David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Vivian Golly on the occasion of her 100th birthday on June 28, 2016. Vivian was born in Zearing, Iowa and graduated from Zearing High School in 1933. She married Ernest Golly in 1935 and they had three children, Jo, Louis and Robert. Ernest and Vivian settled in Corning, Iowa. Vivian worked for 15 years as a house mother for deaf children and learned sign language. She attributes hard work and healthy habits for her longevity. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Vivian Golly 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 Vivian on reaching this incredible milestone, and 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 honor Donna and Wes Doughman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 24, 2016. Donna and Wes' lifelong commitment to each other, and to their children, Michelle, Wes, and Kim, and their eleven grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 honor Vera and Bob Allen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 18, 2016 at East Side Christian Church in Council Bluffs. Vera and Bob's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Tami and Randy, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 honor Juanita and Wendell Achenbaugh of Henderson, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 20, 2016. Juanita and Wendell's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 65th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 McIntyre Real Estate and Auction of Shenandoah, Iowa, which is celebrating 70 years in business. McIntyre Real Estate and Auction was started in 1946 by Jesse McIntyre when he returned home from World War II. Jessie McIntyre's daughter, Janell, is the current owner of the business. She joined the business in 1985 and purchased the business in 2000. Janell McIntyre and her staff continue to provide dedicated and professional real estate services throughout SW Iowa. That strong family tradition began with Jesse McIntyre and his lifelong commitment to his community. Although Jesse passed away in 2012, his successful business continues today. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Janell McIntyre and the staff at McIntyre Real Estate for their many years of dedicated and devoted service to Shenandoah, Iowa and the surrounding areas Janell and her staff make a difference by helping and serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize them today. I know that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring their accomplishments and wish them and their family and staff continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gene Freese of Atlantic, Iowa for his 50 years of dedicated service to the Atlantic Fire Department. Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees noted that Gene is a very active member of the department, going to trainings, responding to the required percentage of fire calls, and keeping current his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Gene Freese joined the Atlantic Fire Department because he ``likes being a part of things, being active, and doing things for the community.'' He has been instrumental in conducting fire prevention programs for school students, educating countless youth and simultaneously helping educate his fellow firefighters. Gene said he appreciates all of the recognition, but acknowledges ``it takes more than one person.'' He explained that firefighters do not seek out recognition for what they are, but instead, ``they're just doing their job.'' Mr. Speaker, Gene Freese has made a difference by helping and serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize him today. I know that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring his accomplishments. I thank him for his service to the Atlantic Fire Department and the City of Atlantic, Iowa and wish him continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Sinema). I appreciate our working relationship on this issue and so many others. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, every day, as we know, and we hear it too often, 20 veterans take their lives. Mr. Speaker, this is simply unacceptable. In April, an Iowa veteran called the VA Veterans Crisis Line, the confidential, toll-free hotline providing 24-hour support for our veterans seeking crisis assistance. This veteran was having a rough day. This veteran needed help. As the veteran sought the help he desperately needed, the phone kept ringing and ringing and ringing. He tried again. But the only answer was: ``All circuits are busy. Try your call later.'' This hotline designed to provide essential support for veterans and their families and friends let him down. This heartbreaking story is tragically true. It is not unique, though. Thankfully, this veteran was able to contact a friend who got him the help he was seeking. In 2014, a number of complaints about missed or unanswered calls, unresponsive staff, as well as inappropriate and delayed responses to veterans in crisis, prompted the VA Office of the Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office to conduct an investigation into the Veterans Crisis Line. Both investigations found gaps in the quality assurance process and provided a number of recommendations to address the quality, responsiveness, and performance of the Veterans Crisis Line and the mental health care provided to our veterans. Despite promises by the VA to implement changes to address problems facing veterans who use this crisis line, these problems are still happening. They happened to constituents in the district I am privileged to represent, and they are, without a doubt, happening in the districts of my colleagues. Veterans deserve more. They deserve quality, effective mental health care. A veteran in need cannot wait for help. Any incident where a veteran has trouble with the Veterans Crisis Line is simply unacceptable. How did we let this go on? The Iowa veteran's experience that Saturday evening in April has troubled me. His experience is why I have been working on a bill in a bipartisan manner which upholds the promises our country has made to our veterans. My bill, the bipartisan bill, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, H.R. 5392, requires the VA to create and implement documented plans to improve responsiveness and performance of the crisis line. It is an important step to ensure our veterans have access to the mental health resources