Recognizing Military Appreciation Month
Floor Speech
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Military Appreciation Month.
With 24 years of service in the Army and now representing a congressional district with a significant Active-Duty and veteran population, I am deeply honored to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our Nation's heroes.
Military Appreciation Month was proposed by the late Senator John McCain in February 1999. Two months later, Congress voted to officially designate May as the nationally recognized period for honoring the military, culminating with Memorial Day.
Across the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force, there are more than 2.8 million servicemembers worldwide tasked with protecting the freedoms we enjoy here at home.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all those who serve and have served. May God bless them, and may God bless the United States of America. Honoring Iowa's First Responders and Red Cross
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the first responders across Iowa who were on the front lines following the recent tornado outbreaks across the State.
As Iowans, we are no strangers to severe weather. Every summer, we do what we can to prepare for the inevitable derecho, floods, severe thunderstorms, and potential tornadoes.
While we prepare for the worst, Iowa's first responders are the heroes on the ground, quickly jumping into action for people impacted by the horrific storms. Without our first responders, severe weather events like the ones so many Iowans experienced on April 26 would be much more catastrophic and deadly.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these brave heroes and thanking them for their unbreaking commitment to the safety of all Iowans and all Americans. Congratulating Nurse Wendy Donald
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wendy Donald, who was named School Nurse of the Year for 2024 by the Iowa School Nurse Organization.
With more than 25 years of nursing experience and 7 years serving the Muscatine School District, Wendy's dedication shines through. She advocates tirelessly for the inclusion of school nurses in decisionmaking processes and collaborates with educators, parents, and healthcare professionals to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Wendy's proactive approach extends beyond the school walls, working closely with local healthcare providers to promote community health. Her initiatives, such as raising funds for children in the ER, exemplify her innovative thinking and compassion.
As a former nurse, I certainly recognize these attributes. Let's recognize Wendy's profound impact on our community.
I congratulate Wendy on this well-deserved recognition, and I thank her for her service and for inspiring us all. National Skilled Trades Day
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Skilled Trades Day, which took place on May 1 this year.
In Iowa and across the Nation, our skilled tradespeople aren't just contributors to the economy, they are the heartbeat of our communities, shaping our infrastructure and crafting the world we live in. From carpenters shaping our homes to HVAC technicians keeping us comfortable, these individuals are the unsung heroes of our local communities.
Today, I stand proud to honor their contributions and reaffirm my commitment to champion their interests in Congress. Let us continue to support and celebrate the skilled trades, ensuring that future generations can pursue these fulfilling and essential careers. Celebrating Newly Drafted Iowa Hawkeyes
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Iowa Hawkeyes Cooper DeJean, Erick All, Tory Taylor, and Logan Lee for recently being drafted into the National Football League.
Iowa is world-renowned for cultivating athletic talent, and these elite athletes will join 37 other Hawkeyes currently playing in the NFL. Coach Kirk Ferentz and the entire crew at the University of Iowa have worked tirelessly in support of these players and in their journeys to the premier league in football.
Coach Ferentz and his team deserve the utmost credit for developing a first-class program that makes good players into great players and winners into champions.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these four drafted players and all of the Hawkeyes making their way to the NFL. By the way, it wasn't a fair catch.
As always, Go Hawkeyes.
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