David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Kathleen Ricker of Des Moines, Iowa on the very special occasion of her retirement after 48 years of championing for students, with many of those years as principal of Bergman Academy in Des Moines, Iowa. She will retire in June 2016 and her impact will be reverberating for generations to come. Mrs. Ricker came to the Des Moines Jewish Academy in 1977 to develop the school because of her proven track record for recognizing and nurturing academic excellence in young Iowans. In 2004, the Des Moines Jewish Academy merged with another private school to form The Academy, teaching 65 students. Years later, the Academy outgrew its home at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines, relocating and taking on the new name of Bergman Academy. The Bergman Academy now educates over 250 students. Kathleen Ricker has guided students to become well-rounded citizens, telling her students, ``To whom much is given, much is expected.'' This spirit of philanthropy has been realized in school service projects, with students and their families contributing to organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Food Bank of Iowa, UNICEF, Meals from the Heartland and many more charitable and philanthropic organizations. Academically, her pupils have reached their potential during their Bergman Academy years, with the school scoring in the 99th percentile on standardized assessments each year. Learning is also enriched through programs such as archery, chess club, Odyssey of the Mind, the arts, and numerous class trips. I commend Kathleen Ricker for shaping the hearts and minds of so many central Iowans. I wish her a lifetime of joy, prosperity, happiness and faith as she embarks on her next journey. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Kathleen Ricker on this celebratory milestone.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alexander Reed of Des Moines, Iowa for earning the Gold Medal of Achievement award of Iowa's Royal Ranger Outpost Number 35. The Gold Medal of Achievement designation is the highest advancement rank in the Royal Ranger Outpost based at Christian Life Assembly of Des Moines. To earn this Gold Medalist rank, Alexander Reed completed 56 skill merits, 212 Bible lessons, and over 58 hours of community service. Beyond those opportunities, Alexander also completed a service project by honoring the community and spirit of patriotism by hosting a U.S. flag retirement ceremony and replacing those retired U.S. flags with new U.S. flags which were given to local organizations. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family and community demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Alexander Reed and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Alex on obtaining the Gold Medal of Achievement ranking, and I wish him 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 an exemplary Iowa company, Percival Scientific, Inc. as they are recognized with an ``E'' Award, the United States Government's highest honor to an American exporter and export service provider. The United States Department of Commerce notified Percival Scientific, Inc. of the award, citing the company's ``economic dynamism and leadership,'' and acknowledging that Percival Scientific, Inc.'s officials ``recognize the importance exports have on creating jobs and strengthening the United States economy.'' Percival Scientific, Inc. is only one of 123 recipients of the President's ``E'' Award. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy, Jr. created this award to recognize companies who support the expansion of U.S. exports. Percival Scientific, Inc. has been in business for over 125 years, established in 1886 in Des Moines, Iowa, starting as Percival Manufacturing. The company manufactured and sold butcher tools, machinery and fixtures. As refrigeration came into being, Percival Manufacturing received a patent to manufacture a complete line of refrigerated display units. Since 2000, the company remains housed in a 60,000-square feet facility in Perry, Iowa, employing hundreds of central Iowans and contributing to the local and global economy. Mr. Speaker, over the last century, Percival Scientific, Inc. has left an indelible mark on the manufacturing export industry in Iowa and around the world. Their innovation and forward thinking in the creation of state-of-the-art refrigeration chambers is recognized and admired worldwide among their peers. I commend Percival Scientific, Inc. and their employees for a job well done. I also ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring this company for their unwavering commitment to manufacturing and to the state of Iowa. I wish Percival Scientific, Inc. and their employees nothing but continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bryce Norman Berthusen of Waukee, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Bryce is a member of Boy Scout Troop 178. 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 completing an Eagle Scout Project to benefit the community. For Bryce's project, he designed and constructed outdoor fitness stations at the local Waukee Y.M.C.A. Bryce is a freshman at Waukee High School with a great interest in science, engineering and music. He is also on the Waukee High School baseball team and spends time with his church's youth group. The work ethic Bryce has shown in his Eagle Scout Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, 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 and community demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Bryce Norman Berthusen and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dorothy and Bill Harper of Peru, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Bill and Dorothy's lifelong commitment to each other 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. I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more memories. 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 Darlene and Dwayne Henrichs of Thayer, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 3, 1951. Dwayne and Darlene's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, and their grandchildren 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. I commend this great couple on their 65th year together and I wish them many more memories. 