they need and they deserve. The unacceptable fact is, while these quality standards should already be in place, they are not. They are not in place, and they should be. My bill does not duplicate existing standards or slow care for veterans. Instead, my bipartisan bill puts in place requirements aligning with recommendations made by government accountability organizations to improve the Veterans Crisis Line. My bill requires the VA to develop and implement a quality assurance process to address responsiveness and performance of the Veterans Crisis Line and backup call centers, and a timeline of when objectives will be reached. It also directs the VA to create a plan to ensure any communication to the Veterans Crisis Line or backup call center is answered in a timely manner, by a live person, and to document the improvements they make, providing those plans to Congress within 180 days of the enactment of this bill. We cannot wait any longer. We cannot wait any longer. Our bipartisan bill would help the VA deliver quality mental health care to veterans in need. Iowa veterans and all veterans have faced enormous pressures, mental and emotional war wounds, sacrificed personal and professional gains, and experienced dangerous conditions in service to our Nation. Many are returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder and other unique needs which require counseling and mental health support. We should thank them for their service, but thanking them is not enough. They deserve better. That is why I have introduced, with bipartisan support, this bill to honor and thank our veterans and let them know America supports them. Our veterans answered our Nation's call, and we shouldn't leave them waiting on the line. I thank the leadership of my colleague, Ms. Sinema of Arizona, for taking the time to bring attention to this important issue, and all our other colleagues here on both sides of the aisle.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Jean and Bob Boots of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 17, 1956 at the Congregational Church in Stuart, Iowa. Jean and Bob's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Steve, Judy, and Linda, eight grandchildren and three great- grandchildren truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Jeanette and Bill Crees of Casey, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 12, 2016. Jeanette and Bill's lifelong commitment to each other, and to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Karen and Donald Tye of Macedonia, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on July 9, 2016. Karen and Donald's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Mrs. Frieda Porter on the occasion of her 100th birthday on March 23, 2016. Frieda was born near Fontanelle, Iowa and attended Fontanelle schools. She married Max Porter in 1938 and they had three children, Becky, Randy and Pat. Frieda was active in the community and was an Avon representative for many years. She also taught Sunday school at the Greenfield Lutheran Church. Frieda attributes a healthy life, attendance at church and her belief in God to her long and happy life. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Frieda in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Frieda on reaching this incredible milestone and 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 Richard Brooks, a High School teacher at Johnston Community School District in Johnston, Iowa. On Thursday, September 8, 2016, Richard Brooks was a recipient of The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers by the federal government. Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program has been a benchmark that all teachers strive to achieve. Richard Brooks' dedication to his students and steadfastness in his commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. I am honored to recognize him as one of this year's recipients. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Richard Brooks for receiving this award and for providing the youth in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District the education that they will need to be successful in the future. I am proud to represent him, his fellow teachers and students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Richard Brooks and wishing him well and continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Marie Pool on the occasion of her 101st birthday on March, 15, 2016. Marie was born on a farm near Williamson, Iowa and spent her youth helping on the farm and milking cows. She attended country school and Bridgewater High School. She married Virgil Pool in 1933 and they had three children, Donnie, Betty and Peggy. Marie quilted and loved to dance. Now, she lives at Greenfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Greenfield, Iowa and enjoys bingo and ice cream socials. She attributes clean living and hard work to her longevity. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Marie Pool in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 101st birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Marie on reaching this incredible milestone, and 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 Lynetta Bleeker, a middle school teacher at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny, Iowa. On Thursday, September 8, 2016, Lynetta was a recipient of The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers by the federal government. Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program has been a benchmark that all teachers strive to achieve. Ms. Bleeker's dedication to her students and steadfastness in her commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. I am honored to recognize her as one of this year's recipients. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Lynetta Bleeker for receiving this award and for providing the youth in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District the education that they will need to be successful in the future. I am proud to represent her, her fellow teachers and students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Lynetta Bleeker and wishing her well and continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Vivian Golly on the occasion of her 100th birthday on June 28, 2016. Vivian was born in Zearing, Iowa and graduated from Zearing High School in 1933. She married Ernest Golly in 1935 and they had three children, Jo, Louis and Robert. Ernest and Vivian settled in Corning, Iowa. Vivian worked for 15 years as a house mother for deaf children and learned sign language. She attributes hard work and healthy habits for her longevity. