Floor SpeechBipartisan2023-09-26

WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY

HealthcareEducationVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2023-09-26, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered education, veterans affairs.

Full Text

WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [House] [Pages H4469-H4470] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes. Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Gordon Fowler's remarkable 100th birthday, a century of enduring wisdom and service. Gordon's journey began on a humble Iowa farm in 1923, instilling in him the values of hard work and resilience during the Great Depression. His education and involvement in 4-H and FFA set the stage for a life dedicated to giving back. In World War II, Gordon followed the path of Charles Lindbergh, his childhood hero, into the Army Air Corps, joining the brave American HUMP Pilots Association, who embarked on perilous missions flying over the Himalayan mountains. After his service, he returned to Iowa, raised a family with his wife, Sharon, and embarked on a successful 50-year career in advertising. Gordon served as a Scoutmaster, a Sunday schoolteacher, and also supported Junior Achievement, and shaped the lives of countless young individuals. May his wisdom continue to inspire us for many years to come. Let's all wish this World War II veteran a happy birthday. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer because its early symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for other less serious conditions. Once a diagnosis is reached, it is often in advanced stages, making it one of the deadliest cancers among women. Together, we can empower women to take charge of their health, and by supporting critical research we can hope for a future where this silent killer has been silenced. Thank you to all the individuals who fight against ovarian cancer and support the women whose lives have been changed by this abhorrent disease. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we continue to encourage women to learn about the risk factors, familiarizing themselves with the early symptoms, have conversations and regular checkups with their healthcare providers, and work together year round to raise awareness about this deadly disease that affects countless women worldwide. Grace Lynn Keller Named Miss Iowa USA Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grace Lynn Keller of Coralville, Iowa, for being named Miss Iowa USA. Grace's love for pageantry began in childhood as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone as a shy person. Now, at 24, she works as vice president of production and digital marketing at Executive Podcast Solutions, a company she helped start as an intern while studying journalism at the University of Iowa. Grace credits pageantry for playing a pivotal role in shaping her confidence and equipping her with invaluable skills for her professional career. As Miss Iowa USA, Grace has used her platform to promote childhood literacy through the Reach to Succeed program, where she has focused on low-income and rural school districts. Grace's mission is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact in Iowa and the rest of the country. Congratulations to Grace Lynn Keller on this outstanding achievement. Congratulating Eagle Scout Spencer Johnson Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Spencer Johnson of Troop 199 from Bettendorf, Iowa, for completing his Eagle Board of Review and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Scout can attain, and reaching the Eagle rank is no small feat. [[Page H4470]] Scouts must fulfill leadership roles, exemplify the Scout oath and law, display exemplary outdoor skills, earn at least 21 badges, and complete a comprehensive service project for their community. Well done, Spencer. I also want to congratulate Spencer's family and everyone who walked and worked with Spencer on his journey to become an Eagle Scout. Congratulations, Spencer Johnson, on becoming an Eagle Scout. Per Mar Named Business of the Year Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Per Mar, the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Business of the Year award at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Per Mar was opened in 1953 by John and Eleanor Duffy and has grown into a premier family-owned security company in the Quad Cities and throughout Iowa. This achievement is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by Per Mar's employees, led by president and CEO Brian Duffy. What truly sets Per Mar apart is their unwavering commitment to their employees, a philosophy that has been passed down through generations. By prioritizing their workforce, Per Mar ensures that their customers receive exceptional service, resulting in the company's continued growth and success. Per Mar's journey from humble beginnings to being named Business of the Year is a remarkable testament to the power of determination, dedication, and community support. Congratulations to Per Mar on this well-deserved honor. I also wish my sister-in-law, Susan Branthoover, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Susan. ____________________

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WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [House] [Pages H4469-H4470] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] WISHING GORDON FOWLER A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes. Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Gordon Fowler's remarkable 100th birthday, a century of enduring wisdom and service. Gordon's journey began on a humble Iowa farm in 1923, instilling in him the values of hard work and resilience during the Great Depression. His education and involvement in 4-H and FFA set the stage for a life dedicated to giving back. In World War II, Gordon followed the path of Charles Lindbergh, his childhood hero, into the Army Air Corps, joining the brave American HUMP Pilots Association, who embarked on perilous missions flying over the Himalayan mountains. After his service, he returned to Iowa, raised a family with his wife, Sharon, and embarked on a successful 50-year career in advertising. Gordon served as a Scoutmaster, a Sunday schoolteacher, and also supported Junior Achievement, and shaped the lives of countless young individuals. May his wisdom continue to inspire us for many years to come. Let's all wish this World War II veteran a happy birthday. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer because its early symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for other less serious conditions. Once a diagnosis is reached, it is often in advanced stages, making it one of the deadliest cancers among women. Together, we can empower women to take charge of their health, and by supporting critical research we can hope for a future where this silent killer has been silenced. Thank you to all the individuals who fight against ovarian cancer and support the women whose lives have been changed by this abhorrent disease. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we continue to encourage women to learn about the risk factors, familiarizing themselves with the early symptoms, have conversations and regular checkups with their healthcare providers, and work together year round to raise awareness about this deadly disease that affects countless women worldwide. Grace Lynn Keller Named Miss Iowa USA Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grace Lynn Keller of Coralville, Iowa, for being named Miss Iowa USA. Grace's love for pageantry began in childhood as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone as a shy person. Now, at 24, she works as vice president of production and digital marketing at Executive Podcast Solutions, a company she helped start as an intern while studying journalism at the University of Iowa. Grace credits pageantry for playing a pivotal role in shaping her confidence and equipping her with invaluable skills for her professional career. As Miss Iowa USA, Grace has used her platform to promote childhood literacy through the Reach to Succeed program, where she has focused on low-income and rural school districts. Grace's mission is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact in Iowa and the rest of the country. Congratulations to Grace Lynn Keller on this outstanding achievement. Congratulating Eagle Scout Spencer Johnson Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Spencer Johnson of Troop 199 from Bettendorf, Iowa, for completing his Eagle Board of Review and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Scout can attain, and reaching the Eagle rank is no small feat. [[Page H4470]] Scouts must fulfill leadership roles, exemplify the Scout oath and law, display exemplary outdoor skills, earn at least 21 badges, and complete a comprehensive service project for their community. Well done, Spencer. I also want to congratulate Spencer's family and everyone who walked and worked with Spencer on his journey to become an Eagle Scout. Congratulations, Spencer Johnson, on becoming an Eagle Scout. Per Mar Named Business of the Year Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Per Mar, the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Business of the Year award at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Per Mar was opened in 1953 by John and Eleanor Duffy and has grown into a premier family-owned security company in the Quad Cities and throughout Iowa. This achievement is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by Per Mar's employees, led by president and CEO Brian Duffy. What truly sets Per Mar apart is their unwavering commitment to their employees, a philosophy that has been passed down through generations. By prioritizing their workforce, Per Mar ensures that their customers receive exceptional service, resulting in the company's continued growth and success. Per Mar's journey from humble beginnings to being named Business of the Year is a remarkable testament to the power of determination, dedication, and community support. Congratulations to Per Mar on this well-deserved honor. I also wish my sister-in-law, Susan Branthoover, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Susan. ____________________