E1432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 13, 2019 RECOGNIZING JAMES GEIGER FOR ently hiring qualified and strong candidates in RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF THE 2019 MONTANA CONGRES- order to continue providing the best for its cli- WILLIAM J. ‘‘BILLY’’ MCCOY SIONAL VETERAN COMMENDA- ents. TION In 2013, McCownGordon Construction was HON. TRENT KELLY named Business Philanthropist of the Year by OF MISSISSIPPI HON. GREG GIANFORTE Nonprofit Connect because of its consistent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MONTANA commitment to giving back to Kansas City. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The company devotes at least 10 percent of Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 net profits to worthy causes in the commu- I rise today to celebrate the life of William J. Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise nities it serves. The company’s craftsmanship ‘‘Billy’’ McCoy, who passed away on Tuesday, today to recognize James Geiger of Conrad, a and involvement in the Ronald McDonald November 12, at the age of 77. recipient of the 2019 Montana Congressional Longfellow House aided in providing tem- Billy was an honorable public servant, serv- Veteran Commendation for his service to his porary housing for families with sick children ing as Speaker of the House for the Mis- country and leadership in his community. receiving medical treatment. Along with the sissippi House of Representatives for many Mr. Geiger was a member of the United R.A. Bloch Foundation, McCownGordon col- years. As Speaker, Billy contributed to signifi- States Army Air Corps during World War II. laborated in renovating a portion of the Cancer cant legislation that revolutionized the econ- He served from 1942 to 1948 in the 303rd Survivor’s Park as well. Multiple projects for omy of our State. He was the champion of the Bomb Group and 360th Squadron and earned one of Kansas City’s treasures, the 1987 infrastructure plan that established a the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters along NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, have also been four-lane highway system across Mississippi, with Service Medals in the European, Asiatic completed by McCownGordon Construction. which brought more businesses into the State and American theaters. Mr. Geiger attained that created thousands of jobs for Mississip- Thousands of visitors and Kansas City natives the rank of First Lieutenant. pians. Billy is directly responsible for bettering can view priceless and rare works of art in the Mr. Geiger was a B–17 pilot during World the lives of thousands of people. War II. During one of his crew’s missions, the newly renovated exhibits. Beautiful places like Billy was respected by all lawmakers across navigator and turret gunner were wounded. these are preserved and enjoyed by many be- the aisle as he lived his life true to Jesus’ During the chaos, Geiger turned the controls cause of the unwavering support of companies words: ‘‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’’ Left to over to his co-pilot and went to give first aid like McCownGordon Construction. These con- cherish his memory is his wife, Edith, his two to his crew. Mr. Geiger kept them from bleed- tributions and collaborations demonstrate how children, Sam and Kim, as well as all of the ing out and saved their lives. He is a true hero McCownGordon Construction has proven to people who had the pleasure of working with who went above and beyond the call of duty be an invaluable part of Missouri’s Fifth Con- him. Billy’s life was one of service, grace, and to serve his fellow man and country. gressional District. love for his community. He will be greatly Mr. Geiger has served on the Church Coun- Today, McCownGordon Construction em- missed by all whom he encountered. cil for the United Methodist Church, the ploys around 400 staff, all of whom contribute f Pondera Medical Center Hospital Board and is to the company in various ways. Construction a member of the American Legion. He is a HONORING MICHAEL MERY workers, architects, management, and admin- well-respected and adored member of his community. istrative staff all work together in order to cre- HON. JARED HUFFMAN I ask my colleagues to join me today in ate meaningful projects and buildings. OF CALIFORNIA commending James Geiger for his dedication McCownGordon is entirely employee-owned, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES so all employees have a stake through the and service. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 f Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The com- pany’s innovative and ambitious vision for the Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise IN RECOGNITION OF THE TWEN- future and for the community drives today in memory of West Marin community TIETH ANNIVERSARY OF McCownGordon Construction’s success. leader Michael Mery, who passed away on MCCOWNGORDON CONSTRUCTION McCownGordon sets itself apart by focusing September 28, 2019, at the age of 80, after a on growing positive relationships between em- lifetime of service. HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER ployees and clients, while adhering to its core Mr. Mery was raised in Inverness, where his family ran the post office, and he attended OF MISSOURI values. The company’s positive and commu- local schools through his graduation from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nicative workplace environment prompted it to Drake High School. As a youth, he spent be named one of the best places to work by Wednesday, November 13, 2019 many days exploring Tomales Bay and the Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, today I