[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' BALLENGER

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Bill Ballenger of Council Bluffs, Iowa for his leadership 
and vision in helping organize 13 honor flights that have taken nearly 
3,500 Iowa veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials that were 
built in their honor.
  Bill and his son Jeff saw a need to honor our country's aging 
veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. The 
Ballengers have partnered with HyVee, Inc., Casey's General Stores, and 
others to raise more than $3 million to fund this special endeavor. 
Carol Hagberg's father, the late James Snook, who was a World War II 
veteran said, ``Dad felt so honored and privileged. We heard about the 
wonderful time he had over and over on the flight. He was very proud to 
have served his country.''
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Bill on his incredible 
efforts to organize and fund the 13 honor flights for our veterans. I 
am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my 
colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in 
congratulating Bill and in wishing him nothing but the very best.

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