[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       IDAHO HOMETOWN HERO MEDAL

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to honor the 2015 Idaho 
Hometown Hero Medalists in the fifth year of the presentation of this 
recognition.
  The Idaho Hometown Hero Medal celebrates those working for the 
betterment of our communities. Drs. Fahim and Naeem Rahim established 
the recognition to honor individuals who embody the spirit of 
philanthropy while showing remarkable commitment in both their personal 
and professional lives. I congratulate the 2015 award recipients and 
commend the Rahim brothers, the award's committee members, the 
cosponsors, volunteers, and other organizations supporting this honor 
for partnering to highlight good works.
  Ten exceptional Idahoans from communities across our great State are 
2015 Hometown Hero Medal recipients. Marianna Budnikova, of Boise, 
started two nonprofits to help girls take part in technology and pursue 
careers in computer sciences. Carrie French, of Caldwell, is being 
awarded posthumously for her dedicated, courageous service to our 
Nation. She enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 and died serving 
bravely in the Iraq war. Tiara Lusk, an ex-policewoman from Sugar City, 
started two initiatives to help women who are victims of domestic abuse 
and started a training program to help women enlist in the police 
force.
  Sylvia Medina, a successful businesswoman from Idaho Falls, works to 
economically empower women and encourage the Latina community to 
participate in politics. John Rauker, an antidrug campaign advocate, 
rescues at-risk children and opened drug rehab centers in Twin Falls 
and Pocatello for teens. Maria Sanchez, from American Falls, is an 
Idaho State University student who has excelled playing soccer for the 
university and is training to play for the Mexican national women's 
soccer team in the World Cup. Donna Scroggins, of Ririe, has dedicated 
many years to service. She is a World War II veteran who also served as 
a Peace Corp volunteer and nursed those in need in Ecuador and Afton, 
WY.
  Judge Norman Randy Smith, of Pocatello, has served with distinction 
on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and is significantly 
involved with education and empowering students. Carmen Stanger, of 
Boise and Pocatello, channeled the loss of her daughter to bullying to 
leading antibullying efforts and working to empower teens and prevent 
similar tragedies in other families. Pastor Jacqualine Thomas, of 
Pocatello, grew the church she started from a congregation of 3 to more 
than 200. As an African-American woman pastor, she is actively involved 
in helping people in the community and providing a safe haven for those 
who are struggling.
  Thank you to all the Hometown Hero Award recipients for the good 
works you inspire in others through your commitment to hard work, self-
improvement, and community service. Congratulations on receiving this 
deserved recognition.

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