David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Margaret Fletchall on the celebration of her 102nd birthday. Margaret celebrated her 102nd birthday on October 31, 2015 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Margaret'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. Margaret has lived through seventeen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Margaret in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 102nd birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Margaret for 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 Larry and Carol Andress of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 25, 1965 at St. Patrick's Church in Council Bluffs. Larry and Carol's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Dave, Teresa and Deb, along with their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Andress family that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of this great state. 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 Brigadier General Jennifer Walter on her retirement from the Iowa Air National Guard. In 2012, General Walter became the first female general officer in the history of the Iowa Air National Guard. She now retires with 40 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. General Walter received her first commission of Second Lieutenant in 1986 after attending Officer Training School at the Academy of Military Science. Before becoming the first female general officer of the Iowa Air National Guard in 2012, General Walter served in numerous command positions, among them as the first female Iowa Air National Guard group commander, squadron commander, and non-medical colonel. General Walter has deployed in operations around the world, including Operation Southern Watch in Al Jaber, Kuwait, and as the 755th Air Expeditionary Group Commander with the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. General Walter's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Longevity Service, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device (more than 37 years of service), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NATO medal, and the Iowa National Guard Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent General Walter in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for years of dedicated service to the United States of America. I invite my colleagues in the United States House or Representatives to join me in congratulating her on her retirement, and wishing her nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Anna Killpack of Neola, Iowa, for her selection as the 22nd annual LIFE Group Mother Mary Vincent McDermott Award honoree. The award is sponsored by the CHI Health Life Group. Anna received this award for her commitment, compassion, and dedication to helping those with mental illness. When Anna's son was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 13, Anna became passionate about working and advocating for individuals with mental illnesses. Since then, she has gone above and beyond her calling to stand up for those who need it most. Anna has volunteered on a number of Iowa's mental health committees and councils as a tireless advocate. Mr. Speaker, I commend Anna for her years of hard work and dedication. Her contributions have been invaluable to Iowa's mental health community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Anna for her accomplishments in advocating for mental health treatment and understanding, 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 Sarah Reed and Sandra Geronimo on the opening of their new business 1st Avenue Collective in Winterset, Iowa. Sarah and Sandra recently moved to Madison County and fell in love with Winterset and the old county jail building that is now home to their new business. They describe 1st Avenue Collective as an artisan collective and hope to promote arts and creativity in central Iowa. 1st Avenue Collective is home to artwork from nine local artists and 10 artists from the surrounding area. Each piece of artwork is handmade and ranges from pottery and jewelry to wood works and candles. The welcoming atmosphere and culture of Winterset is what drew Sarah and Sandra to this rural Iowa town. Mr. Speaker, I commend Sarah and Sandra for the service they provide to the community of Winterset and their willingness to open a small business. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them for the opening of their new business and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Heather McKay of Atlantic, Iowa, for being selected as the Administrator of the Year by the Iowa Press Association. This award is given to administrators for their dedication and commitment to journalism education in their schools or school districts. Heather has a background in journalism education and understands the importance that it plays in our society today. She was an English and Journalism teacher at Atlantic High School before becoming the school principal. Throughout Heather's career she has always strived for the best from herself and especially for her students. She is devoted to helping her Atlantic High School students grow and learn so that they have the opportunity to be successful in all they pursue. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Heather for earning this award. She is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can affect the future of our youth. