[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6659-S6660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       IDAHO HOMETOWN HERO MEDAL

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 2016 Idaho 
Hometown Hero medalists.

[[Page S6660]]

  Drs. Fahim and Naeem Rahim established the Idaho Hometown Hero medal 
in 2011 to recognize outstanding Idahoans working for the betterment of 
our communities. Medalists are selected from nominations sought from 
the public throughout the State and must meet criteria that include 
being dedicated to hard work, self-improvement, and community service.
  In this 6th year of the presentation of this honor, 10 Idahoans from 
communities across Idaho are 2016 Hometown Hero medal recipients. 
Executive Director of Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho Jeni 
Griffin of Idaho Falls is recognized for her dedication of more than 10 
years to promoting suicide prevention in Idaho. Nationally recognized 
teacher, coach, and mentor Holly Kartchner of Blackfoot received the 
award for her commitment to education in southeastern Idaho, leading 
her students to reach national championships. Former Coeur d'Alene 
police officer and Air Force veteran Mike Kralicek is honored for the 
inspiration he provides to other public servants to be better prepared 
for overcoming adversity and his leadership in helping law enforcement 
families in times of crisis.
  Idaho Falls attorney Doug Nelson is recognized for dedicating more 
than three decades to leading, supporting, and advocating for 
children's activity programs and multiple charitable organizations and 
mentoring disadvantaged single mothers. Wiley Petersen, a professional 
bullrider, coach, motivational speaker, and mentor who grew up in Fort 
Hall received the medal for his efforts to give back to his Native 
American community and help further the progress of the Native American 
people. Sonya Rosario, a filmmaker from Meridian and the founder and 
executive director of Women of Color Alliance, is honored for her work 
and films to help heal Native communities. Zeze Rwasama of Twin Falls, 
who is originally from Congo, is the director of the College of 
Southern Idaho's refugee program, and is recognized for his work to 
educate, integrate and build bridges between refugees and their new 
communities.
  Tyvan Schmitt, of Pocatello, who served in the U.S. Navy, is a 
posthumous awardee for his bravery and courage as he attempted to 
prevent a large catastrophe and for his devotion to helping the 
homeless, the schools, and neighbors. Linda Scott, a Pocatello native 
who served in the U.S. Army, is recognized for her volunteer efforts 
and commitment of her time, energy, resources, and compassion to 
helping others in need. Pocatello resident and Spanish professor Dr. 
Helen Cathleen Tarp is recognized for her work as founding program 
director of the Spanish for Health Professions major at Idaho State 
University, which is the only major of its kind in the country.
  These remarkable Idahoans are among the 56 Idahoans of diverse 
backgrounds and a wide range of ages who have been honored as Hometown 
Hero Award recipients since the award's establishment. I commend the 
Rahims, the award's committee members, the cosponsors, volunteers, and 
other organizations supporting this honor for their work to shed light 
on extraordinary service in our communities.
  These Hometown Hero award recipients and countless other Idahoans 
lead by example, inspiring others to go above and beyond in assisting 
others and improving our communities. Congratulations to the 2016 
Hometown Hero award recipients on your achievements, and thank you for 
your efforts to better our communities.

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