David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Deborah Rusher of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being honored by AARP for her service as a family caregiver during the National Family Caregivers Month. She is the only Iowan to receive this recognition in 2015. Deborah serves as a professional and family caregiver. She started her career working in a nursing home at the age of 16. She then became a nursing assistant before continuing her education at Iowa Western Community College in nursing. Her training has been vital in providing hospice care for her mother. Currently, Deborah is caring for her 87- year old Father, Carl Belt. Deborah sees her work as a wonderful way to help loved ones and embraces her role as a family caregiver. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Deborah for earning this special recognition. It is because of Iowans like her that I'm proud to represent our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Deborah for receiving this outstanding recognition. I wish her nothing but continued success and the very best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gene Eaton of Sidney, Iowa, on his retirement as an attorney in Fremont County, Iowa, after serving for 53 years. For over 100 years, Gene, his father, and great-grandfather have been serving the Sidney community as attorneys. In 1962 Gene joined the law practice that his great grandfather had begun in the 1800s. His father joined the practice in 1928. Gene has seen a number of changes in the legal profession over the last 50 years. The most significant change was the creation of the computer and how legal business is conducted today by e-filing casework, briefs, and files. Although there have been changes to the legal profession during his time as an attorney Gene's work ethic and dedication to upholding the law have stayed the same. Mr. Speaker, Gene has made a difference in his community by serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring his accomplishments. I thank him for his service to the city of Sidney and southwest Iowa and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Roger Maxwell. Roger has been chosen for induction into the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) School of Music ``Jazz Hall of Fame''. He will be inducted on April 8, 2016 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Roger was a graduate of the Iowa State Teachers' College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. His years as an advocate for music and higher education, his talents as a composer of music educational materials, and his hard work as a founding member of the jazz program at UNI are all examples of his dedication to the art of music. It is a great honor to be chosen as a member of the ``Jazz Hall of Fame'' at UNI. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Roger for this award and for sharing his musical talents and knowledge. 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 Roger and wishing him nothing but continue success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Violet Antisdel on the celebration of her 102nd birthday. Violet celebrated her birthday on December 24, 2015 in Creston, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Violet'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. Violet 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 Violet in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 102nd birthday. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Violet for reaching this incredible milestone 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 Kimberly Wayne of Des Moines, Iowa, for being named a 2015 Woman of Innovation at the eighth annual Women of Innovation Awards hosted by the Technology Association of Iowa. Overall, they honored 10 women with innovation awards. The award highlights today's extraordinary women and recognizes leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. Kimberly was recognized as a Diversity Champion. She is a founder of Jewels Academy, a nonprofit that encourages young women to take part in science, technology, engineering, and math programs and uses Biblical principles of learning and character building. Kimberly's organization plays a key role in today's technology-driven society, especially for those children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in this type of program. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Kimberly in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her for utilizing her talents to better both the community of Des Moines and the state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kimberly on receiving this esteemed designation and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Principal Financial Group for being recognized with a 2015 Women of Innovation award at the eighth annual Women of Innovation Awards hosted by the Technology Association of Iowa. Overall, 10 women, along with a single corporation, were recognized with innovation awards. The award highlights today's extraordinary women and recognizes leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. Principal Financial Group is a Des Moines based global investment manager. More than 45 percent of the organization's IT professionals are women. Principal Financial is also involved in a number of efforts to support STEM education throughout the community and the entire state. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent community leaders like those at Principal Financial Group in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Principal Financial Group on receiving this award and wishing each of their employees nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cathie Alff of Anita, Iowa, for being selected as a 2015 Hospital Hero by the Iowa Hospital Association. Cathie was one of 10 Iowans recognized with this honor. As a certified nurse's aide in the Cass County Health System, Cathie is known for her compassionate and caring treatment for each and every one of her patients. She understands that the relationships she builds with them is the most important aspect of her job. Her number one priority is ensuring their quality care and treatment throughout their entire stay. Mr. Speaker, I commend Cathie for receiving this prestigious 2015 Hospital Hero award. It is Iowans like Cathie that make me proud to represent our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Cathie for receiving this award 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 Craig Sackett, of Menlo, Iowa, for earning the American FFA Degree. Craig was recently awarded the degree at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky on October 3lst. Craig was a member of the Nodaway Valley FFA Organization and is the son of Jeff and Laurie Sackett. The American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experience. Craig had to meet certain requirements, such as studying agriculture for three years in high school, earning money in an agriculture field, investing that money into business, participating in community service, and displaying a record of outstanding leadership ability and community involvement. Craig spent four years in high school working towards this ultimate goal, and through his hard work and determination he was able to achieve it. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Craig in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Craig on receiving this degree 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 Ted and Judy Kenkel of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1955. Ted and Judy's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Danny, Randy, Jan, and Kelly, their grandchildren, and their great- grandsons, Dominik and Declan, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Kenkel family that make me proud to represent our great state. 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kenneth and Phyllis Shields of Farragut, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1950. Kenneth and Phyllis' lifelong commitment to each other and their children truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Shields' that make me proud to represent our great state. 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Christine Rost of Hamburg, Iowa, for being selected to serve on the 2015-16 Region 17 4-H Youth Leadership Council. Region 17 includes Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, and Pottawattamie counties. Christine is a student at Farragut High School and is an active member of the Washington PEP 4-H and the Fremont County 4-H Council. The purpose of the Region 17 4-H Youth leadership Council is to provide leadership development experience to 4-H and council members. The council works to identify needs, share ideas, and develop a plan of action to help assist the area within Region 17. It is because of leaders like Christine that the 4-H program is so successful in teaching its members valuable life skills that will prepare them for the future. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Christine for being selected to represent 4-H youth throughout southwest Iowa. It is Iowans like Christine that make me proud to represent our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Christine for this outstanding achievement 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 Jim and Jolene Nelson of Anita, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 20, 1960, at the Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Iowa. Jim and Jolene's lifelong commitment to each other, their daughter, Janet, and their granddaughter, Emily, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Nelsons that make me proud to represent our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 55th 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 Cindy Thompson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being honored with the Outstanding Individual Leader Award by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa. Cindy has worked for the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board and the communities in southwest Iowa since 1989. She spends her time working on tourism projects throughout the area. The leadership skills she demonstrates has helped the tourism industry to grow and expand in southwest Iowa. Cindy contributes her success to the great people with whom she has had the privilege to work. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Cindy for earning this award. It is because of Iowans like her that I'm proud to represent the people of our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Cindy for 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 and congratulate Katie Patterson for being named an Innovation Iowa--Women of Innovation award winner in 2015. In November, the Technology Association of Iowa honored 10 Iowa women with innovation awards. This is an award that elevates and celebrates today's extraordinary women and recognizes women who are leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. Katie was recognized as a Rising Star. She is the founder of Happy Medium, a digital media and advertising agency. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Katie in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I congratulate her for utilizing her talents to better both the community of Des Moines and the state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Katie on receiving this esteemed designation, 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 the Norwalk High School Debate Team for winning State Debate Championship for the first time in 22 years. I would like to congratulate each member of the team: Varsity Debaters: Joe Oswald, Collin Kilgore, Melinda Klawonn, Alex Johnson, Liah Moeller, and Noah Percy Coach: Jenipher Sutherland Mr. Speaker, the success of this team and their coach demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that 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 Robert and Evelyn Birkby of Sidney, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 69th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 3, 1946 at the Sidney Methodist Church in Sidney, Iowa. Robert and Evelyn's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Birkbys that make me proud to represent our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 69th 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 Zack Peppmeier, of Shannon City, Iowa for earning the American FFA Degree. Zack was recently awarded this degree at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 31. The American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experience. Zack had to meet certain requirements, such as studying agriculture for three years in high school, earning money in an agriculture field and investing that money into their business, as well as participating in community service and having a record of outstanding leadership ability and community involvement. Overall, Zack spent four years working towards and meeting these requirements, and his hard work and years of dedication has paid off. