[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 99 (Thursday, July 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1046-E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO JAMIE BOERSMA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Jamie Boersma of Clive for being named 
a 2013 ``Characters Unite'' award recipient by USA Network.
   The Characters Unite program is a national public service initiative 
that aims to bridge cultural gaps and confront social injustices 
through the promotion of understanding and acceptance. Each year, this 
program honors individuals who go above and beyond by contributing 
``significant efforts to champion civil and human rights in their 
communities.'' Awardees are provided a $5,000 grant for their 
individual projects and are featured on nationwide public service 
announcements to raise awareness for their cause and the program as a 
whole.
   As CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Mrs. Boersma changes the 
lives of more than 15,000 girls and 4,000 adults in 70 counties that 
mostly comprise central and western

[[Page E1047]]

Iowa. Additionally, Jamie serves on the Board of Directors for the 
Rotary Club of Des Moines, is an active member of her church, and a 
wife and mother to her husband, Dale, and their son, Andrew. In all 
that she does, Jamie is truly an example that our state can be proud 
of.
   Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Boersma's tireless efforts to make the world a 
better place have deservedly been recognized through her selection as a 
2013 Characters Unite winner. Jamie is a testament to the humble, 
hardworking and helpful people who make up the great state of Iowa, and 
it is a great honor to represent her and her family in the United 
States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in 
congratulating Mrs. Boersma on receiving this prestigious distinction, 
thanking USA Network and the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa for their 
efforts, and wishing all of those involved in these wonderful programs 
continued success for years to come.

                          ____________________