David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Harold and Sandra Bintz of Minden, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Harold and Sandra's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ellen Grace Brown on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Ms. Brown celebrated her 100th birthday on August 30th, 2015 in Lenox, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Ms. Brown'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. Ms. Brown 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 Ellen 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 Ms. Brown 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 the Clarinda Community Theatre of Clarinda, Iowa for celebrating their 60th anniversary. The Community Theatre was founded in 1955 by a group of theatre enthusiasts. The mission of the Clarinda Community Theatre is to encourage and promote an interest in participating, observing, and supporting amateur theatre in the community of Clarinda. Clarinda resident Jolly Ann Davidson has played an important role in the success of the community theater. She felt it was important for Clarinda to have some form of live stage performances in town and has been the driving force in bringing numerous productions to Clarinda for the community to enjoy. Jolly Ann has performed in many of the plays and has seen the theatre grow into a top-notch performing arts facility. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate the Clarinda Community Theatre for reaching this 60-year milestone. I am proud to represent all those who have been involved in creating this outstanding theater. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating them on a job well done and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Carl and Denise Jardon of Randolph, Iowa, for receiving the 2015 Conservationist of the Year Award presented by the Fremont County Soil and Water Conservation District. Carl and Denise were selected for this award based on their outstanding work in incorporating terraces, no-till farming, nitrogen stabilizer, and cover crops into their 368-acre farm operation. These practices are instrumental in helping preserve clean water and soil for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Carl and Denise for earning this award. They are shining examples of how hard work and dedication to protecting the environment will benefit their property and others. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Carl and Denise for this achievement. I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Charlie Weil of Afton, Iowa, for his retirement from Wellman Dynamics in Creston after 50 years of service. On August 25th, 2015, Mr. Weil marked 50 years working as a molder for Wellman's, which manufactures aluminum and magnesium sand castings for aerospace applications. He also spent a year serving our country in Vietnam and when he completed his service, he demonstrated great commitment to Wellman's, immediately returning to work there. Mr. Speaker, Charlie's hard work and dedication to his craft embodies the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent 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 his achievement, and I 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 the Interstate 35 Telephone Company of Truro, Iowa. The company has reached an important milestone this year and I join them in celebrating their 50th anniversary of providing communication services to Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. The Interstate 35 Telephone Company was incorporated in 1965 when Dale Mauer repurchased the Truro exchange from Continental Telephone Company. In 1965, St. Charles was added to the exchange, and in 1970, St. Mary's was added. Changes have been constant in this company since then as digital service, cable services and cell phone technology has improved. As a result, the number of employees has increased from 6 in 1980, to over 50 today. In many of the small towns they serve, the telephone company is one of the main businesses and a hub for a number of community projects. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to represent Interstate 35 Telephone Company and its hard working employees in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on their 50th 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 Florence Nolte on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Ms. Nolte celebrated her 100th birthday on July 17th, 2015 in Stuart, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Ms. Nolte'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. Ms. Nolte 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 Ms. Nolte 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 Ms. Nolte on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her continued 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 Skyler Rawlings of Greenfield, Iowa, for receiving a state 4-H citizenship project award. Skyler is the son of Sieanna Rawlings of Greenfield, Iowa. A state 4-H project award is the highest achievement one can receive in the 4-H project work category. Project awards are given to youth who demonstrate leadership, communication, and volunteerism in certain project areas. A total of 152 youth from 55 counties competed for these project awards on the state level. Achieving this honor is a true testament to Skyler's dedication to serving others, and I commend him for his hard work. Mr. Speaker, Skyler's actions embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent 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 Skyler on his achievement and I wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Calvin and Karen Larsen of Underwood on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Calvin and Karen were married in 1965 and are lifelong residents of Southwest Iowa. Calvin and Karen's commitment to each other, their children, Nancy and Lind, as well as their grandchildren truly embodies their Iowa values. I congratulate this devoted couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion. I wish them and their family all the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Shelby Soper of Adair for being chosen for State 4-H Council Membership for 2015-16. Shelby is the daughter of Clint and Mindy Douglas of Adair. State 4-H Council membership is given to youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication skills. A total of 40 youth are chosen for this council on the state level. Achieving this honor is a true testament to Shelby's dedication to serving others, and I commend her for her hard work. Mr. Speaker, Shelby's