[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 64 (Monday, April 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF VETERAN OF THE MONTH CRAIG ALDERMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania). The Chair 
recognizes the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our April Veteran of 
the Month, Craig Alderman, a Vietnam-era veteran.
  Craig and his family have dedicated their lives to this country. 
Their call to serve America has made a lasting impact, and we are so 
proud of all he does to help fellow veterans thrive in Missouri's 
Fourth Congressional District.
  His father and four uncles served in World War II, while both of his 
sons are currently serving our Nation.
  Craig grew up on a farm until he left for college at the University 
of Massachusetts, where he enlisted in the Air Force as an ROTC cadet. 
After completion of ground school, he attained the rank of private 
pilot through the ROTC program and was further commissioned as a 
lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
  He then attended flight school and was pinned the silver wings of an 
Air Force pilot. Craig diligently worked his way through rankings and 
has earned positions as an instructor for the new B-1 aircraft, 
attained the rank of captain, and built over 2,800 hours of flight time 
in the B-52. He is qualified to fly in any multiengine jet and was 
selected for promotion to major.

  Though he continued to earn multiple medals and awards in the Air 
Force as a pilot, Craig is most proud of the initial silver wings that 
he earned.
  Since retirement, Craig has founded Quail and Upland Wildlife 
Federation, the only veteran-founded conservation in the United States 
that works with all aspects of wildlife and allows local chapters to 
retain the largest revenue of any conservation organization.
  He continues to teach, mentor, and assist all aspiring students and 
veterans in the great State of Missouri. His sacrifice and ongoing 
commitment to our country's values exemplifies what it means to truly 
be an American.
  I thank Craig for all he does.


In Recognition of Kleinschmidt's Western Store, April's Small Business 
                              of the Month

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our April Small 
Business of the Month, Kleinschmidt's Western Store. Providing the 
Midwest with western apparel and accessories of the highest quality, 
this household name has been family owned and operated since 1969.
  Over 54 years ago, the founders, Irvin and Katherine Kleinschmidt, 
established a mission supporting our local community while providing 
unparalleled inventory and exceptional customer service.
  This mission is carried out daily now by new owner, Sarah Montgomery, 
and her family.
  This 30,000-square-foot building holds more than 30,000 boots and 200 
name brands. Customers are drawn to the extensive stock of inventory 
that suits any occasion.
  Higginsville, Missouri, is proud to be home to this incredible 
family-owned and -operated business. Their incredible inventory, 250-
plus mounted animals and unique accessories, make it an exceptional 
western supply stop in mid-Missouri.
  We are so excited, Mr. Speaker, to recognize their hard work and 
incredible efforts to supply Missouri's Fourth Congressional District 
and visitors from all over America. I congratulate Sarah Montgomery and 
Kleinschmidt's on being our Small Business of the Month.

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