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Vivian in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Vivian on reaching this incredible milestone, and 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 Jacqueline and Kenneth Gleason of Essex, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 15, 2016. Jacqueline and Kenneth's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Jan Frank-de Ois of Shenandoah, Iowa on her retirement as the Director of the Shenandoah Public Library. Jan has been serving the citizens of Shenandoah and Page County for 27 years. Jan has connected people with literature, information and the world. Over the 27 years at the library she has worked to accomplish many new operating techniques, such as, moving from paper to online services. She said, ``We work hard on customer service.'' Jan knew at an early age of her interest in libraries. She volunteered at the Essex, Iowa Public Library while attending high school and continued volunteering at the Dunn Library at Simpson College. Mr. Speaker, Jan has made a difference in her community by helping and serving others. It is with great pride that I recognize her today. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring her service and accomplishments. I thank her for her commitment to the Shenandoah Public Library and wish 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 Nita Fagan for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Casey Service Club. Ms. Fagan was recognized at the Casey Fun Day celebration on July 9, 2016. Nita Fagan and Judy Wedemeyer currently serve as co-presidents of the service club and are active members of the Casey Historical Society. They have given many hours to researching and writing the ``Memories of Casey'' column for The Adair News and are responsible for spearheading the Hearts of Gold Fundraiser campaign. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Nita Fagan for her service to Casey and congratulate her on receiving this award. It is an honor to represent her in the United States House of Representatives and I wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Don and Joan Staver on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Don and Joan Staver were married on June 23, 1956 at Saint Clement's Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa and now make their home in Panora, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As the years pass, may their love continue to grow even stronger and may they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many more years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this lovely couple on their 60 years of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Bev and Keith Catlett of Hamburg, Iowa for being selected as the Grand Marshals for the 93rd Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo. Bev and Keith Catlett have been volunteering at the east entrance of the Sidney Rodeo for 32 years. Bev and Keith are long-standing members of the Sidney community, being involved in all aspects of the region. Keith is a member of Williams, Jobe, Gibson American Legion Post 128 of Sidney and Post 156 in Hamburg, Iowa. Keith proudly served our country in the Iowa Army National Guard and has worked as a farmer, school bus driver, school custodian and a former foreman for the Fremont County Roads Department. Bev served on the Hamburg School Board, volunteered for the Mt. Olive Cemetery Board, Colonial Theatre Board, worked for Stoner Drug and drove a school bus. She is a lifelong member of the Pony Express Riders of Iowa. Trevor Whipple, President of the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo said, ``The Catletts are most deserving of being Grand Marshals. They have been great volunteers for many years. The Rodeo is honored to have them serve as Grand Marshals in 2016.'' Mr. Speaker, I applaud Bev and Keith Catlett for their tireless commitment to the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo and to the Sidney and Hamburg, Iowa communities. Their 32 years of volunteer service to the Sidney, Iowa Championship Rodeo is a testament to their hard work and determination to succeed. I commend Bev and Keith Catlett for a job well done. I know that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring them for their commitment to their community and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Judy and Jerry Fuller of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on July 9, 1966 at First Assembly of God Church in Council Bluffs. Judy and Jerry's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th armiversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 Naomi and Gene Hackwell of Anita, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on July 9, 2016. Naomi and Gene's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 honor Sharol and Don Steinbeck of Griswold, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Sharol and Don's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. 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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 the Johnston Little League Baseball World Series Team for winning the Midwest Regional Little League Championships. This team, comprised of 14 young men, was also one of only eight teams to represent the United States in the Little League World Series and performed admirably. They placed fourth in the United States and 7th place in the world. Mr. Speaker, the example set by these young men and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them and their families in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating these young people for competing 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 Marjorie and Jamie Benoit on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Jamie and Marjorie were married on July 15, 1956 in Long Beach, California and now make their home in Creston, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As the years pass, may their love continue to grow even stronger and may they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many more years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this lovely couple on their 60 years of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.