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Heather and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency's finalized Renewable Fuel Standard, otherwise known as the RFS. The biofuels industry has created good-paying, technical jobs in rural economies, helped lower gas prices for consumers, protected the environment, and reduced reliance on foreign oil. On Monday of this week, the EPA finalized RFS levels for 2014, 2015, and 2016. While they are a slight improvement from the proposed rule, they still fall short of congressional intent put into law in 2007. Unfortunately, this decision raises questions about the administration's commitment to rural America and domestic biofuels. Despite public assurances to support the biofuels economy, the EPA has done just the opposite. The disconnect is startling. A reduction in RFS levels increases uncertainty and stifles investment in the advanced biofuels sector. We should all be concerned by the precedent this decision sets for other renewable energy sources. It allows the administration to ignore the facts and the law in order to set a standard of its choosing. The RFS is working. It is time the EPA started listening to the people impacted by their rules and regulations. I am committed to supporting the biofuels industry, its producers, its farmers, and its consumers, and to continue fighting against any attempts to undermine it.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Carl Kluver of Shenandoah, Iowa, for receiving his high school diploma. Two years after leaving the Charter Oak High School in 1942, Carl joined the military to serve his country. It wasn't until October 10th, 2015 that Carl was able to attain his diploma. Carl served our country honorably during World War II aboard the USS Richmond during his time in the U.S. Navy. He never regretted joining the military, but always wished he had finished high school. Carl made it known to his family that he wished he had received his high school diploma, and with the support and encouragement of his grandson he decided it wasn't too late to graduate. Carl's grandson John Olson contacted the Charter Oak-Ute Community School District and inquired about getting a diploma for his grandfather. After explaining the situation to school officials and once the Charter Oak School District verified that Carl had indeed been a student there, a diploma was granted. Surrounded by family, Carl received his diploma, saying, ``It was a great day and one I'll never forget.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Carl for his accomplishments and receiving his high school diploma. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress for his distinguished service to our country. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Carl and wishing him nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels for the opening of their new coffee and bagel shop in West Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company- operated premium coffeehouse in the United States with more than 272 company owned stores. Caribou Coffee provides high quality, handcrafted beverages and food options. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. family, and is a neighborhood bagel shop that's always cooking up new, innovative ways to serve its customers with more than 600 locations in 40 states. Mr. Speaker, I commend this new business and their staff for the services they provide to the West Des Moines community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels for their new location. I wish them and their staff nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tucker Sager of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the American Future Farmers of America Degree Award. The American Future Farmers of America Degree is the highest honor a FFA member can achieve. From October 28th through October 31st the FFA held their annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It was then that Tucker was awarded the American FFA Degree for his abilities and outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing and service programs. Tucker has always had an interest in agriculture, and his passion has only been reinforced through his work as a farm hand. Eligibility requirements for this prestigious FFA award include: earning at least $10,000 and productively investing $7,500 through a supervised agriculture experience program or working in an existing agriculturally-focused position, completing 50 hours of community service, as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Tucker met and exceeded each of these requirements through his dedication to the organization and the agriculture community. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Tucker for earning this award. He is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can help you achieve your goals. I am honored to recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Tucker for his accomplishments and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mark McNees, as he was named President of the Iowa Firefighters Association at the Association's 137th annual meeting. Mark also serves as the Fire Chief for the City of Atlantic, Iowa, where he has served as a firefighter for 25 years. The mission of the Iowa Firefighters Association revolves around improving Iowa's fire services and protecting the public. They work to uphold these goals through the enactment of legislation, improving training practices, fire prevention, and increasing access to public safety information. Mark has displayed a commitment to the core principals of the Iowa Firefighters Association and is truly deserving of this important role within the Association. Mr. Speaker, Mark has dedicated himself to serving and protecting his community. 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 congratulating him and wishing him and the Iowa Firefighters Association nothing but continued success as he settles into his new role.