David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Leonard and Maryann Bryan of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1965. Leonard and Maryann's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Steven, Traci, and Cari, their grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Bryans 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 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 to honor and congratulate Curtis and Brenda Meier of Clarinda, Iowa, for receiving the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award is named for Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped establish the award. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible by the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. The award recognizes farmers who contribute their time and talents to their community, including caring for the environment and being good neighbors. Curtis and Brenda are active in their community and their church. Curtis is a commissioner with the Page County Soil and Water Conservation District and serves on the County Fair Board. The Meiers run their local diversified farm with a number of their family members, including their son, daughter, and their families. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Curtis and Brenda for earning this award. They are shining examples of how hard work and dedication can be a benefit to a whole community I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Curtis and Brenda for their accomplishments and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rodney and Karen Wahle of Carson, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on November 6, 1965, at the Malvern Methodist Church in Malvern, Iowa. Rodney and Karen's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, James and Jennifer, and their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Wahles 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 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 the Nodaway Valley High School Boys Cross Country team for winning the Iowa Class 1A State Cross Country Championship. I would like to congratulate each member of the team: Runners: Nathan Venteicher, Shane Breheny, Heath Downing, Brayten Funke, Dallas Kraeger, Skyler Rawlings, and Brycen Wallace; Head Coach: Darrell Burmeister; and Assistant Coaches: Dave Swanson, Phyllis Eshelman, and Alyse Dreher. 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 Ryan Schweizer from Dowling Catholic High School for winning the Class 4A Boys Cross Country individual title. Ryan is the son of Mike and Kathy Schweizer. Ryan has spent his high school career working towards a single goal: winning a coveted state championship. After 4 long years of hard work, Ryan was able to achieve that goal when he crossed the finish line at the 2015 Class 4A Boys Cross Country State Championship. He finished 4 seconds ahead of any other runner. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Ryan demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ryan on competing in this rigorous competition and wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and athletic pursuits.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Ruth Lampe, who at the age of 102 has received her honorary high school diploma from Winterset High School. Back in Ruth's younger years it wasn't uncommon for students to drop out of school and go work to help support their family. She did so after her freshman year at Winterset High School. Ruth would have graduated with the class of 1931. Today, Ruth volunteers her time two days a week at the senior center in Winterset where she helps serve meals to those who need it the most. A friend of Ruth's, and another regular at the senior center, worked with the school district for months to attain her honorary diploma. Mr. Speaker, applaud and congratulate Ruth for receiving her high school diploma after so many years and thank her for staying active in her community. 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 Ruth and wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bill and Marilyn Ryan of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1950. Bill and Marilyn's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Laura, Mary, Jane, Nancy, Anne, and Carol, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Ryan 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 Main Street Corning. The group has reached an important milestone this year and I join them in celebrating their 25th anniversary of working hard to improve the Corning local business community. The mission of the Main Street Iowa Program is to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa's communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets, and character of each historic commercial district. For 25 years, Main Street Corning has continued to successfully beautify the downtown and fiscally strengthen its businesses. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to represent Main Street Corning and its hard-working employees and volunteers in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating them on their 25th anniversary and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Norman and Shirley Kaiser of Massena, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on October 2, 1965 at the Baptist Church in Knoxville, Iowa. Norman and Shirley's lifelong commitment to each other, their daughter, Dori, and their grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. It is families like the Kaisers 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 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 Greenfield Oil from Greenfield, Iowa. The company has reached an important milestone this year and I join them in celebrating their 100th anniversary of providing goods and services to southern Iowa. Greenfield Oil's doors first opened on August 15th, 1915 by its owner, Frank Grounds. Since that time, three generations of family have owned and operated Greenfield Oil, focusing on auto care and tires. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor that I'm able to recognize Greenfield Oil and its hard-working employees today for their dedication and perseverance through the years. