[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        HONORING JOHN M. FOSTER

  (Mr. Alford of Missouri was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John M. Foster of 
Harrisonville, Missouri, as our April Veteran of the Month.
  A proud son of Cass County, John served 9 years in the Active Army 
Reserve with the 4th Squadron of the 4th Cavalry Division of the 102nd 
Infantry Division, earning the rank of sergeant first class.
  After his honorable service, John dedicated his life to building his 
community, literally and figuratively, through his work as the owner of 
John Foster Construction Company and through decades of civic 
leadership.
  He served as president of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, 
chaired numerous community initiatives, and was instrumental in 
establishing the Lawrence Smith Memorial Airport.
  As a charter member of the Harrisonville Rotary Club, he promoted 
international goodwill and service.
  John M. Foster's life of duty and service to country, community, and 
family stands as a shining example of American patriotism.
  We are proud to honor him today, proud to have him in Missouri's 
Fourth Congressional District, and we thank him for his service to our 
great Nation.


                Recognizing Pete & Jake's Hot Rod Parts

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an iconic Fourth 
District small business, our Small Business of the Month, Pete & Jake's 
Hot Rod Parts of Peculiar, Missouri.
  For more than 50 years now, Pete & Jake's has been a cornerstone of 
the hot rod community, crafting high-quality suspension components that 
are not only admired but built to actually use.
  What began in 1973 as two friends restoring a pair of 1934 Ford 
three-window coupes quickly turned into a legendary brand. Pete & 
Jake's built and designed the hot rod California Kid for the 1974 
Hollywood movie titled ``The California Kid.''
  Pete & Jake later sold their California hot rod shop, along with the 
California Kid, to Jerry Slover, and he moved the hot rod shop to Cass 
County, Missouri.
  His son Jason; his wife, Tina; and their son, Colton--third 
generation in this picture here--run the daily operation of the all-
USA-made parts for hot rods.
  Their family impact goes well beyond just business. They give back to 
our community.
  Each and every year, Pete & Jake's hosts a major car show in May, 
with all the proceeds going to support junior diabetes research, 
showcasing their dedication to both the customers and their community.
  Last year, Mr. Speaker, they celebrated 50 years in business, and 
each May they have a hot rod show with hundreds of cars coming from all 
over the country into our district.
  Last year, 500 hot rods from 40 States were represented. All the 
proceeds go, as we said, to junior diabetes research.
  Small businesses like Pete & Jake's represent the American Dream, 
built on hard work, innovation, and passion for what they do. Today, we 
congratulate Pete & Jake's Hot Rod Parts on their 50th anniversary and 
thank them for their contributions to Missouri and to America.

                          ____________________