[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E597-E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO SIX HEROES OF THE HEARTLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Ryan Brown, Dave McCaulley, Ben Wier, Rob Bacon, Doug Bates, and Matt 
Myers for being named a 2013 Hero of the Heartland by the American Red 
Cross serving Greater Iowa.
   Each year, the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa recognizes 
Heroes of the Heartland by selecting everyday Iowans who have done 
extraordinary things to help their neighbors and communities. The 
Iowans honored with this prestigious award displayed selflessness in a 
variety of courageous, charitable

[[Page E598]]

and thoughtful acts. The Heroes of the Heartland program not only 
showcases the heroes among us, but also helps raise crucial funds to 
ensure that the American Red Cross is prepared and equipped to assist 
those that need food, shelter, and comfort during emergencies and 
difficult times.
   To be named Heroes of the Heartland, these six men responded in an 
extraordinary fashion to what began as an ordinary game of golf. On 
July 12, 2012, at the sixth tee box at Indian Creek Country Club, 
Dennis Kjarland suffered a heart attack. Without hesitation, these six 
men responded to the life-threatening situation by calling 911 and 
collectively performing chest compressions and assisted breathing for 
15 minutes before first responders arrived. Because of their brave 
actions and quick thinking, Mr. Kjarland recently had the opportunity 
to celebrate his 70th birthday. The actions of these six men are truly 
an example that our state can be proud of.
   Mr. Speaker, the actions of these men that earned them each the 
title a ``Hero of the Heartland'' are a testament to the humble, 
hardworking and helpful people who make up the great state of Iowa. I 
invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating these 
six men on a job well done, thanking the American Red Cross serving 
Greater Iowa for their life changing efforts, and wishing all of those 
involved in the Heroes of the Heartland program continued success for 
years to come.

                          ____________________