David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Savanna Johnson, a graduate of West Central Valley High in Stuart, Iowa. Savanna was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 30, 2017. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic achievement. Not only are recipients academically gifted, but the selected students are also those who have had success in extra- curricular activities and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Savanna in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, 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 Taylor Pashek, a graduate of Winterset High School in Winterset, Iowa. Taylor was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 30, 2017. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic achievement. Not only are recipients academically gifted, but the selected students are also those who have had success in extra- curricular activities and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Taylor in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, 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 Tessa Shields, a graduate of Mount Ayr High School in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Tessa was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 30, 2017. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic achievement. Not only are recipients academically gifted, but the selected students are also those who have had success in extra- curricular activities and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Tessa in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, 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 Ryan Collins, a graduate of East Union High School in Afton, Iowa. Ryan was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 30, 2017. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic achievement. Not only are recipients academically gifted, but the selected students are also those who have had success in extra- curricular activities and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Ryan in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him for utilizing his talents to reach his goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating him on receiving this esteemed 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 Elizabeth Fuller, a graduate of Southwest Valley High School in Corning, Iowa. Elizabeth was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 30, 2017. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic achievement. Not only are recipients academically gifted, but the selected students are also those who have had success in extra- curricular activities and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Elizabeth in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, 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 Susan Alverio of Norwalk, Iowa, for earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Established in 1979 by the United States Congress, the Congressional Award was created to recognize outstanding achievements made by young people who dedicate themselves to public service, physical fitness and personal development. Overall, there are two levels of achievement that must be earned before obtaining the Gold Congressional Award Medal. Before achieving the third and final level, participants must contribute 400 hours to voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development and physical fitness, and a four consecutive night expedition or exploration. Susan has had great success in all areas of achievement on her journey towards ultimately earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal. She volunteered at the Blank Park Zoo, learned how to read music as well as play the piano and the guitar, and dedicated herself to physical fitness through long-distance running. Overall, Susan said, ``I grew as a person while working towards the Gold Congressional Award.'' Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Susan for earning this outstanding award. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on this momentous occasion and in wishing her nothing but continued success in all of her endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Pechacek, Jr. of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Frank recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation after nine years of service. Frank has been instrumental in his role with the Southwest Iowa Education Foundation, an affiliate of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. Under his leadership, the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has seen substantial growth within the community. When Frank is not volunteering his time with the Foundation, he is a successful attorney at the Willson & Pechacek Law Firm. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Frank on his many years of dedicated and devoted service to the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and Pottawattamie County. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Frank on his many accomplishments and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Kelly Summy of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Kelly recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. He helped create the Foundation in 2007 and has served as Chairman since its establishment. Kelly's commitment to the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation from its early years to its legacy of today will stand out for generations to come. His leadership will have a lasting impact on the Foundation and the Pottawattamie County community. When Kelly is not volunteering his time in his community, he serves as President of Midwest Ag Services of Council Bluffs. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Kelly for his many years of dedicated service to the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kelly on his many accomplishments 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 Charlotte and Bob Bancroft of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on February 4, 2017. Charlotte and Bob'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 Martha and Jack Blackford of Des Moines, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on April 16th, 2017. Martha and Jack'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 in the years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jay Howe for his many years of service to the American Legion and to his country. Jay was recently honored for being a 50-year member with the American Legion. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The organization is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor and continued devotion to their fellow service members and veterans. Mr. Speaker, I commend Jay for his service to our country's veterans and his dedication to his community. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in commending Jay for his service 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 Mildred Harmon of Windsor Heights, Iowa, on the special occasion of celebrating her 105th birthday on May 4th, 2017. It was 1912 when Mildred entered this world on a farm near St. Charles, Iowa. It was a world much different than ours today. In an October 2013 interview with Iowa Living Magazines, Mildred recounted how she started school at the age of four at a country school, walking 1.25 miles round trip each day. That gave her more than enough exercise for her lifetime, she said. She graduated from high school, and then beauty school and became a hairstylist. She married Paris Harmon on December 20, 1936, starting a family that would go on to include three daughters, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mildred's husband passed away in 2006, however she continues to be that strong and loving influence that her family relies on. Iowa Living Magazine discovered that her key to a long and happy life was humor, which she said was ``the only way to get through life.'' Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mildred in the United States Congress and I'm proud to recognize her today on this momentous occasion. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her and in wishing her nothing but continued happiness.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Keith Kinyon for his many years of service to the American Legion and to his country. Keith was recently honored for being a 70- year member with the American Legion. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The organization is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor and continued devotion to their fellow service members and veterans. Mr. Speaker, I commend Keith for his service to our country's veterans and his dedication to his community. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in commending Keith for his outstanding service 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 Evelyn and Ted Pike of Des Moines, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on May 3rd, 2017. Evelyn and Ted'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 continued happiness.