[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H3012-H3013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CHRIS OBERHEIM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim of Monticello, Illinois, who 
tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 19 of this year.
  Officer Oberheim was a 21-year veteran of law enforcement. He joined 
the Champaign Police Department in 2013 after beginning his career with 
the Decatur Police Department in 2000. During his career, he received 
two medals of valor for selfless acts of bravery.
  In his time off duty, Chris enjoyed coaching softball and spending 
time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, son, coach, and 
trusted friend. His four daughters were his inspiration. Those who knew 
Chris remember him most for his commitment to loving his family and 
serving his community.
  My prayers are with his wife, Amber, and daughters Hannah, Avery, 
Addison, and Aubree, as well as the rest of his family, friends, and 
fellow officers. Chris was nothing short of a hero.
  In closing, I would like to share a Bible verse that Chris' family 
says he lived by: ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be 
called children of God.''


                       Honoring Grace Herschelman

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Grace Herschelman of Hillsboro, Illinois, who passed away on May 19 at 
the age of 9 after a lifelong battle with infantile neuroaxonal 
dystrophy, INAD.
  When Grace was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with INAD, a 
neurodegenerative disease that results in a loss of muscle strength, 
movement, and the ability to speak. Grace did not let this stop her 
from enjoying many trips to the Saint Louis Zoo; rooting on her 
favorite soccer, softball, and basketball teams; and having a blast 
with her sister and best friend, Charlotte.
  Grace and her family also had a huge impact on awareness and 
fundraising for INAD research. Since Grace was diagnosed in 2014, the 
Herschelman family has raised about $200,000 for the INAD Cure 
Foundation, with donors from all 50 States.
  Grace was an inspiration to all who met her, never failing to light 
up any room with her smile.
  My prayers go out to her parents, Kyle and Mary, her sister, 
Charlotte, and the rest of her family.
  Grace, may you rest in peace.


                      Congratulating Mark Butcher

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Mark Butcher on his retirement after 30 years of teaching 
math and science in the Rochester school district, Lincoln Christian 
University, and Lincoln Land Community College.
  After working in the private sector for many years, Mark decided to 
go back to school to get his teaching certificate in 1991. Ever since 
then, he has taught at Rochester and also part-time at night at Lincoln 
Land where he would frequent my family's McDonald's in Taylorville for 
a quick dinner.
  Over the past 30 years, Mark has taught, mentored, and given valuable 
career advice to thousands of students. Mark is known for his Einstein-
like appearance and science experiments, which were highly educational 
but sometimes caused heartburn among the administration and school 
board members. He was instrumental in developing the dual credit 
program at Rochester, which has allowed hundreds of students to receive 
college credit for courses while still in high school.
  Mark received numerous awards throughout his career, including the 
Rochester Teacher of the Year, the Golden Apple Excellence in 
Leadership award, Lincoln Land's Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, and 
being named the State Journal Register's Top Teacher of the Year.
  Congratulations on your retirement, Mark. Enjoy your time with your 
wife, Brenda, four children, and your six grandchildren.

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