[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING JEFF OLSON AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Olson, a 
community pharmacist at Montross Pharmacy, as this week's Iowan of the 
Week. Since 1995, Jeff has been the owner and operator of Montross 
Pharmacy in Winterset, Iowa, which this year is celebrating its 100th 
anniversary.
  If you were to ask Jeff what it means to be a community pharmacist, 
he'd emphasize one word: community. Every day, Jeff works to make sure 
nobody goes without the care they need--whether that means fielding 
questions at the pharmacy counter, delivering prescriptions at home, or 
supporting local health as president of the Madison County Health 
Trust. Community pharmacies like Montross Pharmacy are mainstays and 
integral parts of the health care system in our small towns.
  When COVID-19 forced us to adapt to different daily routines, Jeff 
and his staff at Montross Pharmacy redoubled their commitment to 
serving Winterset. They knew the pandemic presented a once-in-a-
lifetime challenge, but they resolved to get through it together. 
Together, Montross Pharmacy kept its doors open, providing continued 
access to pharmacy services for residents in a safe setting. Jeff and 
his staff were on call 24/7. And, trust me, if there were more than 24 
hours in a day to give, they'd have been there.
  They also quickly added new services for the community, including 
thousands of COVID-19 tests and vaccinations. It wasn't always easy. 
When faced with a vaccine shortage, Jeff took it upon himself to drive 
six hours to secure more doses for his friends and neighbors. His hard 
work did not go unnoticed. In fact, one resident--an older woman who 
had been homebound during the pandemic--exclaimed to Jeff that the 
vaccine he administered was ``the best gift she could receive.''
  Jeff and his family have made a lasting mark on Winterset. Decades 
ago, Jeff's grandfather left his mark by welding on the cupola of the 
Madison County Courthouse. Today, Jeff is leaving a different kind of 
mark. In each COVID-19 vaccination he delivers, Jeff sees the things 
that make Winterset his home--a summer day enjoyed at the pool, a youth 
sports game, and his kids laughing over lunch with friends.
  Jeff's selflessness is truly infectious, and I know that Winterset 
will see the impact of his hard work for years to come. I am sincerely 
grateful for Jeff's commitment to his family, friends, and neighbors, 
and it is my honor to recognize Jeff Olson as Iowan of the Week.

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