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Altoona Lions Club as they celebrate their 70th anniversary. The club was chartered on April 24th, 1947. Some of the current members were children when their parents became charter members of the club, and for them, Lions has been a way of life. They remember when the sheriff, who was a member, would go out and ``arrest'' members who were not at a meeting, or an undertaker who would use his hearse to pick up absent members and make them ride in the back. While these jokes are now a thing of the past, what hasn't changed is the club's focus to help serve and better their community. The Altoona chapter makes it a priority to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for members to volunteer their time and skills. For the past 53 years, the club has run a spin art booth at the Iowa State Fair, and their website features a lengthy page listing all of the services and activities they are involved with, including food banks, eye care, scouting, veterans memorials, local law enforcement and local parks. It is surely hard to determine just how many people have benefited from the big hearts of Lions Club members over the past 70 years, but Altoona is undoubtedly a better place because of it. Mr. Speaker, the volunteer spirit is alive and well in groups like the Altoona Lions Club, and I am honored to represent their members in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Altoona Lions Club on 70 great years, and in wishing them continued growth and success in the years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Maxine Martens on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Maxine, along with her family and friends, celebrated on April 24th. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Maxine'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. Maxine has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Maxine Martens in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Maxine 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 Marcy Worden of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who recently retired after 25 years of dedicated service to Council Bluffs as the City Clerk. Marcy's career with the City of Council Bluffs started in April 1991. She joined the Parks and Recreation and Public Property Department as a clerk-typist, and in 1995 she transferred to the City Clerk's office. In 2002, the City Council appointed her the deputy City Clerk and promoted her to the City Clerk in 2009. Marcy said she estimates that she has attended 191 city council meetings during her tenure, and that her retirement is ``bittersweet.'' She remarked, ``There are lots of people I'll miss in City Hall.'' Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said, ``She's done a great job and will be missed.'' Mr. Speaker, Marcy has made a difference by helping and serving others and it is with great honor that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring her accomplishments 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 Stephanie Carlson for being named the 2017 Emerging Iowa Leader by the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Emerging Iowa Leader Award recognizes alumni from the College who have taken leadership roles in advocating for and bettering agriculture and life sciences in Iowa. Stephanie is the producer outreach and federal policy director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, where she interacts with people from industry leaders to the local producer. Wendy Wintersteen, the endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, noted the ``positive impact'' Stephanie has also had on the college itself, ``from sharing her expertise with classes and student organizations, to advocating and raising awareness for college priorities through the Curtiss League and the Grow Iowa Agriculture organization.'' Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Stephanie Carlson on her recognition as the 2017 Emerging Iowa Leader, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Stephanie on her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brad Baker of Creston, Iowa, for being inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame. This award was presented to Brad by the Iowa High School Athletic Association on March 10th, during the Boy's State Basketball Tournament. Brad started officiating in the late 1980s after taking a class at Southwestern Community College. Since then, he has been active as a basketball and football official. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Brad embodies the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Brad for his 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 Nick Phillips of Riverton, Iowa, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Nick is a member of Boy Scout Troop 218 in Shenandoah. The Eagle Scout designation is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Approximately five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Nick's Eagle Project revolved around restoring portions of the Riverton City Park. He installed various landscape blocks around three separate sides of the recently-constructed restrooms with the purpose of reducing the erosion from rain water running off the roof and to put the finishing touches on the new facilities. The work ethic Nick has displayed in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Nick and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Perry Community Schools Superintendent Lynn Ubben upon her retirement at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. Lynn has been in education for 41 years, starting as a Special Education Teacher at Fredericksburg Community School in 1976. Lynn taught as she continued her own education, She completed her Masters of Arts in Elementary Special Education at Northwest Missouri State University in 1998 and later her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration and her Principal Endorsement at Iowa State University. After serving as a principal and a superintendent at other Iowa schools, Lynn came to Perry to serve as Superintendent in 2009 when she saw just how much the school board cared about the kids. And to Lynn, that is what it is about--the kids. She strives to build those close-knit relationships with her students, whether it's in the hallways of the school, or cheering from the stands at a sporting event or other extracurricular activity. While she may be retiring and spending more time with her family, there is no doubt that Lynn will still be there cheering on ``her kids.'' Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Lynn for her 41 years as an educator, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on a successful career 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 Dr. Alan Robinson of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the Hall of Fame Award sponsored by the Cass County Cattleman's Association. Dr. Robinson graduated from Iowa State University in 1977 with a degree in veterinarian medicine. His career began with a successful veterinarian practice, but then an opportunity arose to start raising cattle. He continued to assist local veterinarians, even as his cattle operation continued to grow, to keep his hands in animal medicine. His farm operation focuses on raising corn, soybeans, and feeder cattle. He said it is important to be progressive in your thinking with all the changes in farming over the past twenty years. After receiving this award, Dr. Robinson said he was ``humbled'' to receive it and that he is honored to know people in the business respect his contributions to the industry. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Dr. Robinson for earning this outstanding award. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for his many accomplishments in the agriculture industry and in 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 Colleen Bickford of Corning, Iowa, for being honored with the Volunteer Award from the Corning Main Street Organization Committee. Colleen volunteers regularly at the Carl Church, serves at the congregate meal site, and is an active member of the Senior Citizens Committee for the Adams County Fair. She also works with the Main Street Corning's Public Relations Committee. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Colleen demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with her community. Her efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent her, and Iowans like her, in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Colleen for her achievements and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Scott Giles of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame. This award was presented to Scott by the Iowa High School Athletic Association on March 10th, during the Boy's State Basketball Tournament. Scott has been officiating basketball for 34 years, including regular season, district, sub-state games and state tournaments. He has also officiated high school football for 25 years. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Scott embodies the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this 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 Connie and Gary Penick of Milo, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on March 3rd, 2017. Connie and Gary'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.