David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dick Bergstrom of Creston, Iowa, for being selected as a member of the Creston High School Hall of Fame. A Cedar Falls native, Dick played football at the University of Northern Iowa and was the head football coach for 33 years at Creston High School, during which he coached 17 straight winning seasons and 10 playoff teams. He taught mathematics, health, and physical education during his time at CHS. Mr. Speaker, Dick's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Dick 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 Carol Sparr of Red Oak, Iowa, for being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees to the Hall of Fame must demonstrate dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H students throughout the years. Carol grew up in Rulo, Nebraska where she attended Peru State College. She and her husband, Ted, now reside in Red Oak, Iowa. Carol became involved in 4-H when her daughter Trasy joined the organization. For 35 years Carol has served as the Food and Nutrition Superintendent for the county fair and has helped oversee the annual bake sale. She now spends most of her free time volunteering in the community at Meals on Wheels, the Montgomery County Board of Health, and the First United Methodist Church of Red Oak. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Carol for earning this award. It is truly an honor to represent her, and Iowans like her, in the United States Congress. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Carol for her numerous accomplishments in the 4-H community. I wish her nothing but continued success moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pauline Moberg on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Pauline celebrated this special day on October 4, 2015 in Creston, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Pauline'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. Pauline has lived through 17 United States Presidents and 24 Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Pauline in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Pauline on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Roger and Betty Kubik of Avoca, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Roger and Betty were married at the First Lutheran Church in Avoca on August 22, 1965. Roger and Betty's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Kerri and Angela, and their grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Merrill and Joyce Kruse of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Merrill and Joyce were married in 1965. Merrill and Joyce's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. I congratulate this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them and their family nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate James Paul of Hastings, Iowa, for being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees to the Hall of Fame have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa's 4-H students through the years. James has been providing guidance and encouragement for youth for the past 30 years. He has organized workshops and challenges that motivate the youth to experiment in growing a variety of crops and produce. James has assisted over 1,000 youth and adults in developing skills in gardening. He is a farmer in Mills County with his wife, Harva. They have three children who were all active 4-H members. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate James Paul for earning this award. He is a shining example of how hard work and dedication can have a positive impact on the future of our youth. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating James for his accomplishments within the 4-H community. I wish him nothing but continued success moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alan and Phyllis Moore of Red Oak, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Alan and Phyllis were married in 1965. Alan and Phyllis' lifelong commitment to each other and their children truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them and their family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bob and Bernadette Stanbrough of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob and Bernadette married in 1965. Bob and Bernadette's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them and their family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Brownlee Family of Macksburg, Iowa, for being selected to receive the Iowa Farm Environmental Leaders Award. Receiving this award was Glenda, Dan, Megan, Kevin, and Alex Brownlee. Presented by the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this prestigious Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a joint effort to recognize the exceptional voluntary efforts of Iowa farmers to preserve and protect the environment of our state. Mr. Speaker, the example set by the Brownlee Family is a commendable one. Their willingness to dedicate themselves to great stewardship of their land is an example that should be followed by all Iowans. I am proud to represent them and Iowans like them in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating the Brownlee's for their achievements and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Evelyn Lund of Lenox, Iowa, for being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees to the Hall of Fame have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa's 4-H students through the years. Evelyn was born and raised in Adams County, Iowa and has served on the Adams County Youth and 4-H committee. Her encouraging smile and positive attitude with all 4-H members made her a great fit for her role as a youth leader. Evelyn and her husband Paul are the parents of three children, Nancy, Laurie, and Charles. Each of their children were active in 4-H programs growing up. Today, Evelyn encourages a third generation of 4-H members in Adams County to develop skills and confidence through various 4-H programs. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Evelyn for earning this award. She is a shining example of how encouragement and a positive influence can have a lasting impact on our youth. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Evelyn for this 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 Bernie and Connie Pettinger of Anita, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Bernie and Connie married in 1965. Bernie and Connie's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Paul, Dave, Mark, Kathy, Kim and Amy, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them and their family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate William Lybarger of Boy Scout Troop 17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, William chose to undertake a major mulching project at Jones Park in Cedar Rapids. He led a large group of volunteers from his community by laying mulch around the entire park, protecting the trees from damage, and beautifying the park in the process. The work ethic William has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout and wishing him nothing but continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Greg Rasmussen of Adair, Iowa. Greg has been awarded the Honorary Warren Coleman Award, the highest honor given by the Iowa Lions Foundation. Greg has embodied the Lions slogan of ``We Serve'' by serving as Adair Lions club president and club secretary, along with chairing countless times for pancake breakfasts and soup suppers. He has also been a part of numerous community projects, including improving park playground equipment, city ball park renovations, and a fundraiser for the emergency services department. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Greg for receiving this award and for providing leadership to the Lions Foundation and the city of Adair. I am proud to represent him and Iowans like him in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Greg and wishing him nothing but continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Clemencia Spizirri for being named Iowa's Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Department of Education. Established in 1958, the Iowa Teacher of the Year Award recognizes one teacher each year who displays the ability to motivate, challenge and inspire their students. They must be someone who is respected by their peers and students. The Teacher of the Year must be able to think outside the box and have a positive influence on their students, not only inside the classroom but also outside the classroom. Clemencia is a shining example of all the qualities this award represents. She has dedicated her career to bettering the lives of her students through effective teaching techniques and a determination to provide high quality education for each and every one of her students. It is clear that Clemencia is uniquely qualified and deserving of this prestigious award. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Clemencia for receiving this award and for her role in molding the leaders of our future generations. Her hard work and dedication truly embodies our Iowa values, and I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Clemencia and in 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 Doris Samuelson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the celebration of her 90th birthday. Doris celebrated her 90th birthday in September. She was married to Bill Samuelson for 56 years and has four children. She also taught at the elementary school in the Council Bluffs School District. Mr. Speaker it is an honor to represent Doris and Iowans like her. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Doris on this incredible milestone, and wish 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 the Tall Corn Motel of Shenandoah, Iowa. For over 60 years, the Tall Corn Motel has been a constant in the Shenandoah community. The business was founded in 1955 and was one of the first motels to be built in the state. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the motel went through many changes and new ownership to accommodate what quickly became a famous Iowa landmark. With the economy booming, many motel guests looked at the motel as their home away from home. In fact, even world famous movie stars and musicians, such as the Everly Brothers, Elizabeth Taylor, Dolly Parton, Lucille Ball, John Wayne, and Marilyn Monroe, made appearances throughout the years at the Tall Corn Motel. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Tall Corn Motel for 60 years of dedicated service to the communities and visitors of Shenandoah and southwest Iowa. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Tall Corn Motel owners, and wishing them and their entire staff nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lucas Colosimo for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Lucas made and installed an outdoor meditative pathway, which included the Stations of the Cross at St. Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Lucas and his supportive family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sara Ross of Minden, Iowa, for being selected as the Midwest Farm Mom of the Year. Sara grew up in a small rural community in Nebraska, but she did not grow up on a farm. When Sara married her husband Kevin, a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, she took it upon herself to learn the farm business. The criteria used in selecting the ``Farm Mom of the Year'' by the American Agri-Women, a national coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women, is based on support for family and commitment to agriculture. Sara's commitment is evident through her blog about farm life, her involvement in volunteer farm organizations, and her international work, including traveling to China to teach women there about U.S. agriculture and soybean production. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Sara for her leadership in the agriculture community in Pottawattamie County, the State of Iowa, and with international partners. Sara's hard work and dedication to her family and farm represents our Iowa values, and I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Sara and in wishing her and her family nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Van Clark Jr. for his retirement from Modern Optical in Des Moines after 43 years of dedicated service. Van has spent his life helping his patients enjoy their lives to the fullest. His dedication to helping others is second to none. During his time at Modern Optical, Van would make special trips to nursing homes in the area to offer optical assistance to those who were in need. He now plans to spend as much time as possible with his family and travel with his wife. Mr. Speaker, Van's selflessness and willingness to help others is a true embodiment of the Iowa spirit. It is an honor to represent him and Iowans like him in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on this momentous occasion and wish him nothing but continued success and happiness in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tom and Norma Troxel of Farragut, Iowa, for their induction into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Tom and Norma have been involved in 4-H for most of their lives. They are longtime members of 4-H and became 4-H leaders when their three daughters, Andria, Maggie, and Kimberly, became old enough to join. Tom is a 4th generation ag producer, and Norma has served on the Extension Council and the 4-H Youth and Endowment Committees for a number of years. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Tom and Norma for being inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. They are shining examples of how hard work, leadership, and dedication can serve to promote and support our youth and the mission of 4-H. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Tom and Norma and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Southeast Polk High School Boys Baseball Team for winning the Iowa Class 4A State Baseball Championship. I would like to congratulate each member of the Team: Players: Cam Shannon, Kyle Underwood, Tim Neff, Austin Martin, Cole Horton, Nathan Gjersvik, Ryan Lamke, Brayden Shepherd, Jace Surprenant, Brandon Ross, Sam Henry, Thomas McLaughlin, Alex DuToit, Jake Nelson, Sean Joelson, Carter Bauge, Zack Hamilton, Cole Hauser, Alex Pierce, Cole Hassman, Sam Hermes, and Connor Young. Coaches: Scott Belger, Dave Hartman, Mike Steele, Rick Fee, Ty Weatherman, Scot Surprenant, and Blake Kielman. 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 know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating these young men and the rest of 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 Nick and Sue Hunt of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the 2015 Conservationist of the Year Award, presented by the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District. This award is a joint effort of the Governor's Office, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Department of Natural Resources. The Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers who work to improve and protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nick and Sue were selected for this award because of their outstanding work in their farming operations and for serving as local leaders in environmental stewardship on their farm, utilizing a variety of techniques and best management practices. Their efforts have helped improve and protect the environment in the State of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Nick and Sue for earning this award. They are shining examples of how hard work and dedication to conservation can benefit their property and the environment around them for years to come. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them for this outstanding achievement and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Southwest Iowa Planning Council as they celebrate their 40th year in operation. The Southwest Iowa Planning Council's goals are to promote regional cooperation, to serve the counties and cities within our region with community and economic development activities, and to improve the quality of life for all residents in Southwest Iowa. Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) operates the public transit system in our eight- county region, and Southwest Iowa Housing Trust Fund (SWIHTF) provides safe, affordable housing by expanding housing opportunities in the region. These additional services the Southwest Iowa Planning Council provides play an important role in improving the quality of life for Iowans. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to represent Southwest Iowa Planning Council and its hard working employees in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating the Council on their 40th anniversary and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lois Hunt for being selected as Ringgold County's 2015 inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Lois' contributions to 4-H have been far-reaching, as she has served in a number of different capacities within Extension 4-H as a volunteer, Extension Council member, program assistant, area specialist, and area director. She has also been involved with the Iowa 4-H Foundation It has been said that Lois has ``green blood'' and cherishes the success she sees in Iowa's youth who have participated in 4-H throughout her years of service with the organization. Mr. Speaker, Lois' efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent her, and Iowans like her, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Lois for her achievements and wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ed Littler, Jr. of Adair, Iowa. Ed has been awarded the very first Ed Littler Achievement Award from Adair-Casey Schools. The school has established the award to be presented to anyone who has contributed to the A-C Bomber family with large amounts of their personal time and hard work. Ed has covered the local sports scene for the Adair News since 1948 and rarely missed a home or away football game until his retirement this year. He was cited for his contributions to all Adair-Casey sports and to the community. Ed played football as a quarterback for the Adair High School Rockets and graduated from Adair High School in 1947. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Ed for receiving this award and for dedicating his time and efforts in supporting the Adair-Casey Schools. I am proud to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Ed on this outstanding achievement.