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chancey Richards of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the American Future Farmers of America Degree Award. The American Future Farmers of America Degree is the highest honor an FFA member can achieve. From October 28th through October 31st the FFA held their annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It was then that Chancey was awarded the American FFA Degree for his abilities and outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing and service programs. After starting his sophomore year of high school Chancey learned of his love for the agriculture industry. He began helping out at a local cattle operation by doing odd jobs around the farm along with raising his own horse, Chicago. This experience taught him about the responsibilities that come with operating your own cattle farm and how to be successful. Eligibility requirements for this prestigious FFA award include: earning at least $10,000 and productively investing $7,500 through a supervised agriculture experience program or working in an existing agriculturally-focused position, completing 50 hours of community service, as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Chancey met and exceeded each of these requirements through his dedication to the organization and the agriculture community. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Chancey for earning this award. He is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can help you achieve your goals. I am honored to recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for his accomplishments and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sandy Schubert for the grand opening of her new business, Hedgie's Books, Toys & More, in Bedford, Iowa. Sandy opened her new business on September 29th, 2015. She and her husband Kevin want to give back to their community and are striving to provide needed products in this small rural town that would otherwise not be available. They sell a wide range of items from books and toys for all ages, to local Iowa wines. Small businesses, like Hedgie's Books, Toys & More, are the backbone of small rural economies. Mr. Speaker, I commend Sandy and her family for their commitment to their community. It is an honor to represent hardworking Iowans like the Schuberts in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on their new business venture 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 Joe and Mary Nelson of Anita, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 18, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Joe and Mary's lifelong commitment to each other, their children Jeff and Kim, and their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Nelsons that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this special 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 Duane and Sharon Steffens of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 19, 1965, at the Methodist Church in Cumberland, Iowa. Duane and Sharon's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Todd, Stacy, Denny, and Tracy, along with their grandchildren truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Steffens's that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this special 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 LaVerne and Peggy Goss of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1955. LaVerne and Peggy's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Gosses that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this special 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 congratulate Todd Ashby, Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, for being recognized by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) as this year's recipient of the Ronald F. Kirby Memorial National Award for Outstanding Individual Leadership. To earn this prestigious national award the recipient must display outstanding efforts in metropolitan transportation planning and planning leadership. They must also display and exemplify at least two of the following criteria: innovation, impact of profession, implementation, and coordination. Todd has embodied each of the four criteria and has worked tirelessly to promote his profession and the city of Des Moines. Todd has worked behind-the-scenes on his most recent project to establish the Des Moines Transload Facility. It will serve as a hub for surrounding area businesses by connecting the trucking network to the rail network. Based on recent findings, it will be a significant improvement over what is available today in central Iowa. It will allow businesses to reach areas of the state, and country that were unreachable before the facility. It is estimated that the Transload Facility will be completed by 2016. Mr. Speaker, Todd has displayed a work ethic and dedication to success that is matched by few. 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 Todd for receiving this outstanding award 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 Wyatt Saeugling of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the American Future Farmers of America Degree Award. The American Future Farmers of America Degree is the highest honor a FFA member can achieve. From October 28th through October 31st the FFA held their annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It was there that Wyatt was awarded the American FFA Degree for his abilities and outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing and service programs. He has always been involved in agriculture, from helping his grandpa on their dairy farm to starting his own cow herd. Eligibility requirements for this prestigious FFA award include: earning at least $10,000 and productively investing $7,500 through a supervised agriculture experience program or working in an existing agriculturally-focused position, completing 50 hours of community service, as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Wyatt met and exceeded each of these requirements through his dedication to the organization and the agriculture community. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent young leaders like Wyatt in the United States House of Representatives. He is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can help you achieve your goals. