[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2942-H2943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Military 
Appreciation Month.
  With 24 years of service in the Army and now representing a 
congressional district with a significant Active-Duty and veteran 
population, I am deeply honored to acknowledge the invaluable 
contribution of our Nation's heroes.
  Military Appreciation Month was proposed by the late Senator John 
McCain in February 1999. Two months later, Congress voted to officially 
designate May as the nationally recognized period for honoring the 
military, culminating with Memorial Day.
  Across the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space 
Force, there are more than 2.8 million servicemembers worldwide tasked 
with protecting the freedoms we enjoy here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank all those who serve and have served. May God 
bless them, and may God bless the United States of America.


             Honoring Iowa's First Responders and Red Cross

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the first 
responders across Iowa who were on the front lines following the recent 
tornado outbreaks across the State.
  As Iowans, we are no strangers to severe weather. Every summer, we do 
what we can to prepare for the inevitable derecho, floods, severe 
thunderstorms, and potential tornadoes.
  While we prepare for the worst, Iowa's first responders are the 
heroes on the ground, quickly jumping into action for people impacted 
by the horrific storms. Without our first responders, severe weather 
events like the ones so many Iowans experienced on April 26 would be 
much more catastrophic and deadly.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these brave 
heroes and thanking them for their unbreaking commitment to the safety 
of all Iowans and all Americans.


                   Congratulating Nurse Wendy Donald

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wendy Donald, 
who was named School Nurse of the Year for 2024 by the Iowa School 
Nurse Organization.
  With more than 25 years of nursing experience and 7 years serving the 
Muscatine School District, Wendy's dedication shines through. She 
advocates tirelessly for the inclusion of school nurses in 
decisionmaking processes and collaborates with educators, parents, and 
healthcare professionals to meet the diverse needs of our students.
  Wendy's proactive approach extends beyond the school walls, working 
closely with local healthcare providers to promote community health. 
Her initiatives, such as raising funds for children in the ER, 
exemplify her innovative thinking and compassion.
  As a former nurse, I certainly recognize these attributes. Let's 
recognize Wendy's profound impact on our community.
  I congratulate Wendy on this well-deserved recognition, and I thank 
her for her service and for inspiring us all.


                      National Skilled Trades Day

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Skilled Trades Day, which took place on May 1 this year.
  In Iowa and across the Nation, our skilled tradespeople aren't just 
contributors to the economy, they are the heartbeat of our communities, 
shaping our infrastructure and crafting the world we live in. From 
carpenters shaping our homes to HVAC technicians keeping us 
comfortable, these individuals are the unsung heroes of our local 
communities.
  Today, I stand proud to honor their contributions and reaffirm my 
commitment to champion their interests in Congress. Let us continue to 
support and celebrate the skilled trades, ensuring that future 
generations can pursue these fulfilling and essential careers.


                Celebrating Newly Drafted Iowa Hawkeyes

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Iowa 
Hawkeyes Cooper DeJean, Erick All, Tory Taylor, and Logan Lee for 
recently being drafted into the National Football League.
  Iowa is world-renowned for cultivating athletic talent, and these 
elite athletes will join 37 other Hawkeyes currently playing in the 
NFL. Coach

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Kirk Ferentz and the entire crew at the University of Iowa have worked 
tirelessly in support of these players and in their journeys to the 
premier league in football.
  Coach Ferentz and his team deserve the utmost credit for developing a 
first-class program that makes good players into great players and 
winners into champions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these four 
drafted players and all of the Hawkeyes making their way to the NFL. By 
the way, it wasn't a fair catch.
  As always, Go Hawkeyes.

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