[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING COOPER BURDEN

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2022

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cooper 
Burden.
  Cooper joined Pac 7 Cub Scouts in 2016 and immediately set his eyes 
on earning Scouting's highest rank that of Eagle Scout. At first it was 
playing in the woods with friends that he enjoyed but as Cooper 
advanced to Webelos camping, fishing and BB guns became more the 
attraction. Cooper earned countless service and volunteer hours over 
the years. Summer Camps at Camp Soule, Bourne and Sand Hill fostered 
friendships he will carry for a lifetime. As Cooper advanced to Arrow 
of Light and self-discipline leadership became a focus and a skill he 
embraced. This Leadership became evident in his schoolwork in Junior 
National Honor Society, in Scouting as he held leadership roles as 
Assistant Quarter Master, Quarter Master, and Patrol Leader. During his 
time in Troop 77 Cooper set goals for himself that included earning 
over 70 individual merit badges, spending over 120 nights Camping, 
completing BSA's First ever Virtual Camp-in during COVID lockdown and 
fundraising to earn his way to each summer camp he has attended. Cooper 
identified and completed his Eagle project in March 2022. The project 
came about during a conversation with his lifelong Pastor. The project 
consisted of pressure washing, prepping, and painting the day school at 
the Burden family's church; Good Shepard Lutheran Church located in 
Tampa, FL. Cooper organized over 25 volunteers, exceeded his 
fundraising goal, and completed the project days before his 14th 
birthday. Cooper did all this while maintaining academically all A's 
and the occasional B through his entire Scouting journey Elementary, 
Middle and High School. Cooper also has been active in intramural flag 
football, spent the last 11 years as a Karate Student and volunteer 
teaching the 3- to 6-year-old classes at Ingrams Okinawan Karate where 
he has studied Isshinryu karate and holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. 
Cooper as a freshman at Mitchell High School is a member of the U.S. 
Navy JROTC, a member of the Wrestling Team. Cooper hopes to attend a 
Military Academy or State University, join the Armed Forces, and pursue 
a career in mechanical engineering focusing on automotive industries.

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