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him for his accomplishments and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kristin Johnk of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the American Future Farmers of America Degree Award. The American Future Farmers of America Degree is the highest honor a FFA member can achieve. From October 28th through October 31st the FFA held their annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It was then that Kristin was awarded the American FFA Degree for her abilities and outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing and service programs. Kristin has a wide range of experience in agriculture related jobs. She has worked in floriculture, turf and landscaping management, as well as vegetable production. Her experience in these jobs have opened her eyes to future career opportunities and allowed her to develop some of the skills she will need to succeed in them. Eligibility requirements for this prestigious FFA award include: earning at least $10,000 and productively investing $7,500 through a supervised agriculture experience program or working in an existing agriculturally-focused position, completing 50 hours of community service, as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Kristin met and exceeded each of these requirements through her dedication to the organization and the agriculture community. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Kristin for earning this award. She is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can help you achieve your goals. I am honored to recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kristin for her accomplishments 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 longtime anchorman Kevin Cooney of KCCI-TV in Des Moines. After 33 years at KCCI and a lifetime dedicated to journalism, Kevin has decided it's time to put down the notes, turn off the teleprompter and enjoy retirement. Since 1982, Kevin has been a constant figure in Iowa's living rooms, bringing us the news. During that time, he has covered some of Iowa's most important news stories ranging from the catastrophic floods of 1993 to interviewing President Clinton at the White House on the day of the Oklahoma City bombing. His wide range of knowledge on the issues of the day and his ability to captivate large audiences are second to none. As an Iowa native Kevin has always had a unique perspective on issues Iowans care about the most. His passion and genuine love of reporting the news is clear. He has earned the respect of those all across Iowa's media for his professionalism as well as his knack for making those around him better. Kevin is a leader in the truest sense of the word and an ambassador for all Iowans, they have counted on him for breaking news the last 33 years and he has delivered. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Kevin on his retirement as one of the most trusted faces in Iowa news broadcasting. His unwavering support for the state of Iowa and his commitment to providing news stories with integrity is a testament to his character. I am proud to represent him, his family and his fellow colleagues in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Kevin on this incredible milestone and wishing him nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Mr. William ``Bill'' Callaghan. He passed away November 16, 2015, at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Iowa Health Care System. Bill was the son of John Francis ``Jack'' Callaghan. Jack was the founding Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and longtime servant to the people of Iowa and Nebraska in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Bill carried on this tradition of service to our nation entering the Army in 1970 serving in the 4th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War. After serving in Vietnam, Bill came back to Omaha to earn his Juris Doctor (JD) at Creighton Law School. He served as a Prosecuting Attorney in Webster City and Ottumwa, IA before becoming the Law Instructor at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1984, where he served for 26 years impacting the lives of thousands of officers through his Iowa Criminal Code and United States Code classes. Bill married Jeanette Wagner in 1985 and they were blessed with a son, John R. Callaghan. Both Jeanette and John R. survive him. Jeanette is a retired music teacher and John, following in his father's footsteps, is a Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army, stationed at Ft. Carson, CO. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Mr. William J. Callaghan and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent great Iowans like Bill in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in honoring his memory.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Deb Weilage of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being named a Parent Educator of the Year. She was honored recently at the Parents as Teachers Conference in Dallas, Texas. Deb, along with four other parent educators from around the country, accepted the award before 1,300 conference participants. Each of them there were representing early childhood, child care, health, mental health, social services, and government agencies from across the nation and around the world. The Parent Educator of the Year award is intended to honor those individuals and affiliate programs whose practices exemplify the mission of Parents as Teachers. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders like Deb in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better the state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating her on receiving this esteemed designation, and wishing her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we approach Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. Earlier this year I met with a group of young Iowans belonging to the Junior Optimists Club--they found a truly unique way to pay tribute to our Iowa veterans. The Sidey family owned and published the Free Press in Greenfield, Iowa, for over 125 years. The Free Press would publish letters Iowa servicemen sent home to their families over the years. The Junior Optimists I met went through the Sidey's collection of soldiers' letters from World War II. They picked out the ones they found most interesting or compelling and read them aloud at a Flag Day celebration that I was fortunate to attend. I want to share them here with my colleagues in the House of Representatives so that we and future generations may always remember the very real and human struggles our men and women face as they leave their loved ones behind to bravely serve our country with dignity, honor, and distinction. Corporal Russell Smith, serving with the Army in North Africa, wrote the following letter dated May 23, 1943, to his sister: Will write a few lines tonight to let you know I am getting along ok and hope this find you the same. We haven't been doing much since the war is over down here. Up to now we have been gathering and cleaning up all the German equipment that they left. There is everything from a rifle up to an airplane. Lots of tanks and big guns. They burned about everything though, so it isn't much good for anything except iron. I didn't know they had as much stuff in the whole German army as I've seen here in the last couple of weeks. Right now that is for a week. Believe it nor not, we are on a week's vacation on the beach of the Mediterranean. We have to do a little fishing in the forenoon but in the afternoon we can do anything we like, go boating, swimming, play ball or drink wine or just lay around and sleep. This probably isn't all as good as it sounds but it's sure a good break for after what we've been through. I've had some pretty good experiences or I might say not so good. We had everything from mortar shells to bombs dropped on us and sometimes I thought every Hynie in the German army was firing machine guns and rifles at us. We were pinned down several times, but the longest was one day when we were attacking a hill and pinned down about 6 in the morning and had to lay there all day with only a little bunch of grass in front of some of us, and some didn't even have that. Didn't hardly dare wiggle a finger or they would let go everything that they had, and I mean we didn't move until it got dark. Didn't take a drink of water or smoke a cigarette, and boy it was hot. Les was also in that same battle the day before. That's about all I can tell you about it so will call it enough. The following are a few extracts from a letter written by Sgt. Ernest L. ``Budd'' Jenkins dated June 23, 1943 from Camp Shelby, Mississippi to his Aunt and Uncle--Mr. and Mrs. Charley Gillham. I have a good excuse for not answering your letter sooner as I have been in the field on firing problems and naturally there is no way of writing letters while out in the woods. That's some life, setting our big guns in position and firing in the heat of the day about 102 all day long. Then black-out driving at pitch dark into another position to make a surprise attack on the enemy. When we finally slow up to see if we can get a few hours sleep we battle mosquitoes, insects, lizards and snakes and finally roll up in stubborn sleep, when bang ``Fire Mission'' and we roll out to produce fire from our guns. We like it and we'll do it until we're tops, so darn good that when we go over there well have Nazis and [Japanese] running in every direction. Look what the artillery did to the Germans over in Africa. I can't tell you how happy I am to do my bit. I'm only one in about 10,000 trying to get do my bit. I hope all of you are well and happy. I'd like awfully well to see you. Write soon, Budd. Private Floyd Stimen, September 11, 1943, while serving in Italy: I sure will be glad when this war is over and everything is back to normal. Am pretty sure I am going out of the Navy for I want a normal home and a decent job and few of the things they are promising us now. All I have to say is that they better make those promises good. For these fellows are sure counting on it, and there will be enough of them to make it pretty hot if they don't make good on their promises. I am so damn tired of all this fighting when all you have to look forward to is going to sea again with duty 16 and 18 hours a day. I guess my stay in the hospital has spoiled me. I know it softened me up a lot for I lost over 20 pounds but have started to gain it back again now. I kinda miss seeing all those good looking nurses around but I guess it's just as well for they had me spoiled. They are really a swell bunch of people. (1 in particular) for she always treated me well. She used to get me special food and ice cream, anything I wanted and the rest of the patients had to take what they got. I can tell you now, I am well and out of there but you about lost your ``little boy Floydie'' for a couple of times I about bled to death and they had to give me transfusions but that's all in the past and forgotten. I am going to take the nurse that was good to me out to dinner and a show Monday night to show my appreciation. Well folks, I am about run down so will close for this time. I hope you are all ok. Write me at the new address. Tell everyone hello for me. All my love, Floyd. This letter was received by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Beaman of Canby, Iowa from Technical Sergeant Adam C. Wygonik of Chicago, who was brought back to the United States on the SS Gripsholm, concerning their son, Sgt. Howard Beaman, a prisoner of war in Germany. September 25, 1943. I am a very good friend of your son, Howard. I've been in the same squadron with him and even flew him in the same ship. We were also in the same camp in Germany, and when I left the camp in August (to be repatriated) Howard was in the best of health and feeling like a million. He is getting your mail and parcels quite regularly now (even though it takes six months to get there) and he sure does enjoy them. All last winter Howard was my bridge partner and all summer long he has been pretty busy managing ``Beaman's Demons'' baseball team there in camp. I hope to be seeing Howard again, and I hope you'll see Howard at home very soon. A letter to Mr. And Mrs. James Kralik of Nevinville from their son Corporal Roy Kralik, then a German prisoner of war: Dear Folks: I suppose you are wondering about our Christmas here. It was all real nice under the circumstances. Had the barracks all decorated and a tree for each. Really looked nice and the spirit was high. The Red Cross put out a special Christmas parcel along with the regular parcel, so we were able to have fruit cake, candy, all kinds of spreads and the like, along with our regular meals. Eight of us boys cooked up our meal together and had a nice time along with a good meal. DeWayne and I baked a bunch of cupcakes so along with them we had fruit cake, candy and coffee, mashed potatoes, fried prem, bread, butter, jam, peanut butter and biscuits. Had special church services, a camp show, and all in all, it passed my expectations by far. Here's hoping you all had a nice Christmas and that everyone is well. Had a letter from Colleen and some more from you. Best wishes, Roy. The following are a few extracts from a letter written by PFC Gerald L. Corey while stationed at Nashville Tennessee, to his mother, Mrs. Fred Heuckendorg. It snowed Monday. We were up at 6:00 and stood guard until the truck came to take us on a truck ride. We waited all day until 5:00 that afternoon. Couldn't have any fires and it was cold as the dickens. We started out on what was supposed to be 100 miles. About midnight our truck slid off into a ditch and we were there about three hours. Everybody was cold, tired, and hungry. We were a sad bunch. We reached Carthage, Tennessee, about noon. They sure have some hills here. The sun was shining and it was warm but muddy. Finally had a meal, not much I had some candy bars, they come in handy. Enemy planes were flying over us all the time, had to keep down, it seemed pretty realistic. We pulled out and started walking about 7:30, Tuesday night until 2 o'clock in the morning. We were warm while hiking but when we laid down it was cold: we rested until 5:30. The enemy were about 5 hours walk from where we were so we started walking again meeting the enemy about eleven o'clock Wednesday morning and drove them back into the hills. We walked again two miles into Hickman, Tennessee. The General stopped us there and said the problem was over, about four o'clock. We were served sandwiches and coffee. We couldn't get to our rest camp until Thursday a.m. We had to wait and our bed rolls hadn't come. It started to rain. We headed for farmer's barns, hog sheds, hen houses, etc. Our bed rolls came Thursday a.m. at 3:00. It continued to pour down. Everybody was soaked. Nobody pitched tents but went back to the barns. We had breakfast at 6:30. Our trucks didn't come and we stayed in the barns till 6 that night, then moved to town and slept in a warehouse, it was cold and damp. Our trucks didn't come when it stopped raining Friday morning so we moved to the top of a big hill and pitched tents for the night, first good night's sleep for nearly a week. We start out on another problem Monday morning. The colonel said it wouldn't be as bad as the last one. The colonel and the general praised us on the way we came through the problem as it was 4 times worse than they had expected. If you want to send me anything just make it anything to eat. A small truck came out from town with cakes, candy bars, and ice cream. Some scramble to get any of it! This is a wonderful life. Love, Gary. Corporal John Gildemiester, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Gildemiester, wrote from Iran. Everything is still going swell. I have been in a hospital with an attack of appendicitis but recovered without an operation. I have had the pleasure of meeting an American missionary who has been here for twenty years. Have also seen several Biblical monuments which are real interesting. In some parts of the country [there] are wheat fields, which are cut with a sickle and the bundles hauled home on mule's backs. They have a little machine with pointed wooden wheels which they run over the pile of bundles many times to thrash out the grain. The bread is flat somewhat similar to rye crisp. I ate some fresh gazelle meat the other day, which was very good, however we do not have it very often. There is no steak to be had here at any price. We are unable to get any American station on the radio over here. The following letter was received by Miss Elnora Smith of Orient concerning her brother, Sgt. Russell Smith, who was serving in Italy, and whose parents were dead. Feb. 1, 1943. Mr. Smith, I do not know whether this letter will reach you or not as I do not know what your first name is but will try and see what happens. Your son, Sgt. Russell Smith, who is now serving with the armed forces in Italy and my son, Sgt. Ronald Greiman are very good friends so Ronald tells us. Now we have had three letters from Ronald today, saying he has been wounded in action somewhere between Dec. 25 and Jan. 10. He was hit by machine gun fire in his leg below the knee, and he said it was your son that helped rescue him. He said when he was hit in the leg and fell to the ground, he rolled himself down the hill or cliff and when your son, Sgt. Smith saw what happened, he ran to help him and carried him to safety under heavy machine gun fire. Then Sgt. Smith and another sergeant sent for some stretcher bearers and they carried our son 16 miles down the mountains till they came to a road where he could be hauled to some hospital. Sgt. Smith also bandaged his wounds as soon as he carried him to safety. Now I want to tell you how grateful we are for what Sgt. Smith has done for our son, Sgt. Greiman, and when