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 Kate Lechtenberg of Ankeny, Iowa for being awarded the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Frances Henne Award. The AASL award is presented to a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers and administrators. When presenting the award, AASL officials said, ``Kate Lechtenberg is our unanimous choice due to her impressive service record and obvious commitment to the field.'' Ms. Lechtenberg, Northview Middle School's librarian for four years, embraces diverse programming, active research and fosters a love of reading with her students and the instructors. For nearly a decade as a literacy and English teacher, Ms. Lechtenberg became a school librarian, accepting a position at Northview Middle School in Ankeny, Iowa, where she provides a vibrant learning space for 850 students. Outside of school activities, Ms. Lechtenberg serves as the professional development chairman for the Iowa Association of School Librarians and as a member of the AASL standards and guidelines implementation task force. Kate Lechtenberg makes a difference by serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize her today. I know that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring her accomplishments. I thank her for her service to the Iowa students and the community, wishing her all the best in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Helen and Bill Lorenzen of Truro, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on May 26, 1956. Bill and Helen's lifelong commitment to each other 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. I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more memories. 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 to honor and congratulate Megan Roberts of Atlantic, Iowa, for her selection by the Young Professionals of Atlantic for the Young Professional Entrepreneur Award. Megan is associated with the Megan Roberts State Farm Agency. Megan's entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in a new start-up enterprise led to her selection for the award. Megan Roberts has a vision for leadership, highlighting community and civic responsibilities, a center of her business and personal life. She is focused on giving back to her community, offering her life experience and resources to assist with the improvement of Atlantic, all the while focusing on her future and career goals. I applaud and congratulate Megan Roberts for earning this award. She is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can affect the future of a community and business. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Megan for her many accomplishments and for her service to the Atlantic community. I wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Calvin W. McElvain of Des Moines, Iowa for earning the Gold Medal of Achievement Award of Iowa's Royal Ranger Outpost Number 35. The Gold Medal of Achievement designation is the highest advancement rank in the Royal Ranger Outpost based at Christian Life Assembly of Des Moines. To earn this Gold Medalist rank, Calvin McElvain completed 47 skill merits, 213 Bible lessons, and 35 hours of community service. Beyond those opportunities, Calvin also completed a service project by transforming the Christian Life Assembly Church's modest fire ring into a first rate campsite with a mason fire ring and anchored benches. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family and community demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Calvin McElvain and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Gold Medal of Achievement ranking, and I wish him 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 Mr. Bob Boots of Atlantic, Iowa, for his service to our country and his community. Mr. Boots is a part of the often-titled ``Greatest Generation'' who defended and served our country--not for fame or fortune but because it was the right thing to do. Mr. Boots was born in 1932 and graduated from Panora High School in 1949. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952, serving three years on active duty and five years on non-active duty. Upon release from the U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to his family farm. In 1956, he married Neoma Jean Wheeldon and were blessed with three children, Steven, Judith, and Linda. In 1961, he started an upholstery business in Atlantic, Iowa where he worked in their small business for 45 years before his retirement in 2006. Mr. Boots has been a fixture in the Atlantic community, always volunteering for the Boy Scouts, Cass County American Red Cross, Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans of America, Atlantic Color Guard, and the Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise. He has devoted many years to rescuing U.S. flags, those which need repair or to be put aside for proper flag disposal. Mr. Boots has not asked for any special recognition. He was motivated only by his desire to serve his country and community. I commend and congratulate Floyd Robert ``Bob'' Boots for his commitment, dedication, and leadership to his business, community, the State of Iowa. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Mr. Boots for his service and wishing him the very best in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pam and Marsh Christiansen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on May 7, 1966 at St. Patrick's Church in Council Bluffs. Pam and Marsh's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Lori, Lisa, and Stacy, and their six grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. 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 Pam and Marsh on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Creston High School iJAG program as they took top honors at the 2016 Career Development Conference on May 3, 2016. iJAG is a program that relies on real-world, project-based instructional methods and unconventional approaches to personal connections with students. The Creston High School program, directed by instructor Jerry Hartman, competed against more than 40 iJAG programs from throughout Iowa and Illinois. The students competed in contests about employment preparation and interview skills, critical thinking in business situations, leadership skills and basic business methods. Mr. Speaker, the success of this team, their program and its director demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them and the other team members in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will 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 honor Beverly Wadle of Des Moines, Iowa on the very special occasion of her retirement after 25 years of faithful service as office manager to Trinity Lutheran Church of Des Moines. As she retires, her church community is acutely aware that her dedication will be missed. Mrs. Wadle has served the traditional congregation, the Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday School program, and welcomed nearby Drake University students to the church family, making them feel welcomed while away at college. Many say that her most fulfilling work has been the unwavering commitment to assist the church's efforts for relocation of Laotian and Sudanese refugees as they build a better life in Iowa. She also coordinates the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Drake Lutheran Student Fellowship, and Trinity Lutheran Church's partner churches, the Asian Lutheran Mission, and the Sudanese Lutheran Mission. Her daily duties have included coordinating independent day care as well as several 12-step programs which use the Trinity Lutheran Church facilities. I commend Beverly Wadle for living her faith and her Iowa values. I wish her a lifetime of joy and happiness as she embarks on a new journey. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Beverly Wadle on this celebratory occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mary and Pat Doud on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Pat and Mary Doud were married in May 19, 1956 and make their home in Stuart, 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. 