[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRANDON BATES

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievement of 
Brandon Bates, a Boy Scout from Winterset, Iowa, who recently received 
the Eagle Scout Award. I commend Brandon on his perseverance and 
dedication to improving his community.
  Brandon, who is the son of Jerry and Roxanne Bates, first joined the 
Boy Scout organization as a Tiger Scout at age 7. He went on to become 
a Cub Scout and then a Boy Scout. Throughout his years in scouting, 
Brandon has worked hard to earn many merit badges and awards, all of 
which involve personal betterment and community service. As a Cub 
Scout, he earned the ``Arrow of Light,'' which is the highest award 
that a Cub Scout can earn. As a Boy Scout, Brandon has earned the World 
Conservation Award, the Leave No Trace patch, and now the Eagle Scout 
Award.
  The Eagle Scout Award is the highest award that a Boy Scout can 
receive. In order to be eligible for this award, a Boy Scout must earn 
a minimum of 21 merit badges. Brandon has currently earned 40. Only 2% 
of Boy Scouts nationwide receive this honorable reward, and it is 
looked upon with distinction in the military, in many colleges and in 
the business world.
  I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me 
in commending Brandon Bates for his achievement. It is an honor to 
serve as his representative, and I wish him luck in the future.

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