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Zack in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him on receiving this esteemed designation, and in wishing him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rev. Ollie and Altha Odle on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 24, 1945 in Kansas City, Kansas. Rev. Ollie and Altha's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Terry, Ollie Jr. and Kathie, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Odles that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 70th 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 Gracie Russell for being selected as the Creston Youth of the Year. Gracie is the daughter of Rob and Julie Russell. Gracie is a senior at Creston High School and is active in FFA, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and the National Honor Society. She's also active in the community, volunteering her time with the Appalachian Service Project, Union County Youth Council, St. Malachy Youth Group, Douglas Boosters 4-H Club, and Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association. Gracie has also participated in Meals from the Heartland, roadside cleanup, Rectory Rerun time, painting at McKinley Park, decorating the restored Creston Depot for Christmas activities, Balloon Days pedal pull time, Halloween safety at Early Childhood Center, planting trees around the community, and Open Table. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Gracie is one all Iowans should strive for. Her willingness to serve truly embodies 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 Gracie for this achievement and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Curt Turner, of Creston, Iowa, for being selected as the Creston Citizen of the Year. Curt Turner graduated from Diagonal High School as valedictorian and attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs. He moved to Creston in 1978 and opened his own insurance agency, American Family Insurance, in 1986. By the time Curt retired in 2008, he had led the company nationally in farm sales for 10 consecutive years. During his 22 years of working in insurance, he was also a major contributor to the Creston community. He was a member of the Elks, served on the school board from 1990-1999, remains an active member of his church, and in his retirement, continues to serve the community as a local Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer. Mr. Speaker, Curt's dedication to his community and willingness to serve represents all that is great with our state. His efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored 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 Curt for his achievements and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kay Raymond, of Creston, Iowa, for being selected as Creston Volunteer of the Year for 2015. Kay spent a number years teaching special education before retiring 12 years ago. After retirement, Kay decided to use her free time to continue giving back to her community. Now she volunteers numerous hours a week as a volunteer for Friends of the Library, as a member and volunteer at the YMCA, and also gives back as a member of her church and at other local organizations. Mr. Speaker, Kay's dedication to her community and her fellow Iowans is a true testament to her character. 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 my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kay for her achievements and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Stacie Euken, of Wiota, Iowa, for being selected as the 2015 Bob Joslin Award winner at the Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting in December. Stacie grew up on a hog farm in Cass County and studied Agriculture Education and Communications at Iowa State University. She now farms with her husband near Wiota and serves as the Cass County Farm Bureau president. Stacie takes every opportunity given to her to volunteer and promote agriculture, whether that's helping the local Pork Producers at a grill out, teaching kids about agriculture at community events, or going to Washington, D.C. to speak to legislators. She is a true Iowan, through and through. Mr. Speaker, Stacie's dedication to advancing the agriculture community not only in Iowa but across the nation is truly commendable. 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 my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Stacie for her achievements and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate George and Catherine Ross of Essex, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1950. George and Catherine's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Ross family that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Urbandale High School Girls Cross Country team for winning the Iowa Class 4A State Cross Country Championship. I would like to congratulate each member of the team: Runners: Mickey Cole, Carly Klavins, Neanagit Malow, Casey Middleswart, Julia Noah, Avery Peterson, and Elyse Prescott; Head Coach: Dan Davis Assistant Coach: Carla Madson. Mr. Speaker, the success of this team and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the team 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 the Dowling Catholic High School Boys Cross Country team for winning the Iowa Class 4A State Cross Country Championship. I would like to congratulate each member of the Team: Runners: Matthew Carmody, John Clingan, Jack Fink, Matt Fraizer, Skyler Riesberg, Jack Turner, and Ryan Schweizer; Head Coach: Timothy Ives; and Assistant Coaches: Duncan McLean, Gerard Amadeo, Ann Flood, and Kevin Lewis. Mr. Speaker, the success of this team and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the team for competing in this rigorous competition and wishing them all nothing but continued success.