you write to your son, I wish you would mention this to him also. Ronald writes he has had his leg operated on and is getting along as well as could be expected. He says the doctors tell him that it will take 3 or 4 months to heal the wounds and 3 or 4 more months before he can get around on it. He also said he would be moved to Africa to some hospital there. Says his big worry now is wondering how his buddies are getting along that he left behind. So we can see how these boys really get attached to one another. When you write to your son, I wish you would tell him how Ronald is doing and tell him that he was taken to Africa, then perhaps they can get in touch with each other. May God be with our sons and all other boys at the fighting fronts. H.A. Grieman. Mr. Speaker, these are the words of brave men. And they ring as true today as they did over seventy years ago when they were written. They embody the ideals of this great nation and the ethos of our armed forces that have fought, sacrificed, and died for our country so that we can remain free. Next week when we recognize these men and women on Veterans Day, look them in the eye and say ``Thank You.'' They know all too well what the words in these letters mean. And for their bravery and sacrifices, they deserve our unwavering gratitude and respect. May God bless them. And may God bless these United States of America.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as we approach Veterans Day, to honor the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. Now, earlier this year, I met with a group of young Iowans in Greenfield, Iowa, belonging to the Junior Optimists Club. They found a truly unique way to pay tribute to our Iowa veterans. The Sidey family owned and published the Free Press in Greenfield, Iowa, for over 125 years. The Free Press would publish in their newspaper letters Iowa servicemembers sent home to their families over the years. The Junior Optimists I met with went through the Sideys' collection of letters from World War II from soldiers. They picked out the ones they found most interesting or compelling and read them aloud at a Flag Day celebration that I was fortunate to attend. I want to share one here, and I will put some others in the Record here with my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and enshrine them in the Congressional Record so that we, and future generations, may always remember the very real and human struggles our men and women face as they leave their loved ones and family behind to bravely secure and serve our country with dignity, honor and distinction. I would like to read one of these letters, written by Lieutenant Kenneth Eatinger of Adair County, Iowa. July 23, 1943. Dear Little Brother: I hope and trust you will be able to read this all by yourself, but if you can't, mother will read it to you and you will be able to save it and read it yourself at a later date after you have learned to read better. Sonny, I know you miss me. I miss you too. It is too bad this war could not have been delayed a few more years so that I could have been with you a while longer and do all the things I had planned to do with you. But I suppose we must be brave and put those things off for now. If I could just get home once more to see you and all the folks again and have them meet my little wife and baby, I wouldn't ask for anything more. When you are a little older, you will know why your brother had to leave home for so long. You know we have a big country and we have big ideals as to how people should live and enjoy the riches of it and how each is born with equal rights to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, there are some countries in the world where they do not have these ideals, where a boy cannot grow up to be what he wants to be, with no limits on his opportunity to be a great man such as a great statesman or a businessman, a farmer, a soldier. Because there are many people in other countries who want to change our Nation, its ideals, its form of government and way of life, we must leave our homes and families to fight. When it is all over, your brother is going to bring his little family home to see you and Mom and Dad and Inez and all the rest. In the meantime, take good care of Mom and Dad and grow up to be a good boy and a good young man. Study hard when you are in school. Be a good leader in everything good in life. Be a good American, strive to win, but if you must lose, lose like a gentleman, and be a good sport. Don't be a quitter, either in sports or in your business or profession when you grow up. Get all the education you can. Stay close to Mom and follow her advice. Obey her in everything, no matter how you may at times disagree. She knows what is best and will never let you down or lead you away from the right and honorable things of life. Little Brother, if I don't come back, you will have to be Mom and Dad's protectors when they get older because you will be the only one they have. You must grow up to take my place as well as your own in their life and heart. Last of all, don't forget your brother. Pray for him to come back from this war, and if it is God's will that he does not, be the kind of boy and man your brother wants you to be. Kiss Mother, Dad, and Inez for me every night. Goodbye for now, Little Brother. With love to you and all the family, Your Brother. Mr. Speaker, these are the words of a brave man, and they ring as true today as they did over 70 years ago when they were written. They embody the ideals of this great Nation and the ethos of our Armed Forces that have fought, sacrificed, and died for our country so that we can remain free. My friends and colleagues, next week, when we recognize these men and women on Veterans Day, look them in the eye and say, ``Thank you.'' For their bravery and sacrifices, they deserve our unwavering gratitude and respect. May God bless them, and may God bless these United States of America.