[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12662]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            MINNESOTA'S HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL RECIPIENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
incredible work of Keith Kieffer, which has made him the deserving 
recipient of the Humanitarian Service Medal.
  Keith began his service to this great Nation when he joined the Air 
Force in 1975. Three years after his enlistment, Keith received orders 
to go to Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where his mission was 
to clean up contamination from 43 atomic bombs that were dropped on 
that island.
  During his time on the island, Keith cleaned up World War II wreckage 
as well as dug trenches, which exposed him to contaminated soil.

                              {time}  1100

  Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Keith earned the 
title of ``Atomic Veteran.''
  Keith is a true American hero. He selflessly put his own well-being 
on the line to protect future generations.
  Congratulations on receiving the long, overdue Humanitarian Service 
Medal, Keith. Your service will never be forgotten.


                       Remembering Hazel Youngman

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of Hazel Youngmann, a St. Cloud native who dedicated her life to 
helping the disabled.
  Hazel worked tirelessly to reform our community in order to make it 
more accessible for those with disabilities. She did so through her 
work on the Whitney Senior Center Board, the St. Cloud Parks and 
Recreation Board, and the Stearns County Human Services Advisory 
Committee, just to name a few.
  Even though Hazel had her own limitations with mobility, hearing 
loss, and vision loss, she pushed through and attended countless 
meetings despite the physical toll it took on her.
  Hazel's unwavering optimism, determination, and passion for others is 
an inspiration and should serve as a model for the rest of us. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with Hazel and her loved ones during this 
difficult time. Be assured and comforted that her legacy will live on.


           Everson's Hardware Celebrates 50 Years of Success

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Everson's Hardware in Waconia, Minnesota, for 50 years of business 
success.
  Ron and Mary Ann Everson bought the store back in 1966, when they 
were just a young couple with two growing children. Throughout the 
years, Everson's Hardware has become a well-respected and established 
part of the community, and the Everson family has realized their 
American Dream.
  Eventually, Ron and Mary Ann passed the store along the way to Tracy 
and Deborah Everson, who continue to work behind the counter in this 
family store today. Small, family-operated businesses are what make 
Minnesota so great. They make our community special.
  I want to thank the Everson family for their lasting contribution to 
Waconia. Congratulations and best of luck on the next 50 years.

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