Congratulating Charla Schafer
Floor Speech
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, every year, the Washington- Centerville Public Library sponsors the Erma Bombeck writing competition, focused on humor and human-focused essays. Only four winners are chosen out of hundreds of entries from across the world. Among this year's winners is Charla Schafer from Muscatine, Iowa, who won the global humor category with her piece ``Funeral Notes.'' In a world often fraught with challenges, Charla's ability to infuse humor and humanity into her writing is a true gift.
After serving with distinction in various leadership roles, including the vice president of marketing and retail banking at First National Bank of Muscatine, and executive director at the Muscatine Center for Social Action, she continues to lead by example as president of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine and as a board member of the Iowa Council of Foundations.
I congratulate Charla on this remarkable achievement. National Agriculture Day
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Agriculture Day.
In Iowa, agriculture isn't just an industry; it is a way of life. Our farmers, with their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, not only feed our communities but also sustain our economy, nourish our Nation, and fuel the world.
The fertile soils of Iowa have long been recognized as some of the most productive in the world. With over 80 percent of Iowa's land dedicated to agricultural purposes, our farmers serve as the backbone of our communities, economy, and State. Iowa stands as a leading producer of soybeans, corn, pork, and eggs in the United States. Notably, we also lead the Nation in ethanol biodiesel production, contributing to both domestic and global needs.
Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have had the privilege of engaging with many of Iowa's farmers, listening to their concerns, and championing their ideas. Today, I am proud to recognize their hard work and vow to continue fighting here in Congress to ensure that farmers have access to the resources and incentives they need to continue to feed and fuel our Nation. Congratulating the United Way of Muscatine, Iowa
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate United Way of Muscatine for 70 years of service to Muscatine County and the surrounding area. United Way of Muscatine has played a pivotal role in feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and educating children for several decades, and I laud them and their staff for their tireless service to make our communities better.
With rising food and rent prices causing mass uncertainty and anxiety among hardworking Americans, United Way serves as a beacon of hope for those in need of help. Their food and housing assistance programs, as well as their programs to help victims of abuse and trafficking, are an integral helping hand to southeastern Iowa. Their tireless work to serve their community is commendable, and I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating the 70th anniversary of this wonderful organization. Recognizing Dr. David C. Hilmers
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I announce the induction of Dr. David C. Hilmers, an Iowa-born former astronaut and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Dr. Hilmers, raised in DeWitt, Iowa, began his journey after graduating from Central Community High School in 1968. With five academic degrees, he stands as the second-most formally educated U.S. astronaut, showcasing his intellectual prowess and dedication. His illustrious career spans four space missions with NASA, totaling over 493 hours in space, and he is not the only Iowa-born and -raised astronaut.
Beyond his space endeavors, Dr. Hilmers earned his M.D. with honors from Baylor College of Medicine. Today, as professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, he continues his impactful work in global health and humanitarian relief efforts.
Dr. Hilmers' remarkable journey inspires us to pursue knowledge, explore new horizons, and serve our fellow human beings with compassion and dedication. Celebrating Kaitlyn Thede, Madelyn Thede, Grady Claussen, Collier Rockow, and Lexi Henning
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate students Kaitlyn and Madelyn Thede, Grady Claussen, Collier Rockow, and Lexi Henning from Wilton Junior-Senior High School for being the statewide winners of the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition.
They invented a grain elevator level tracker that will help farmers track the height of their grain with a system of lights that helps farmers determine the grain height inside the silo. This invention will protect hardworking Iowa farmers from dangerous grain elevator accidents and represents a monumental step forward in agricultural safety.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition is a national competition that picks one winner from each of the 50 States. These students beat out hundreds of other submissions with their clever invention that will save lives and protect farmers across Iowa. These students will now aim to compete to be one of the 10 finalists, with 3 being named national winners.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this incredible achievement and wishing these students the best as they continue marching toward the finish line.
Mr. Speaker, I extend birthday wishes and greetings to my daughter. Happy birthday, Taylor.
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