Fortune, the Kansas City Business Journal, area that would become the Point Reyes Na- proudly rise to celebrate the twentieth anniver- and others. tional Seashore. The experiences left him with sary of McCownGordon Construction and its Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring a lifelong love for the region’s natural beauty numerous contributions to the Kansas City McCownGordon Construction and its employ- and rural character. community. As a significant cornerstone of the ees for their hard work, perseverance, and Mr. Mery was a deeply rooted advocate for community, I am truly honored to have this es- commitment to their community. Together, his beloved West Marin community and lived tablishment in the Fifth Congressional District they have made it possible to achieve this in Point Reyes Station at the time of his pass- of Missouri. monumental twentieth anniversary. ing. He was instrumental in the creation of the McCownGordon Construction began as an West Marin Fund and a key figure in the cre- idea between two friends and eventual co- f ation of the fund’s community grants and Giv- founders, Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, who ing Through Youth programs. The community dreamed of starting their own construction PERSONAL EXPLANATION grants program has disbursed nearly $3 mil- company. Their main priority was to create a lion to local nonprofits thanks in large part to workplace that would prioritize their employ- Michael’s vision and leadership. The Giving ees, better serve their clients, and give back HON. WILL HURD Through Youth program was a particular pas- to the community. They made this dream a re- sion of his; the program teaches local students ality through dedication, perseverance, and OF TEXAS how to research organizations for grant oppor- hard work in July of 1999. During the labor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tunities. shortage of recent years when many construc- Michael’s activism served to sustain and tion companies struggled to find employees, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 nurture the agricultural community he called McCownGordon Construction managed to en- home for most of his life. He worked variously Mr. HURD of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was dure by investing in the development of its as a carpenter and as an organizer with the absent from votes due to travel. team. The business tripled its training budget International Development Exchange, and ably in order to be prepared for business growth Had I been present, I would have voted yea brought his life experiences to bear as a de- when the economy bounced back. Due to this on Roll Call No. 610, and yea on Roll Call No. voted advocate for economic and social jus- training initiative, McCownGordon is consist- 611. tice. He helped launch the West Marin Clinic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:51 Nov 14, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K13NO8.002 E13NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS November 13, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1433 and the Tomales Bay Watershed Council, was awarded the highest honor a civilian can RECOGNIZING DALE LONGFELLOW among other organizations dedicated to the receive, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- health and well-being of West Marin’s resi- This award is not given lightly. According to GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- dents and natural wonders. the White House, to receive such an honor MENDATION Mr. Mery’s passing leaves some very big one must either contribute ‘‘to the security or shoes to fill, but thanks to his commitment to national interests of the United States, world HON. GREG GIANFORTE youth empowerment, a new generation of peace, cultural or significant public or private OF MONTANA endeavors.’’ It is fair to say, that Mr. Penske West Marin youth have come to the fore to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bring his community message into the 21st has done much in his life to grow his commu- Century. Michael is survived by Connie, his nity into a better place and his business into Wednesday, November 13, 2019 wife of 35 years, his sister Megan, and numer- the global industry leader it is today. Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise ous stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces and Mr. Penske has had significant success in today to recognize Dale Longfellow of Hobson, nephews. both auto racing and business for more than a recipient of the 2019 Montana Congres- Madam Speaker, the depth of Mr. Mery’s 50 years. After forming his own auto racing sional Veteran Commendation for his service service to his community has left a positive team in 1965, Team Penske has won over to his country and leadership in his commu- legacy across Marin County. He will be pro- 500 races and 36 national championships. nity. foundly missed. It is therefore appropriate that The team’s most recent wins include the 2018 Mr. Longfellow is a veteran of the United we pay tribute to him today and honor his NASCAR championship and 2019 Indianapolis States Navy. He served from 1961 to 1964 memory. 