actions embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent 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 Shelby on this achievement and I wish her and her family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Heath Downing of Creston, Iowa, for receiving a state 4-H food and nutrition project award. Heath is the son of Steve and Karen Downing of Creston. A state 4-H project award is the highest achievement one can receive in the 4-H project work category. Project awards are given to youth who demonstrate leadership, communication, and volunteerism in certain project areas. A total of 152 youth from 55 counties competed for these project awards on the state level. Achieving this honor is a true testament to Heath's perseverance and dedication to serve others, and I commend him for his hard work. Mr. Speaker, Heath's actions embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent 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 Heath on his achievement and I wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mike Dailey, principal at Southeast Polk Junior High School for receiving the 2015 ITAG (Iowa Talented and Gifted) Administrator of the Year award. This honor is awarded annually to recognize an Iowa building-level or district office administrator who supports and advances ITAG's mission in his/her school district. The organization's mission is to ``recognize, support, and respect the unique and diverse needs of talented and gifted learners through advocacy, education, and networking.'' Mike was nominated for this award by Laurie Wyatt, Southeast Polk's Learning Supports Coordinator. Ms. Wyatt cited Mike's support of gifted junior high students, which is reflected in his willingness to collaborate and cooperate with other staff. He has also been a driving force behind the growth in his building's Iowa Assessment scores. Mike's tireless dedication to all junior high students is highly valued by Southeast Polk. His efforts exemplify the district's priority of high academic achievement, and its vision to help students reach success in college, career, and civic life. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Mike for this award and for providing the youth in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District the education that they will need to be successful in the future. I am proud to represent him, his family and his fellow teachers and students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mike and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Riley Lonsdale of Greenfield for receiving a state 4-H communication project award. Riley is the daughter of Martin and Maureen Lonsdale. A state 4-H project award is the highest achievement one can receive in the 4-H project work category. Project awards are given to youth who demonstrate leadership, communication, and volunteerism in certain project areas. A total of 152 youth from 55 counties competed for these project awards on the state level. Achieving this honor is a true testament to Riley's perseverance and dedication to serve others, and I commend her for her hard work. Mr. Speaker, Riley's actions embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent 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 Riley on her achievement and I wish her and her family nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tillie Heim from the Tri-Center Varsity Cheer team, as she has been honored with the status of All-American at the Tri-Center cheer camp. To achieve this status, Tillie had to try out in front of the entire camp, demonstrating her knowledge and skill in all areas of cheer. Tillie has dedicated her time and talents to achieving a single goal and I commend her for her hard work and determination. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Tillie demonstrates the rewards of dedication and hard work. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Tillie on a job well done, and wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Maxine Lyon on her retirement as the organist at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Maxine recently retired after serving over 66 years as the church organist. Maxine directed the children's choir, adult choir and bell choir for many years. She is well known in the Atlantic area for performing with other area musicians and accompanying community choirs. Maxine taught piano lessons for 40 years primarily to advanced students. After graduating from Parsons College in 1939, she began a distinguished career teaching music in several different school districts. Maxine and her husband, Walt, moved to Atlantic in 1948 and raised two daughters, Pat and Judy. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Maxine for her many years of dedicated and devoted service to the First United Presbyterian Church and to the Atlantic community. I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Maxine and wish her and her family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a very special Iowan--Lucille Albright on the celebration of her 106th birthday on Monday, September 14th. Lucille has lived a wonderful life and her friends and family are very quick to share some of the collective stories and memories that have made up her 106 years. Stories like the time she went on a double date with a friend whose date was future U.S. President Ronald Reagan. They have told me memories of her bus trips to take in a baseball game or visit the raceway and casino near Des Moines. And, her friends and family have noted her strong faith and active membership of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Beaverdale. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Lucille'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. Lucille has lived through nineteen United States Presidents and twenty-three Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Lucille in the United States Congress because she is a shining example of Iowa values. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her much health and happiness on this very special occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Marketing and Communications Department for receiving five prestigious awards at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Strategic Policy, Advocacy, Resources and Communications Conference. Each year the American Farm Bureau Federation gives out awards at their Strategic Policy, Advocacy, Resources and Communications Conference to recognize select Farm Bureau Federation teams that excel in their outreach and communication to the public. The conference is designed to incentivize strategic communication, aligning the organization's platforms around important subjects and initiatives that are aimed at creating better policy. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation team received the following five awards: Best Newspaper, Best News or Feature Series, Best Blog, Best Social Media Campaign, and Best Promotional or Education Video. Mr. Speaker, the example set by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Marketing and Communications Department demonstrates the rewards of hard work and dedication. Their efforts embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent this valued Iowa organization in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating this team on their achievements, and I wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Margarite Goodenow of the Bluffs Arts Council for receiving an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award. Each year Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honors individuals who have exemplified exceptional commitment to their communities through various service related activities. Margarite was granted this prestigious award as she has demonstrated her dedication to serving the Bluffs Arts Council as both a board member and volunteer. Margarite's hard work and dedication to serving others truly embodies our Iowa values. I applaud Margarite for her commitment to service and giving back to the community. It is an honor to represent civic minded Iowans like her in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her for receiving this award and wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Julia Dollen from the Tri-Center Varsity Cheer team, as she has been honored with the status of All-American at the Tri-Center cheer camp. To achieve this status, Julia had to try out in front of the entire camp, demonstrating her knowledge and skill in all areas of cheer. Julia has dedicated her time and talents to achieving a single goal and I commend her for her hard work and determination. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Julia demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Julia on a job well done, and wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate John Rasmussen of the Bluffs Arts Council for receiving an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award. Each year Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honors individuals who have exemplified exceptional commitment to their communities through various service related activities. John was granted this prestigious award as he has demonstrated his dedication to serving the Bluffs Arts Council as both a board member and volunteer. John's hard work and dedication to serving others truly embodies our Iowa values. I applaud John for his commitment to service and giving back to the community. It is an honor to represent civic minded Iowans like him in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him for receiving this award and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bob Fenner of the Bluffs Arts Council for receiving an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award. Each year Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honors individuals who have exemplified exceptional commitment to their communities through various service related activities. Bob was granted this prestigious award as he has demonstrated his dedication to serving the Bluffs Arts Council as both a board member and volunteer. Bob's hard work and dedication to serving others truly embodies our Iowa values. I applaud Bob for his commitment to service and giving back to the community. It is an honor to represent civic minded Iowans like him in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him for receiving this award and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mark Albers of Boy Scout Troop 182 in Waukee, 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, and must complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Mark planned, constructed and installed three professional grade benches at the Covenant Presbyterian Church playground in West Des Moines. This playground is frequently used by area families and the Head Start Program at the church. The work ethic Mark 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 am honored to represent Mark and his 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 Callie Eckmann from the Tri-Center Varsity Cheer team, as she has been honored with the status of All-American at the Tri-Center cheer camp. To achieve this status, Callie had to try out in front of the entire camp, demonstrating her knowledge and skill in all areas of cheer. Callie has dedicated her time and talents to achieving a single goal and I commend her for her hard work and determination. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Callie demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Callie on a job well done, and wish her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Denise Putman of the Bluff's Arts Council for receiving an Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award. Each year Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honors individuals who have exemplified exceptional commitment to their communities through various service related activities. Denise was granted this prestigious award as she has demonstrated her dedication to serving the Bluff's Arts Council as both a board member and volunteer. Denise's hard work and dedication to serving others truly embodies our Iowa values. I applaud Denise for her commitment to service and giving back to the community. It is an honor to represent civic minded Iowans like her in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her for receiving this award and wish her nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Elaine Fenner of the Bluffs Arts Council for being a recipient of the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award. Each year Iowa Governor Terry Branstad honors individuals who have exemplified exceptional commitment to their communities through various service related activities. Elaine was granted this prestigious award as she has demonstrated her dedication to serving the Bluffs Arts Council as both a board member and volunteer. Elaine's hard work and dedication to serving others truly embodies our Iowa values. I applaud Elaine for her commitment to service and giving back to the community. It is an honor to serve civic minded Iowans like her in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her for receiving this award and wish her nothing but continued success.