[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A TRIBUTE TO PRINCIPAL

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
The Principal Financial Group, led by CEO Larry Zimpleman, for being 
recently being named a 2011 Freedom Award Recipient. The Freedom Award 
is the highest recognition by the Department of Defense given to 
employers that display exceptional support of their employees serving 
in the Guard and Reserve.
  Principal employee Major Kerry M. Studer nominated Principal for this 
award. Major Studer is also a recent recipient of the Bronze Star Medal 
for his noble service as Commanding Officer of the 443rd Transportation 
Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Major Studer nominated Principal Financial Group for this award 
because of the ``the extraordinary lengths'' his company went in order 
to support him and his family while he was away defending our freedoms. 
While he was away, his coworkers looked closely after his family and 
would gladly accompany his wife and children to school and sporting 
events that he was unable to attend. Principal also ``adopted'' Major 
Studer's unit and mailed them hundreds of PT uniforms, t-shirts and 
countless care packages.
  Principal is one of only 15 companies to receive this prestigious 
award amidst the 4,049 nominations submitted. Principal and the other 
2011 honorees will be recognized here in Washington later this year at 
the 16th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award 
Ceremony. Principal Financial Group joins an elite class as only 145 
employers have attained this honor in the last 15 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Major Studer's commitment and courage during his service 
coupled with his company's unwavering support serves as an important 
example of American patriotism in the heartland as well as the 
battlefield. I commend Major Studer, Larry Zimpleman, and all the 
employees of Principal for their selfless dedication to a cause greater 
than their own. It is my honor to represent Major Studer, his family 
and all Iowans in the United States Congress and I know my colleagues 
will join me in congratulating them for their accomplishment.

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