[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING JIM LEYLAND ON ELECTION TO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jim Leyland on 
his well-deserved election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
  Jim Leyland was the baseball manager of the Clinton Pilots for three 
seasons and is now the first member of the team to enter the museum in 
Cooperstown, New York.
  During his time with the Pilots, Leyland took the team to the 
playoffs in 1973 with a 73-51 record. The Pilots impressively ended the 
`73 season in first place for the North Division. Leyland finished his 
three seasons managing the Pilots with a satisfying record of 189-189.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Jim Leyland and the Clinton Pilots.


  Congratulating Madison Herring for Earning Girl Scouts' Silver Award

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Madison 
Herring, a Girl Scout from Maquoketa, Iowa, who received the Girl 
Scouts' Silver Award.
  Madison collaborated with Vestas American Wind Technology on her 
sustainability project to construct a gaga ball pit, a popular 
children's game.
  After visiting a Vestas facility and learning about wind energy 
possibilities, she pitched her idea to the city manager, Josh Boldt, to 
create this recreational area with recycled materials from wind 
turbines.
  With design and material support from both Vestas and Canvus, as well 
as assistance from the Maquoketa Parks Department, Madison's idea was 
brought to life.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Madison on her award for making our 
community in Maquoketa better and more beautiful, and for her 
commitment to sustainability and our community.


Recognizing Seventh Anniversary of Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the seventh 
anniversary of the Quad City Veterans Outreach Center in Davenport, 
Iowa.
  The Quad City Veterans Outreach Center was founded by Lola VanDeWalle 
in memory of her father, Emerson ``Ted'' Walters, who served in World 
War II.
  The center is a nonprofit organization that provides various outreach 
services to veterans in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
  With them, I have handed out and delivered food to over a thousand 
veterans in line when they do their food drives. The center also helps 
with job placement, housing assistance, and veterans benefit 
counseling, and it provides monthly programming free of charge.
  Most importantly, it provides our veterans a place to go where there 
is no judgment, no questions. I have seen remarkable recovery of 
veterans who are suffering from PTSD and have not had contact with 
their families.
  They recently have acquired a building in Davenport that they will be 
turning into a housing center for homeless veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Lola and the Quad City Veterans Outreach 
Center on their seventh anniversary. I thank them so much for all they 
do for our veterans and for their continued generosity.


                 Congratulating North Scott Volleyball

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
North Scott Volleyball team for winning their first State championship 
since 1985.
  In true Cinderella story fashion, the Lancers beat out the top-ranked 
Clear Creek Amana in the semifinals.
  For their final match, North Scott defeated Indianola 25-12 in set 
three to secure the State championship title.
  What does this say about perseverance and tenacity?
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate North Scott Lancers for bringing the 4A 
State championship back to Eldridge.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer best wishes and a very good retirement to my 
sister, Marianne, the oldest girl of the eight children, and I wish her 
a very happy birthday.

                          ____________________