[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JEFF 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 Jeff 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 built in 
their honor.
  Jeff and his father, Bill Ballenger, 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. Jeff said, ``It takes nearly 200 volunteers to help make each 
honor flight a success. Dad and I might be the front, but we could not 
do it without the volunteers who are so important in turning the plans 
into a reality.''
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Jeff on his dedication and 
diligence to promote, 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 Jeff and in wishing him nothing but continued 
success in all his endeavors.

                          ____________________