David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Shriya Magatapalli. Shriya and her 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 Shriya and her 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 Shriya and her 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 Mary Ellen Devereux-Taylor and Carrol Taylor of Mount Ayr, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 25, 1962 at the Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell, Iowa. Mary Ellen and Carrol's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 55th 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 55 years 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 continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeanie and Bob Day of Creston, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on October 19, 2017. Jeanie and Bob's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our 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 both nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mary and Larry Harrison of Council Bluffs, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 9, 1967 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning, Iowa. Mary and Larry'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 Dale Sunderman of Atlantic, Iowa, who recently celebrated 40 years of service in the Cass County Auditor's office. Dale has served as County Auditor since 1984. Dale began employment in the Cass County Auditor's office on October 10, 1977. Dale said, ``I was hired because of my background in mathematics and accounting. Logic is a good part of the job, too.'' His first role was to assist with the elections. Dale said he has seen many changes in the Auditor's office over the years from a manual record keeping process to the modern computer technology of today. He said he has worked with many different county supervisors, and he felt he always had a great working relationship with them, and focused on serving the citizens of Cass County. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Dale Sunderman for the 40 years of service he has provided to the citizens of Cass County, Iowa. He is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can make a difference in so many lives. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dale and wishing him nothing but continued success in all his endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Nodaway Valley High School Boys Cross Country team for winning the Iowa Class 1A State Cross Country Championship for the third consecutive year. In addition to the championship, the team set a program record with an average time of 16:56 for their seven varsity runners. I would like to congratulate each member of the team: Runners: Brycen Wallace, Skyler Rawlings, Austin Lundy, Joel Blazek, Joshua Baudler, Tyler Breheny and Ben Breheny Head Coach: Darrell Burmeister Assistant Coaches: David Swanson, Phyllis Eshelman, Alyse Herr Dreher Mr. Speaker, the example set by these students and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating these young men for their achievements in this rigorous competition and wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Irene Stimson of Blanchard, Iowa on the very special occasion of her 100th birthday. Irene was born on October 19, 1917. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Irene's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Irene has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-five Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Irene in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Irene on reaching this incredible milestone, and in wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Berta and Charlie Kordick of Winterset, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married on October 25, 1952 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Granger, Iowa. Berta and Charlie's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our 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 65 years 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 continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Terry and Connie Buttler of Guthrie Center, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on September 30th. Terry and Connie'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 continued success.

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 congratulate and recognize Diana Deibler for being named a 2017 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 18 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavours throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Diana has spent her life utilizing the work ethic instilled upon her at an early age after growing up on her family's farm in Donnellson, Iowa. She dreamed of being a television anchor but found herself going down a different path as a broadcast reporter and producer. Later, she used the skills and experience she gained in the news business to have a successful career in marketing and consulting. Her success allowed her to also dedicate her time and talents to the Des Moines community, serving nine years on the board of Mercy Medical Center, and nine years on the Mercy College of Health Sciences board. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Diana in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community, and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Diana on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Diana nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jennie Baranczyk, head coach of Drake University's women's basketball team, for being named a 2017 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 18 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavours throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Jennie is no stranger to success. During her time as a member of the women's basketball team at the University of Iowa she was named First Team All-Big Ten in 2003. Her outstanding athletics accomplishments early on in her career have translated into her new role as the head coach of Drake University's women's basketball team. In her first year as head coach, Jennie was given a team that finished with a record of 11-20 the prior year. Her unyielding commitment to excellence and hard work have turned the fortunes of the basketball program around, finishing last season 28-5, champions of the Missouri Valley Conference, and making an appearance in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Jennie in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her team, her community and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jennie on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Jennie a long and successful career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Zach Barnes of Southeast Polk High School for winning the Class 3A, 145 