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 honor Babe and Frank Mains on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Frank and Babe were married on May 18, 1956 and make their home in Guthrie Center, 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. 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 honor Marie and Randy Foster of Oakland, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on May 7, 2016. Marie and Randy's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Ted, Ron, Randy, Sammarra, Elliott, and Christy, and their 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. 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 to honor and congratulate Ryan Newberry of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being the first recipient of the Employee of the Year award sponsored by the Council Bluffs Community School District in conjunction with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. Ryan is a student at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs and is employed by Menard's, Inc. The Employee of the Year award is given through a new program initiative, GROW CB, which stands for Graduation is Required in Our Workforce in Council Bluffs. Superintendent of Schools for Council Bluffs Martha Bruckner said, ``This is representative of some good work we're doing together. The goal of this initiative is to raise the awareness of the importance of regular school attendance, earning good grades, and earning a high diploma.'' The GROW CB program was created as a school-business partnership while helping businesses to invest in the future of area youth and the Council Bluffs community. I applaud and congratulate Ryan Newberry for earning this award. He is a shining example of the future of our youth. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Ryan Newberry for his accomplishments in school and with his employment. I wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Lois and Verl Paullin on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. Verl and Lois were married in May, 1946 and make their home in Guthrie Center, 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. I commend this lovely couple on their 70 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 in support of the Support Our Military Caregivers Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. Congress established the Family Caregiver Program to assist military caregivers and, yet, many face delays in getting the support they need to effectively care for our wounded veteran heroes. The Support Our Military Caregivers Act would streamline the process, allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with a third party to reduce the claims backlog. Rather than leave care to strangers, some family members choose to quit their job and make other significant life changes to care for their loved ones. We need to do more to support them. More and more of our veterans are returning from war with battle scars or invisible wounds of war. I often meet with Iowa veterans who have been wounded while serving our country. We have all met with them. These brave servicemembers deserve the best care and assistance we can give. I am proud to support this bill to support our wounded veterans and their dedicated caregivers. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this bipartisan, important bill. I want to thank my colleague, Ms. Stefanik, for her bipartisan leadership on this bill.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Janis and Rusty Creveling of Manchester, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 17, 1966. Rusty and Janis' lifelong commitment to each other, their children Ronda, Brian, and Holly, and their grandchildren truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary may their commitment grow even stronger, and continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. 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 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 Cassidy Wagner for being named Southwest Iowa Regional Academic All-State Standout by the Des Moines Register. Cassidy is a senior at West Central Valley High School. Each year, the Des Moines Register editors ask Iowa high school officials to nominate seniors for this honor. They choose only those students that stand out among their peers for achievements in academics, community involvement and leadership. Cassidy exemplifies all that is right about Iowa's well-rounded students. Mr. Speaker, Cassidy Wagner is an Iowan who has made her school and her community very proud. She has worked hard and dedicated herself to being a great student and a good citizen. It is with great honor that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring Cassidy for this award and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Swede and Nellie Swanson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 19, 1946 in Osborn, Kansas. Swede and Nellie's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. It is because of Iowans like them that I'm proud to represent our great state. I commend this great couple on their 70th year together and I wish them many more. I know 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 the Sunshine Club for their 61st year of fellowship, service and support in central Iowa. The Sunshine Club was founded in 1955 by three residents of the Morrisburg area, south of Panora, Iowa. The club's membership today has 22 members of various ages who reside in the areas of Panora, Stuart, Menlo, Dexter, Redfield and Casey. Its threefold purpose of service to their community, socializing and enjoying life is what brings them together. Club members now say that faith, friendship and food has kept the group together this long. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Sunshine Club for making their communities in central Iowa a better place to live by their acts of service. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Sunshine Club and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marguerite Gowin of Adel, Iowa, on the celebration of her 100th birthday. She has had an illustrious career, serving as the Dallas County Recorder from 1957-78. She and her husband, Kenneth owned a hardware store in Adel throughout their married life. In her later years, she is known for being a woman of high fashion--always seen wearing artistic jewelry, stylish clothing and topping it off with an infectious laugh and wide smile. Our world has changed immensely during the course of Marguerite's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones, and the intemet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism, and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Ms. Gowin has lived through seventeen United States Presidents and twenty-one Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Ms. Gowin 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 Marguerite Gowin for reaching this incredible milestone and in wishing her nothing but the best.