ``Sages Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud him for his service to his community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Don for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Stephen Roberts of Des Moines, Iowa, for being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. Stephen, a senior shareholder in the Davis Brown law firm, was an early advocate for women at the firm which lead to the quick hiring of its first five female attorneys. Stephen is well-known for his past service as chairman and national committee member for the Republican Party of Iowa, and has also been active with the American Cancer Society for over 40 years. One of the many words of advice he gave to the magazine included to ``give something back to the community. You'll get more out of it than what you put in.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Stephen for being named a ``Sage Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud him for his service to his community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Stephen for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jim Cownie of Des Moines, Iowa, for being named one of dsm Magazine's 2017 ``Sages Over 70.'' The ``Sages Over 70'' award honors community leaders who continue to serve as mentors and leaders when others have retired. After graduating from Notre Dame, Jim founded Heritage Communications which would become the ninth-largest cable TV operator in the country when he sold the company in 1987 and went into real estate development. Jim and his wife, Patty, have been longtime supporters of the United Way of Central Iowa and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. One of the many words of advice he offered to the magazine was to volunteer. ``That's more important than money,'' he said. He continued, ``We can't have a great city without great volunteers and philanthropists.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Jim for being named a ``Sage Over 70'' by dsm Magazine, and applaud him for his service to his community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jim for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jan and Karl Knock for being inducted into the Creston High School Hall of Fame as Distinguished Contributors on Friday, September 29, 2017. Karl and Jan were deeply involved in the Creston school district by providing programs and opportunities for students. One of those programs is the school's Environmental and Spatial Technology class (EAST). They have also been involved with the Character Counts program and with diversity programs. Karl was a 1968 graduate of Creston schools and after moving back to Creston with Jan in 1989, wanted to make Creston a place where today's students can thrive. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jan and Karl for receiving this award, and for providing the youth in Iowa's 3rd district the education that they will need to be successful. It is with great pride that I recognize leaders like Jan and Karl in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this outstanding achievement and in wishing them both nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Randy Hughes. Randy was inducted into the Creston High School Hall of Fame as Distinguished Faculty on Friday, September 29, 2017. For 36 years, Randy served the Creston community as an educator to their youth. He taught social studies with a relaxed style with which students could relate. He brought current events into the curriculum and related them to our country's history. He coached students for the Academic Decathlon for 10 years, served as the Student Council advisor and coached girls' tennis. After retirement from Creston high school, Randy taught at Southwestern Community College and continued to be an active part of the Creston community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Randy for receiving this award, and for providing the youth in Iowa's 3rd district the education that they will need to be successful. It is with great pride that I recognize leaders like Randy in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Wahl Optical of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for celebrating 80 years in business. Wahl Optical was founded in 1937 by Dr. G.H. Wahl. Today, they have two optometrists on staff who perform many services for their customers. Bob Wahl, the current owner of his family business, has been working there since 1977. He came into the store to get his glasses fixed and started waiting on customers and answering the telephone. His father saw this and convinced his son to come on board to work in the family business. Bob decided to stay and give it a chance. Over the years, Wahl Optical has built the reputation of being a friendly business, willing to go above and beyond for their customers. Bob said, ``I take a lot of pride in making sure people in the Council Bluffs area have every opportunity to look as fashionable as they want to be.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Wahl Optical for its many years of dedicated and devoted service to Council Bluffs, Iowa and the surrounding area. It is with great pride that I recognize them today and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Wahl Optical for this outstanding achievement and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on my colleagues in Congress to quickly pass a 5-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program. In Iowa, around 85,000 children rely on CHIP for their health. This is very important to so many families in our Third District. I am grateful a short-term solution was included as part of the continuing resolution passed last week; however, we must do more. On November 3, the House passed legislation to extend funding for CHIP for 5 years, with the support of every Iowa Representative. However, since that time, we have been waiting for our colleagues in the Senate to act. They need to act now. We must work together to fund this critical program which has bipartisan support and bicameral support. The health of our children is at stake. Children in low- and middle-income families will be those hit the hardest if we do not fully fund CHIP. With Iowa families left without coverage and access to needed medical services for their children, we must act. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to include an extension of CHIP in the important bills we will be considering in the weeks ahead, because families shouldn't be worrying about losing coverage for their children. As Congress continues to work on the many important issues facing our country, I know I, and other colleagues, will continue to support this.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barbara and Arlin Bell of Council Bluffs, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 15, 2017. Barbara and Arlin's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Marilyn and Clark Batten of Clarinda, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 30, 2017. Marilyn and Clark's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together, and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mary Ann and Jim Jillson of Clarinda, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 29, 2017. Mary Ann and Jim's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Linda Piper of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on her recent retirement as the System Analyst for the City of Council Bluffs. Linda was hired as a switchboard operator by the City of Council Bluffs on September 15, 1970, and retired after exactly 47 years of service on September 15, 2017. Linda has held several positions during her career with the City. She worked in the City Treasurer's office, serving as a data processing technician and data processing coordinator as the computer technology evolved at City Hall. When the city created an IT Department, Linda was promoted to Systems Analyst, the position she held at retirement. Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said, ``Linda has been a great employee and a great individual. She will be missed by everyone in City Hall.'' Mr. Speaker, Linda has made a difference by helping and serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating her for this outstanding accomplishment, and in wishing her nothing but the best in her retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Velva and Eldon Cole of Winterset, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married at the Methodist Church in Macksburg, Iowa on October 1, 1967. Velva and Eldon's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them both nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Bethel and Ronald Lamb of Council Bluffs, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 28, 2017. Bethel and Ronald's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 65th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 65th year together, and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kjella and Doug Piper of Panora, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 2, 2017. Kjella and Doug's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together, and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them both nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ruth and Jerry Polak of Council Bluffs, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 29, 1947 in Minnesota. Ruth and Jerry's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 70th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 70th year together, and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tim Sindt, a member of the Ankeny High School cross country team, for winning the Class 4A state boys' cross country championship earlier this year. After finishing eighth in the 2016 championship, Tim committed himself to a strict training regimen and gives a lot of credit to his coaches for building confidence in him and his teammates leading up to the 2017 season. At this year's meet, Tim finished the 3.1 mile race in an astounding 15 minutes and 23.7 seconds, propelling him to the top of his sport in the state of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, Tim's determination, hard work, and commitment helped contribute to his great success. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Tim for winning this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sankalp Yamsani. Sankalp and his fellow teammates created the winning app, City Recycle Day, as part of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Their team is combined of students who attend Waukee High School and PrairieView Middle School in Waukee, Iowa. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn how to code through annual district-wide competitions hosted by Members of Congress from their home district. The team's app is entitled ``City Recycle Day''. It is designed to alert members of a community as to the date of their next trash/recycle pickup day. It also alerts users of special pickups and delays. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sankalp and his teammates for creating the winning app, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Sankalp and his teammates on this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Owen Scott. Owen and his fellow teammates created the winning app, City Recycle Day, as part of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Their team is combined of students who attend Waukee High School and Prairie View Middle School in Waukee, Iowa. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn how to code through annual district-wide competitions hosted by Members of Congress from their home district. The team's app is entitled ``City Recycle Day''. It is designed to alert members of a community as to the date of their next trash/recycle pickup day. It also alerts users of special pickups and delays. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Owen and his teammates for creating the winning app, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Owen and his teammates on this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sabarish Mogallapalli. Sabarish and his fellow teammates created the winning app, City Recycle Day, as part of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Their team is combined of students who attend Waukee High School and PrairieView Middle School in Waukee, Iowa. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn how to code through annual district-wide competitions hosted by Members of Congress from their home district. The team's app is entitled ``City Recycle Day''. It is designed to alert members of a community as to the date of their next trash/recycle pickup day. It also alerts users of special pickups and delays. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sabarish and his teammates for creating the winning app, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Sabarish and his teammates on this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.