David Young

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 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 and congratulate Patsy and Paul O'Neill of Neola, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 29, 1967 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Patsy and Paul'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 Shirley and Elvin Breach of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on February 16, 2017 and were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Shirley and Elvin'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 Janet and Richard Moore of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on April 2, 1967. Janet and Richard'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 Cindy and Dick Ryba of Treynor, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on March 31, 2017. Cindy and Dick'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 Mark Brandenburg of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being inducted into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Mark is a 1973 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. Mark attended Iowa Western Community College and received a degree in mathematics. After graduation, he moved on to earn a bachelor's degree in Management and Human Resources from Bellevue University. Mark's career began at the Omaha Public Power District but he was just getting started. He was eventually elected to the Council Bluffs Community School District Board, served two terms as a State Representative in the Iowa House of Representatives, and currently serves as the Pottawattamie County Recorder. Mark is active in the Council Bluffs community and has worked with the Iowa Western Community College Alumni Association, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum Board, the Senior Center Board, and the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Mark on his induction into the Hall of Fame at Thomas Jefferson High School. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Mark 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 Donald Waters of Cumberland, Iowa, for receiving the 2016 Top Soybean Producer Award in the United States. This honor is given by Asgrow, a division of the Monsanto Corporation. Asgrow started the national yield competition in 2012 to encourage soybean growers to increase their yield limits. By using the Asgrow brand, Donald achieved a yield of 87.6 bushels per acre. He competed with farmers from 21 states across the country. The competition is open to all farmers who use the Asgrow brand. Jesse Hamonic, DeKalb/Asgrow Brand Lead said he is proud of Donald's management skills in achieving this high yield record. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Donald for receiving this outstanding award and for his many years of dedicated and devoted service to the agriculture community. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Donald for 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 the Earlham High School Jazz Band for being named the Iowa Class 2A State Jazz Band Champions. I would like to congratulate each member of the band: Band Members: Austin Griswold--Alto Saxophone, Eva Fisk--Alto Saxophone, Garret Taylor--Tenor Saxophone, Kaylee Hohertz--Tenor Saxophone, Kaylie Johnson--Tenor Saxophone, John Tibben--Baritone Saxophone, Tate Rasmussen--Trombone, Natassja Reed--Trombone, Joshua Woolcott-- Trombone, Jake Willem--Trombone, Gabe LeGrand--Trombone, McKenzie Von Rentzell--Trumpet, Kelsey Tibbs--Trumpet, Nick Coon--Trumpet, Ehlana Brown--Trumpet, Garion Brown--Trumpet, Haley LeGrand--Trumpet, Grant Becker--Guitar, Stephen Woolcott--Bass, Harrison Miller--Drums, Clay Griswold--Drums, Ashlynne Cutting--Piano, Elisabeth Evans--Vibes. Director: Nate Sletten. Mr. Speaker, the band's success this year is a testament of their hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating these young men and women and their director for being crowned the 2017 Iowa Class 2A Jazz Band Champions 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 Rose and Louis Stortenbecker of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on April 2, 2017. Rose and Louis' 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 Trudy Evans of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being inducted into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Trudy is a 1966 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. Trudy was the first member of her extended family to graduate from college when she graduated from the University of Iowa, going on to have a distinguished career in the Council Bluffs Community School District. She served in a number of positions throughout her career including: as a curriculum strategist, a Talented and Gifted program teacher, the principal of Pusey, Lewis & Clark, Crescent, Rue, and Washington elementary schools, and finally as a teacher at the Tinley Early Childhood Center. Trudy has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as an educator, receiving the Elementary Excellence in Teaching Math Award and the Council Bluffs Teacher of the Year award. She was also a finalist for the Iowa Teacher of the Year. Even with her busy schedule, Trudy still finds time to volunteer in her community with the Muddy Paws Second Chance organization, Children's Theater in Council Bluffs, and is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Trudy on her induction into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Trudy on this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Urbandale, Iowa, on the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation. The City of Urbandale was first incorporated on April 16, 1917. Many early residents found employment in several local coal mines until those were closed by the late 1940s. Urbandale was also a ``street car suburb,'' where residents could commute to their jobs in the city via a street car on the ``Urbandale Line'' until they were replaced by Trolley buses in the early 1950s. Over the decades the town saw homes go up, restaurants and business open and flourish, and people from all over pass through its streets, from presidential candidates to its most famous visitor, Pope John Paul II, when he held mass at Living History Farms in 1979. At its core, Urbandale is an Iowa town where you want to raise your family. At its inception, only 298 people called it home. Today, Urbandale houses over 40,000 residents. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent the citizens of Urbandale in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing the City of Urbandale nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brianne Sanchez for being named a 2017 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious honor based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2017 class of Forty Under 40 honorees will join an impressive roster of 680 past business leaders and growing. Brianne is the Community Relations Manager at Des Moines University, and is very active in the young professional's community in Des Moines. She was honored as the 2015 YPC Amy Jennings YP Impact Award winner, and co-founded the Des Moines Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Brianne enjoys spending time with her husband Joe and children Emmett and Eileen, especially going for family bike rides. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Brianne in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today 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 Brianne on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2017 Forty Under 40 class a long and successful career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Deb Wheatley Field of Atlantic, Iowa, for her recent retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Atlantic as the City Clerk. Over her 35 years as City Clerk, Deb was able to calculate that she attended around 950 City Council meetings. Her expertise has been an invaluable tool for the city throughout her career. Not only is Deb an expert on all things Atlantic, but she has also exhibited ethical standards and professionalism second to none. As Atlantic moves forward after Deb's retirement, Deb's legacy will, with no doubt, continue to have a lasting impact on the way the city is run for years to come. Mr. Speaker, Deb has made a difference in her community by helping and serving others. It is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Deb on her accomplishments and in wishing her nothing but continued success in her retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Judy Loonan, of Loonan Stock Farm in Corning, Iowa, for being named Iowa's Seedstock Producer of the Year. This award is sponsored by the Iowa Beef Breeds Council and was presented at the Iowa Beef Expo Kick-Off Program. This award is given to honor outstanding cattle producers in the seedstock industry. Judy has been in the cattle business for 42 years, raising Red Angus, Simmental and Red SimAngus Cattle. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Judy demonstrates the rewards of hard-work and determination. 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 Judy 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 Tina and Jeff Russell. The Russells were honored by the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at their annual banquet on January 26, 2017. Tina and Jeff reopened the marina at Lake Icaria near Corning, Iowa, under the name Bobber's Down. They provide rental options and fishing advice for all who come to enjoy the lake. They also represent Adams County at trade shows all throughout the Midwest. Mr. Speaker, I commend Tina and Jeff for receiving this outstanding award and for committing themselves to making their community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress and I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating them 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 Jill and Larry Hammitt of Minden, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They were married on January 28, 1967 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Jill 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gary Boswell. Gary was honored by the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce with the Agriculturalist of the Year Award at their annual banquet on January 26, 2017. Gary is currently a member and board member of the Adams County Farm Bureau, and is secretary for the Southwest Iowa Egg Cooperative Board. He was selected as Southwest Iowa Region 8 Conservation Farmer of the Year and is currently a member of the Iowa Cattleman Association, Iowa Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association. Mr. Speaker, I commend Gary for receiving this outstanding award and for his continued commitment to the agriculture community. 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 Gary 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 Kevin Ross of Minden, Iowa, for being named the Iowa Delegate to the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CADET). Kevin will represent Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. CADET was originally organized in 1982. According to the Neola Gazette, ``the organization works closely with the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and advocates for support of the land grant university food and agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs that enhance the quality of life.'' Kevin holds a degree in agricultural studies, operates the Ross Land & Cattle LLC, a family farm and cow-calf operation, and is a licensed crop insurance agent. Kevin serves on the board of Iowa Energy, LLC, the National Corn Growers Association Board, and the West Pottawattamie County Extension Council. Mr. Speaker, I commend Kevin on his many years of dedicated service to the agriculture community. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kevin for his accomplishments and in wishing him and his family nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Marilyn and Larry Larsen of Underwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on January 28, 2017. Marilyn 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 both nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mark Emgarten of Adair, Iowa, for being named the 2016 Adair Citizen of the Year. Mark was recognized at a ceremony held on March 20th, 2017 at the Adair City Hall. He and his Co-Citizen of the Year, Ryan Billheimer, were instrumental in the design, implementation and construction of the Adair Playground Project. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Mark in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in commending Mark for his service to Adair 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 Gavin McKibben of Waukee, Iowa, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Gavin is a member of Boy Scout Troop 182. The Eagle Scout designation is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Approximately two 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 complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Gavin saw a need for a convenient way to collect worn U.S. flags to be properly disposed of in a retirement ceremony. Partnering with the Waukee American Legion, who sponsored his service project, Gavin built a wood and metal box that is now permanently stationed outside the American Legion building where residents can drop off flags. The work ethic Gavin has shown in his Eagle Scout Project and throughout his scouting career speaks volumes about 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 Gavin and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 and congratulate Ryan Billheimer of Adair, Iowa, for being named the 2016 Adair Citizen of the Year. Ryan was recognized at a ceremony held on March 20th, 2017 at the Adair City Hall. He and his Co-Citizen of the Year, Mark Emgarten, were instrumental in the design, implementation and construction of the Adair Playground Project. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Ryan in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in commending Ryan for his service to Adair 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 Frank Wilson of Carlisle, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on March 17, 2017. Charlotte and Frank'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

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate University of Iowa senior Cory Clark of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, on winning the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship in the 133 pound weight class on March 18, 2017. This was the third consecutive year that Cory made it to the finals at the NCAA championships. After falling short in the previous two years, Cory walked onto the mat determined that this year would be different. He left giving the Hawkeye Wrestling program their 82nd individual championship in program history. Becoming an NCAA Division 1 Champion was no easy feat, especially this season. The four-time All- American had to wrestle through an arm injury for three months, including during his final match, which forced him to make some changes to his training routine, as well as wear a protective sleeve. Because of the dedication and toughness that Cory has exhibited on and off the mat, his injury did not stop him or his goal of ending his wrestling career on the top of the podium. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Cory on winning the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him on this momentous occasion.