[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 112 (Monday, July 8, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT KEITH ORMSBY

  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 to honor Muscatine 
County Vietnam veteran Staff Sergeant Keith Ormsby, who has finally 
received an Air Medal and his Purple Heart for injuries sustained in 
battle 54 years ago.
  As Mr. Ormsby's Representative in Congress, I had the privilege of 
pinning him with the Purple Heart and personally thanking him for his 
dedicated service to our country during a special ceremony that took 
place on our Nation's Independence Day.
  On January 31, 1970, while leading his platoon through the Vietnamese 
jungle and unloading a helicopter at a landing zone, Mr. Ormsby's unit 
was ambushed, resulting in him being shot and wounded.
  Due to the chaotic nature of those times, the paperwork for his 
Purple Heart was never processed, and he was air-evacuated out of 
Vietnam immediately. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Muscatine 
County VA, we were finally able to properly recognize this hero.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Ormsby 
for his service to our country and expressing our gratitude to the 
Muscatine County VA and Eric for their exceptional work. God bless our 
veterans, and may God bless the United States of America.


                Honoring Dawnell Doreo on Her Retirement

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
career of Dawnell Doreo, who will be retiring after nearly four decades 
serving our Nation's heroes at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Dawnell is a lifelong resident of Iowa's First District, having grown 
up on a small farm in Washington, Iowa. She began her service at the 
Iowa City VA Medical Center in 1986 as a ward clerk and rose up through 
the ranks over the decades to become a management and program analyst 
today.
  Because of Dawn, the Iowa City VA was able to provide world-class 
healthcare and benefits to our veterans. In her free time, Dawnell also 
volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate, where she serves as a 
fierce advocate for child welfare.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dawnell's 
amazing career and wishing her the absolute best on a well-earned 
retirement.


                Jensen Wedeking Receives Medal of Merit

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jensen Wedeking 
of Bellevue, Iowa, for receiving the American Medal of Merit.
  As a member of Bellevue's Boy Scout Troop 86, Jensen achieved the 
prestigious Eagle rank in 2023 after leading various community 
projects. However, his most remarkable achievement came when he saved 
the life of his friend.
  During a nighttime drive, Jensen's friend suffered an allergic 
reaction to peanuts. Acting swiftly and drawing on his Boy Scout 
training, Jensen administered lifesaving epinephrine via an EpiPen 
before rushing his friend to the hospital.
  This quick thinking and exemplary first aid skills really underscore 
Jensen's exceptional character and deep concern for others, qualities 
that define recipients of the Medal of Merit. This national award is 
bestowed upon Scouts who demonstrate uncommon valor and compassion in 
critical situations, criteria that Jensen undoubtedly fulfilled.
  I congratulate Jensen on this well-deserved recognition and on his 
quick thinking.


                         Thanking Tom Woodruff

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable man 
whose passion for history has led to the immortalization of some of 
Iowa's forgotten heroes. Tom Woodruff stands as a testament to the 
dedication and tenacity in preserving the legacy of the Littleton 
brothers, Union soldiers who gallantly fought during the Civil War.
  Tom's journey began with a faded scrapbook, a gift that sparked a 
relentless pursuit of truth. Through decades of meticulous research and 
community-driven efforts, he immortalized the Littleton brothers in 
granite, ensuring that their story endures along the Great River Road.
  His leadership in constructing the Toolesboro memorial exemplifies 
his commitment to honoring our past with dignity and respect. His 
unwavering dedication and selfless service to Louisa County's history 
resonate deeply with us all.
  I thank Tom Woodruff for his indomitable spirit and for reminding us 
that history, when cherished and honored, binds us together as a 
community and Nation.


     Congratulating Iowa Hawkeyes Participating in Summer Olympics

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor 
all the Iowa Hawkeyes who have qualified for the Paris 2024 Summer 
Olympics.

  These incredible athletes, ranging from disciplines like wrestling, 
track and field, rowing, and basketball, embody the excellence and 
determination encouraged in Iowa City.
  The athletes competing have worked hard their entire lives for this 
opportunity, the opportunity to represent their countries in the sport 
that they love while the entire world watches them. Their journey to 
this global stage exemplifies the dedication and resilience that define 
what it means to be a Hawkeye.
  As they prepare to represent Iowa and showcase their skills before 
the world, let us unite in cheering them on and sending our support. 
May their performances inspire future generations of athletes. Bring 
home the gold. As always, go Hawkeyes.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish a very boisterous happy birthday to my sister 
Mari-Eleanor Martino.

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