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating them on their 100th anniversary. I wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Johnny Danos for being recognized by the Des Moines Business Record with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. Johnny has been a longtime supporter and volunteer for numerous local charities and organizations. For years Johnny has dedicated his time and talents to promoting the greater good. He has volunteered his efforts to organizations like the United Way of Central Iowa, Broadlawns Advocacy Center for Mental Health, Above and Beyond Cancer, Iowa Society of Economic Success, and the Des Moines Symphony, to name a few. Johnny has utilized his unique relationship-building skills to improve the community. Johnny's willingness to serve others before himself has made a long- lasting impact on the community. His dedicated leadership on a variety of philanthropic boards and organizations cannot be understated. The philanthropic work Johnny has put in over the years has advanced the Des Moines metropolitan area in ways that were previously thought to be unachievable. Mr. Speaker, Johnny's display of civic duty throughout his life is admirable and gives me great hope for our nation's future. It is Iowans like him who make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Johnny for receiving this outstanding recognition 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 Richard and Barbara Kunze of Griswold, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married at the Lewis Methodist Church in 1950. Richard and Barbara's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Rebecca, Dennis, Brad and Dana, along with their grandchildren and great-children truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Kunzes 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 Thomas and Linda Koehn for being recognized as Outstanding Individual Philanthropists by the Des Moines Business Record. They have long been supporters of arts, culture, and community service in the Des Moines area. For years the Koehns have dedicated their time and talents to promoting the greater good. They have directed most of their philanthropic efforts to The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and United Way of Central Iowa. Thomas and Linda describe the two organizations as pillars of the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. The Koehns' willingness to serve others before themselves has left a long-lasting impact on the community. Their dedicated leadership on a variety of philanthropic boards and organizations cannot be understated, as well as their contributions to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, the Des Moines Symphony, and the Science Center of Iowa, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, the Koehns' display of civic duty throughout their lives is admirable and gives me great hope for our nation's future. It is Iowans like them who make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Koehns for receiving this outstanding recognition and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dylan DeClerck for being recognized by the Des Moines Business Record as this year's Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy. At a young age Dylan recognized that one of the most important aspects of life is giving back to others and helping those that need it most. For his part, Dylan founded the organization Opportunity on Deck at the age of 16. This organization plays a key role in empowering youth by encouraging active lifestyles and athletics. Dylan's organization has served over 500 children in Greater Des Moines and continues teaching young people the importance of healthy living, teamwork and sportsmanship. Opportunity on Deck gives youth who wouldn't normally have a chance to participate in sports camps the ability to experience them free of charge. Dylan's willingness to serve others before himself has already made a long-lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of young people in the Greater Des Moines area. His dedication to improving the community through volunteerism and civic engagement is a testament to his character. Today, Dylan attends Drake University as a marketing and finance student. Although he is busy with his studies he continues to volunteer what little extra time he has to serving others. Mr. Speaker, Dylan's leadership and display of civic duty at such a young age gives me great hope for our nation's future. It is Iowans like him who make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dylan for receiving this outstanding recognition 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 Larry Giles, of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being selected as a member of the Mount Ayr Community Hall of Fame. Larry was a 1958 graduate of Tingley High School and was hired as a junior high math teacher at Mount Ayr Schools in 1966. During his 29 years at Mount Ayr Schools Larry served in a number of different roles, including: elementary guidance counselor, special education coordinator, and eventually elementary principal. Larry was closely involved in the reorganization of individual schools into Mount Ayr Community Schools. At one point, he was the principal of 13 buildings at the same time. Larry has served on the school board, Southwestern Community College Board, the Mount Ayr Foundation Board, and has been an active sports official since 1967. Mr. Speaker, Larry's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him and Iowans like him in the United States Congress I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Larry for his distinguished career and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Steve Chapman for being recognized by the Des Moines Business Record as this year's Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. For over 20 years Steve has been relied upon in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area as a trusted and effective fundraising leader. Among the many diverse contributions Steve has made to the Des Moines metro area, his fundraising acumen has been exceptionally influential. In dedicating his time and talent Steve has successfully fundraised for organizations like ChildServe, Yes for Valley, Boy Scouts of America, Easter Seals, and the American Heart Association, to name a few. Steve has also played a key role in a number of important Des Moines initiatives, including the passage of the Polk County local option sales tax. His willingness to serve and work on the behalf of others is a testament to his character. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Steve today. It is Iowans like Steve that make me proud to be an Iowan and represent our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Steve for this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Governor Terry Branstad for his service to Iowa. On December 14, he will break a 200 year-old record, set by Revolutionary War General and New York Governor, George Clinton, becoming the longest-serving Governor in American history. Born and raised in a small town in rural Iowa, Governor Branstad's roots in our state run deep. He has spent his life immersed in Iowa politics and elected office. His storied political career stretches back five decades. It began in 1973, when he was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. Governor Branstad served in the Iowa House until 1979, and then a single term as Lieutenant Governor before winning the gubernatorial election in 1982, at the age of 36. Governor Branstad served four consecutive terms and guided Iowa through one of the toughest times in our state's history--the 1980's Farm Crisis. During this time, Governor Branstad worked to diversify Iowa's economy. Today, Iowa's economic strengths include agriculture, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, and financial services, among other things. By the time he left office in 1999, Iowa's unemployment rate was at an impressive low of 2.2%. After leaving office, Governor Branstad entered the private sector, becoming President of the Des Moines University in 2003. In October 2009, displeased with the condition of the state, Governor Branstad felt called to serve once more. He won the 2010 election, and got to work balancing the state budget, lowering the unemployment rate, improving Iowa schools, increasing government transparency and accountability, and enhancing opportunities for Iowans. Governor Branstad has dedicated his life to serving Iowans. He unapologetically promotes Iowa and he is a true leader--willing to make tough decisions and fighting for what he believes is best for our state. He is a man of integrity and keeps his promises to Iowans. Governor Branstad's strong work ethic, down-to-earth demeanor, and accessibility are reasons Iowans admire him. Since he was first elected Governor of Iowa, he has visited all 99 counties in our state, every year, to hear directly from Iowans about their concerns. Mr. Speaker, Governor Branstad has dedicated his life to improving the lives of Iowans. It is with great honor I recognize him for reaching this historic milestone. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Governor Branstad for this outstanding accomplishment 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 Ed and Lois Figgins of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding armiversary. They were married in 1965. Ed and Lois' lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Figgins family that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of this great state. 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 Mark Larsen, of Mount Ayr, Iowa for being selected as a member of the Mount Ayr Community Hall of Fame. Mark was hired as a math teacher and girls' basketball and track coach at Mount Ayr Schools in 1970. He coached six-on-six, and later five-on-five basketball, winning 286 games in total. His girls basketball teams won six conference titles and qualified for the state tournament in 1998. His girls track teams claimed 15 conference titles and four district championships. He also started the girls softball program in 1972, and on the softball diamond his teams amassed over 700 wins. Mark was inducted in to the Iowa Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998 and was elected to the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Mr. Speaker, Mark's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him and Iowans like him in the United States Congress. As a coach, teacher, and athletic director, he has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Iowa's young people. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Mark for his achievements and wish him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Larry and Gloria South of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1960. Larry and Gloria's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, Dee, Tammie, Judy, Margaret and Alice, their grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Souths 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 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 Dula and Betty Thompson of Lewis, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They married on October 11, 1945 in Troy, Kansas. Dula and Betty's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Marvin, Bill, Lanette, and Ken, along with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Thompsons 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 to honor and congratulate Kennon Balster of Blanchard, Iowa, for his induction into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. Kennon has been the coach of the Large Group and Director of Theatre at Clarinda High School for over 30 years. The Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame was established in 1976 to recognize distinguished individuals of statewide reputation for their outstanding accomplishments. Inductees are selected for going above and beyond expectations with their contributions, service, dedication, and commitment to the Association. It is the highest honor the Association can confer on an individual. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Kennon for earning this award. He is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can positively affect the future of our youth. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kennon for his contributions to the speech and education community in the state of Iowa. I wish him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chet Roed of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being selected as a member of the Mount Ayr Community Hall of Fame. Chet taught industrial arts at the Mount Ayr school system for over 30 years. He is credited by many in the community for teaching them how to take care of their homes, and to this day, years after his retirement, Chet remains highly respected by his former students for the knowledge he imparted onto them. He not only contributed to the Mount Ayr community in the classroom, but also in athletics. For years he led the track and football teams to postseason success. Mr. Speaker, Chad's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Chet 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 Harold and Lyla McCurdy for their service to the Congregate Meals Program of Panora, Iowa. Lyla got her start at Congregate Meals as a part-time kitchen worker and bookkeeper. She is now responsible for all of the bookkeeping, organization, and set up each day. Her husband Harold now volunteers his time by organizing the carryout meals and doing what he can to help in the kitchen. The Congregate Meal program was created around 40 years ago in Panora. They now prepare hot and healthy meals each day for the community. Mr. Speaker, Harold and Lyla's willingness to donate their time and talents to this program is a great testament to the Iowa spirit. I am honored to represent them and Iowans like them in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Harold and Lyla for their service and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Edwin and Barbara Blank of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1965. Edwin and Barbara's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Blanks 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 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.