[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3215-H3216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SERGEANT DENNIS MILLS VETERAN OF THE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Alford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary 
individual, Sergeant Dennis Mills, as our Veteran of the Month.
  Drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20, Sergeant Mills 
exemplified bravery and dedication in some of the most difficult 
conditions imaginable during the Vietnam war. Assigned to the First 
Reconnaissance Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, he led 
approximately 40 reconnaissance patrols.
  On a day that started as a beautiful morning on April 1, 1970, at 
Camp Reasoner, tragedy struck when a member of his patrol triggered a 
landmine.
  Despite sustaining severe injuries, Sergeant Mills' courage never 
wavered. He was medically evacuated after suffering injuries to both 
legs, his left arm, and receiving shrapnel wounds to his back.
  For his valor, Sergeant Mills was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal 
with Combat ``V'' and the Purple Heart.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Dennis Mills for his service and his 
sacrifice for our great Nation. He is a true hero.


        Small Business of the Month, Energy Transport Solutions

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Fourth 
District of Missouri's May Small Business of the Month, Energy 
Transport Solutions.
  ETS is a customer service-focused business. It is run by an industry-
experienced family that is proud to have an excellent safety record 
while getting the job done in Missouri. Energy Transport Solutions has 
been owned and operated by a father and son duo,

[[Page H3216]]

Glen and Eric Kolkmeyer, in Bates City, Missouri, since 1955.
  ETS specializes in transportation of refined fuels, propane, jet and 
aviation fuel, and anhydrous ammonia. ETS has been in the propane 
industry for over 68 years and has continued to be a reliable company 
to haul our community's products. By the way, they also haul the fuel 
for the B-2 Stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base.
  We are so grateful for Energy Transport Solutions' support as we 
continue to support them. It is an honor to watch them go out of their 
way to hire and support veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Energy Transport Solutions on the well-
deserved recognition of Small Business of the Month in the Fourth 
Congressional District of the great State of Missouri. Keep up the 
great work.


                 President Biden's Ultimatum to Israel

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over 
the President's ultimatum to the State of Israel.
  Having recently visited Israel on the border with Gaza, I fully grasp 
the gravity of the situation right now. I witnessed the resolve of the 
Jewish people. Never have I seen such determination from a country and 
its people as I have there in the State of Israel. Their resolve is 
strong. They are resilient and ready to finish the job, bring the 
hostages home, and eradicate Hamas.
  The White House's decision to halt weapons shipments to Israel is 
wrong, Mr. Speaker. It is just plain wrong. When the going gets tough, 
you do not abandon friends and allies. They are our greatest ally in 
the Middle East.
  It is unacceptable that Hamas still holds Americans and others 
hostage. This could be over today, Mr. Speaker, if Hamas would release 
the hostages and surrender. We must help Israel eradicate Hamas. We 
must remove them from that region by any force necessary.
  I call on the President of the United States and Secretary of Defense 
Austin to immediately lift the blockade and resume shipments to Israel. 
The future of the region depends upon it.
  There is no excuse for pausing the weapons. It is an attempt to 
strong-arm Israel. The Biden administration has crossed the line.
  Mr. Speaker, I can say with certainty that while the Biden 
administration does not stand with Israel, the American people do.

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