[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H4469-H4470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Gordon 
Fowler's remarkable 100th birthday, a century of enduring wisdom and 
service. Gordon's journey began on a humble Iowa farm in 1923, 
instilling in him the values of hard work and resilience during the 
Great Depression. His education and involvement in 4-H and FFA set the 
stage for a life dedicated to giving back.
  In World War II, Gordon followed the path of Charles Lindbergh, his 
childhood hero, into the Army Air Corps, joining the brave American 
HUMP Pilots Association, who embarked on perilous missions flying over 
the Himalayan mountains. After his service, he returned to Iowa, raised 
a family with his wife, Sharon, and embarked on a successful 50-year 
career in advertising.
  Gordon served as a Scoutmaster, a Sunday schoolteacher, and also 
supported Junior Achievement, and shaped the lives of countless young 
individuals.
  May his wisdom continue to inspire us for many years to come. Let's 
all wish this World War II veteran a happy birthday.


                     Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Ovarian 
Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the 
silent killer because its early symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken 
for other less serious conditions. Once a diagnosis is reached, it is 
often in advanced stages, making it one of the deadliest cancers among 
women.
  Together, we can empower women to take charge of their health, and by 
supporting critical research we can hope for a future where this silent 
killer has been silenced. Thank you to all the individuals who fight 
against ovarian cancer and support the women whose lives have been 
changed by this abhorrent disease.
  During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we continue to encourage women 
to learn about the risk factors, familiarizing themselves with the 
early symptoms, have conversations and regular checkups with their 
healthcare providers, and work together year round to raise awareness 
about this deadly disease that affects countless women worldwide.


                 Grace Lynn Keller Named Miss Iowa USA

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grace Lynn 
Keller of Coralville, Iowa, for being named Miss Iowa USA. Grace's love 
for pageantry began in childhood as a way to push herself out of her 
comfort zone as a shy person.
  Now, at 24, she works as vice president of production and digital 
marketing at Executive Podcast Solutions, a company she helped start as 
an intern while studying journalism at the University of Iowa. Grace 
credits pageantry for playing a pivotal role in shaping her confidence 
and equipping her with invaluable skills for her professional career.
  As Miss Iowa USA, Grace has used her platform to promote childhood 
literacy through the Reach to Succeed program, where she has focused on 
low-income and rural school districts.
  Grace's mission is a testament to her dedication to making a positive 
impact in Iowa and the rest of the country. Congratulations to Grace 
Lynn Keller on this outstanding achievement.


               Congratulating Eagle Scout Spencer Johnson

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Spencer 
Johnson of Troop 199 from Bettendorf, Iowa, for completing his Eagle 
Board of Review and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
  Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious 
achievement a Scout can attain, and reaching the Eagle rank is no small 
feat.

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  Scouts must fulfill leadership roles, exemplify the Scout oath and 
law, display exemplary outdoor skills, earn at least 21 badges, and 
complete a comprehensive service project for their community. Well 
done, Spencer.
  I also want to congratulate Spencer's family and everyone who walked 
and worked with Spencer on his journey to become an Eagle Scout. 
Congratulations, Spencer Johnson, on becoming an Eagle Scout.


                   Per Mar Named Business of the Year

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend a heartfelt 
congratulations to Per Mar, the recipient of the prestigious 2023 
Business of the Year award at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce 
annual meeting.
  Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Per Mar was opened in 1953 by John 
and Eleanor Duffy and has grown into a premier family-owned security 
company in the Quad Cities and throughout Iowa.
  This achievement is a testament to the relentless pursuit of 
excellence by Per Mar's employees, led by president and CEO Brian 
Duffy.
  What truly sets Per Mar apart is their unwavering commitment to their 
employees, a philosophy that has been passed down through generations. 
By prioritizing their workforce, Per Mar ensures that their customers 
receive exceptional service, resulting in the company's continued 
growth and success.
  Per Mar's journey from humble beginnings to being named Business of 
the Year is a remarkable testament to the power of determination, 
dedication, and community support.
  Congratulations to Per Mar on this well-deserved honor.
  I also wish my sister-in-law, Susan Branthoover, a very happy 
birthday. Happy birthday, Susan.

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