500, which marks a record breaking 18 Indian- with distinction on the USS Coral Sea CV 43 f apolis 500 victories for a team owner. aircraft carrier. During his enlistment Dale Since starting his own car dealership in earned nominations to the United States Naval RECOGNIZING THOMAS GOYETTE 1969, Penske Corporation has expanded into Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- a company that generates $32 billion in reve- and attained the rank of Petty Officer Second GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- nues and employs approximately 64,000 peo- Class. MENDATION ple. However, Mr. Penske is not only a man Mr. Longfellow has served his community in with a mind for business, he is also a man many ways. As a volunteer emergency med- HON. GREG GIANFORTE with a generous heart. In 2005 he was named ical technician, as mayor of Hobson, and as a Michiganian of the Year after vowing to spend OF MONTANA dynamic businessman who for many years $35 million, in order to revive and restore IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES employed numerous people in the community. neighborhoods in Detroit. Just as Penske Cor- Mr. Longfellow is known as the person you Wednesday, November 13, 2019 poration is an exceptional example of a great go to for advice and the one you call if you’re Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise American business, so also is Roger Penske in a crisis. Those who know Mr. Longfellow today to recognize Thomas Goyette of Butte, an outstanding example of an American cit- use words like upright, moral and compas- a recipient of the 2019 Montana Congres- izen. Our country is fortunate to have Roger sionate to describe him. He is a role model to sional Veteran Commendation for his service Penske as a role model for generations to his children and everyone else in his commu- come. I offer Mr. Penske my sincere congratu- to his country and leadership in his commu- nity. nity. lations on this prestigious honor. I ask my colleagues to join me today in Mr. Goyette is a veteran of the United f commending Dale Longfellow for his dedica- States Navy. He served from 1967 to 1970 PERSONAL EXPLANATION tion and service. during the Vietnam War earning the National f Defense Service Award, Navy Unit Com- HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ mendation, Vietnam Service Award and RVN VA OVERPAYMENT OF TEXAS Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and attained the ACCOUNTABILITY ACT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Serving his community as a volunteer for Wednesday, November 13, 2019 SPEECH OF the American Legion, his local VFW and the Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, HON. J. FRENCH HILL United Veterans Council, Mr. Goyette has I was unable to cast my vote on November OF ARKANSAS dedicated in his life to helping others. He’s 12, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 610 and Roll Call IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES spent more than 20 years serving rural com- Vote 611. Had I been present, my vote would munities working as a registered nurse and have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote Tuesday, November 12, 2019 volunteering with the local ambulance serv- 610 and Yea on Roll Call Vote 611. Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank ices. It’s hard to find a rural community Mr. f my friend from Tennessee and my good friend Goyette hasn’t volunteered in. He’s also pro- from California for their leadership of our Vet- CONGRATULATING THE HELIAS vided many hours in continuing education erans’ Affairs Committee. They are a dynamic CATHOLIC CRUSADERS SOFT- services for ambulance crews around the state duo. BALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE of Montana. Their visits to Little Rock, Arkansas, both as 2019 MISSOURI CLASS III STATE Mr. Goyette also has been the coordinator Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Com- SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS for his local Honor Guard for several years mittee, gave local Arkansans a direct voice to where he communicates with funeral directors leaders in Congress to discuss many of the and personnel to make sure fallen officers and HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER issues they deal with on a daily basis. retired officers are given the respect they de- OF MISSOURI It was a pleasure to host them, and the ac- serve. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cessibility they have shown to hear from peo- I ask my colleagues to join me today in Wednesday, November 13, 2019 ple in Arkansas and across the Nation speaks commending Thomas Goyette for his dedica- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I to the type of leadership both provide atop the tion and service. rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in House Veterans Affairs Committee. f congratulating the Helias Catholic Crusaders I appreciate their kind words about Arkan- softball team for winning the 2019 Missouri sas and my veterans team in the district, IN HONOR OF ROGER PENSKE Class III State Softball Championship. which works tirelessly to ensure the brave This is Helias Catholic’s third state cham- men and women who serve in our armed HON. MIKE KELLY pionship in the history of their softball pro- forces receive the benefits and care they de- OF PENNSYLVANIA gram. This team and Coach Chris Wyrick serve. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES should be commended for their hard work I appreciate the opportunity to be on the throughout this past year and for bringing floor to be in support of this list of good bills Wednesday, November 13, 2019 home the state championship to their school tonight. Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speak- and community. Mr. Speaker, I particularly want to thank my er, I rise to honor a man who has achieved Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in friend from New Jersey, Mr. KIM, for his hard greatness in motorsports, business, and in his recognizing the Helias Catholic Crusaders work and collaboration on this important bill for community. On October 24th, Roger Penske team for a job well done. our veterans.

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