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Winning state championships is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, not only on the part of Zach, but also his parents, his family, coaches and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Zach demonstrates the rewards of dedication, and perseverance. I am proud to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Zach on competing in 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 Robert Thompson, of Afton, Iowa, for receiving the 2017 East Union's Military Service Recognition Award. The Afton Star Enterprise reported that ``Robert Thompson was a 1957 Afton High School graduate who enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1957 to 1979. He had two assignment periods in Viet Nam during the Viet Nam War, and while there received two Bronze Star Awards and a Silver Star for his action in combat and a Purple Heart for a combat-related injury.'' In addition to his service in Vietnam, Robert was stationed in other locations, like Iceland and Panama, before returning home to Afton with his family. He retired from the Army in 1979. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent Iowans like Robert in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Robert for receiving this outstanding designation 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 Bill McAllister of Clarinda, Iowa who recently retired from the Page County Sheriff's Department with 37 years of service in law enforcement. Bill's service to our country began as a member of the United States Army Military Police. He later began his career in law enforcement in 1980 with the Nebraska City, Nebraska Police Department, as well as graduating from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. He joined the Clarinda Police Department in 1982 as a patrolman and was eventually promoted to Sergeant. Bill graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was awarded the 1987 Silver Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall of Fame. He was selected Outstanding Officer by the Clarinda Optimist Club in 1997, and that year, joined the Page County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer said, ``Bill earned numerous certificates and attended classes every year to continue his knowledge of law enforcement. Bill had the ability to read people and he was a great benefit to the Sheriff's Department. He served the citizens of Page County with dignity and honor.'' Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Bill in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Bill for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate McGwire Midkiff of Carter Lake, Iowa for winning the Class 3A, 126-pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. McGwire is a student at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs in our state, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Winning a state championship is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, not only on the part of McGwire, but his family and coaches, as well. Mr. Speaker, the example set by McGwire demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating McGwire on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and his wrestling career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Martin Aldrich of Clarinda, Iowa for being selected as the 2016-17 Educator of the Year by Schmitt Music Company. The Schmitt Music Company operates music stores in 7 Midwest states, offering help to over 13,000 students per year with music lessons, and employing nearly 400 people, many who are professional musicians. They are dedicated to recognizing teachers who go above and beyond in their musical careers. Martin is the Band Director at Clarinda Middle School in Clarinda, Iowa. He has served in that position since 2003. A graduate of Morningside College and the University of Kansas, he serves as the Southwest Iowa Bandmaster's Association representative for middle school affairs and has served as district president of the Southwest Iowa Bandmaster's Association. He also fills a leadership role in the Journey of Excellence Mentor Program for first year teachers and is a member of the District Leadership Team, which focuses on teacher professional development activities for visual arts, music, and physical education. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Martin for earning this award. He is an excellent example of how hard work and dedication can affect the future of our youth and their education. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Martin for this outstanding recognition and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Mary Sconiers-Chapman, community leader and retired higher education administrator, for being named a 2017 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 18 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavours throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. After receiving a degree in elementary education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary began a long successful career educating our future generations. She immediately began teaching after graduation and worked her way up to principal in the Des Moines Public School system. As her passion for education continued to grow, Mary decided that working in higher education was next and became executive dean of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), ultimately retiring in 2013 as the vice president of strategic partnerships after 23 years with the school. While Mary is a dedicated educator, she is also passionate about service to her community. She was instrumental in the creation of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families that focuses on assisting individuals and families in finding jobs, educational opportunities, and job training. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent community leaders like Mary in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community, and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Mary on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Mary nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alex Thomsen of Underwood High School for winning the Class 1A, 126 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Winning two state championships in a row is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, not only on the part of Alex, but also his parents, his family and coaches. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Alex demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Alex on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida, and I also thank my colleague from Minnesota, as well, who has a history on this important issue, the genesis going back to 2007, like my friend from Minnesota said, with a predecessor of mine, former Congressman Leonard Boswell, who misses this institution and gave great service. I know he sends his best. I thank my colleague, Mr. Banks of Indiana, for making sure that we are always continuing with oversight of these important programs to help our veterans. In 2015, the VA did an OIG report and found out that there were some failures in the Veterans Crisis Line; there were informational failures. Sometimes people answering the phone at the VA, who are good people and want to help our veterans, didn't have all the information they may need. There was a lack of timely responsiveness at some points. The VA Committee here in the House did some oversight and found out that we needed to make sure that we fixed this. So I introduced a bipartisan bill with my colleagues that passed unanimously in 2016, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, to work with the Veterans Affairs Department to make sure that we knew what they needed to get the job done, working in partnership across the aisle and with the VA. The bill passed unanimously. President Obama signed it into law. But we know that, with a stroke of a pen, it doesn't just fix things. You have to have constant oversight and demand transparency and accountability. I went down to one of the Veterans Crisis Line centers in Atlanta and visited with those who ran it and those responders who picked up the phone every day to talk to our veterans to see how things were going. Great improvements, great challenges still, but they are making headway, and it is with a partnership where we can make sure that this works. Oversight, transparency, accountability is what this is about, but most importantly, this is about keeping our promise to our veterans, those who have donned the uniform to protect our rights, the rights of our family members, and our loved ones who keep this great Republic going. So I want to thank my friend from Florida, my good friend from Minnesota, and Mr. Banks from Indiana. I am glad to support this legislation, and I urge others to as well.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nishna Valley Credit Union of Atlantic, Iowa, for celebrating 60 years in business. Tim Marcsisak, CEO of the Credit Union said, ``they literally started out raising capital by asking folks to join the Credit Union and put deposits in there, and when they had enough deposits, they turned around, and started loaning it back out.'' Today, 26 counties in Iowa and Missouri are eligible to join the credit union. Fourteen employees work in their two locations, and there are 5,000 members who have joined the Credit Union. New technology has been the greatest change in the operation of their business and that has allowed them to continually grow. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent businesses like Nishna Valley Credit Union in the United States Congress and 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 them for this outstanding achievement and in wishing them all nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeff Nolan, of Winterset, Iowa for being named the Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Business Person of the Year at this year's Madison County Chamber Banquet. The Business Person of the Year award is given out annually to a member of the community who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the economy and the business climate of Madison County. Jeff exemplifies that commitment and has worked tirelessly to improving the lives of all residents of Madison County, whether it was his work as President of Union State Bank or his service to the community. He also volunteers his time to the local hospital board, the Chamber Ambassadors and the Greater Madison County Community Foundation. Mr. Speaker, Jeff's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am proud to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jeff 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 Toni Urban, for being named a 2017 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa Publication, Business Record. For 18 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Almost 50 years ago, Toni and her husband Tim decided to plant their roots in Des Moines. During that time Toni has been a leader in the greater Des Moines area, volunteering her time and talents to organizations she believes in. Her most recent volunteer work has been on the board of the Food Bank of Iowa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting food insecurity across the entire state of Iowa. They are currently working to expand their operations, and Toni has taken a lead role in raising the $8 million dollars necessary to upgrade their facilities. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Iowans like Toni in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her for receiving this esteemed designation, thank those at Business Record for their great work, and in wishing Toni nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat Gregg of Council Bluffs, Iowa who recently retired from the Council Bluffs Fire Department after 25 years of service to his community. Pat joined the Council Bluffs Fire Department on August 31, 1992. Council Bluffs Fire Chief Justin James said, ``Pat was one of the first firefighters I promoted to Captain when I became Chief, because his patient care always went the extra mile.'' Pat served as a paramedic and firefighter during his career. Pat said he has seen many changes in the Fire Department through the years but one thing that did not change was that the men and women of the Fire Department are still dedicated to the community. Mr. Speaker, Pat has made a difference by helping and serving others and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this momentous occasion and in wishing him nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Malvern Bank of Malvern, Iowa, for celebrating 125 years in business. The bank was founded in 1892. Kate McGann, Executive Vice President said, ``after 125 years, we're hitting the refresh button with a new name and logo.'' Throughout its existence, Malvern Bank has gone through a number of name changes beginning in 1906 when it became Malvern National Bank, and in 1929, when Iowa banking laws changed to permit expanded trust offerings, the bank became the Malvern Trust & Savings Bank. Finally, it was in 1946 that Eugene W. Burdic became president of the bank, and since then his family has retained ownership. They have remained at their original location on 404 Main Street, continuing to providing the same type of customer service and community leadership the bank was founded on. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent Malvern Bank in the United States Congress and 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 them for this outstanding achievement and in wishing everyone at the Malvern Bank nothing but continued success.