[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2267-H2268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JOSHUA ELLIOTT

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine 
Sergeant Joshua Elliott of Stevens County in eastern Washington and to 
highlight the incredible work of Homes For Our Troops.
  After the 9/11 attacks, Josh enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve 
his country. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, he was 
gravely injured by an improvised explosive device, losing both legs 
above the knee.
  Despite these injuries, Josh returned home to continue to serve, 
founding Angel Peak Adaptive Sports with his wife, Samantha, to help 
other wounded veterans and athletes experience the freedom of adaptive 
skiing.
  Yet, the unlevel terrain and narrow spaces of their current home make 
daily life difficult.
  That is why the great group Homes For Our Troops is stepping in to 
build Josh a specially adapted home, giving him the safety, 
independence, and access he has earned through his service.
  Madam Speaker, Sergeant Elliott embodies the courage, resilience, and 
community spirit of eastern Washington, and we are proud to call him 
one of our own. We are also grateful to Homes For Our Troops for 
providing this needed assistance.


                    Recognizing Military Recruiters

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
dedicated work of our military recruiters and their critical role in 
shaping the future of our Armed Forces.
  I recently met with recruiters from across eastern Washington to 
discuss the state of military recruiting and the challenges that they 
face in reaching new applicants. These men and women are often the 
first connection that young Americans have to military service. They 
open doors to opportunity, education, and leadership,

[[Page H2268]]

while ensuring our Nation remains a strong and ready force.
  I call upon the memory of one of my favorite Presidents, President 
JFK, and think about his statement: ``Ask not what your country can do 
for you--ask what you can do for your country.''
  Madam Speaker, I call on all the parents of eastern Washington and 
all the teachers and principals to have a conversation with our fine 
recruiters and talk about what career paths their young people in their 
homes and their schools may have in protecting our country with our 
military.


 Recognizing Spokane Chinese Association and Spokane Chinese Christian 
                                 Church

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Spokane 
Chinese Association and the Spokane Chinese Christian Church for 
hosting an outstanding Lunar New Year celebration in Spokane.
  The event was a vibrant tribute to our community's diversity and the 
rich cultural traditions that strengthen all of us. The music and dance 
performances showcase not only extraordinary talent but also the spirit 
of unity and joy that defines this wonderful celebration.
  In eastern Washington, we are proud to have such a vibrant Asian-
American community. For more than 170 years, Asian, Native Hawaiian, 
and Pacific Islander families have helped to shape the cultural fabric 
of the inland Northwest.

                              {time}  1100

  As we celebrate this season of new beginnings, may it bring good 
health, prosperity, and joy to them and their families. I am proud to 
join in honoring the start of a new year filled with hope and good 
fortune.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the Spokane Chinese Association and the 
Spokane Chinese Christian Church for inviting me to such a wonderful 
celebration, and I wish them a Happy Lunar New Year.

                          ____________________