July 17, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 120 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
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TRIBUTE TO PHIL AND JODY SCHMIDT; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 120
(Senate - July 17, 2019)
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[Page S4904] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO PHIL AND JODY SCHMIDT Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Phil and Jody Schmidt, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming's 2019 honorees. Since 1978, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming has committed itself to making a positive difference in the lives of children. Their mission is to inspire all youth, especially those who need them most. The goal is to help these children to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Their activities provide the children in our community a sense of dedication, purpose, and belonging. The Boys and Girls Club will host its annual awards and recognition breakfast on August 28, 2019. This event celebrates the outstanding efforts by individuals who have made remarkable and significant contributions to the Boys and Girls Club mission and to the City of Casper. Phil and Jody Schmidt will be honored at this year's breakfast. Their lifelong commitment toward bettering the lives of youth in the Casper community is remarkable. Their dedication to Wyoming's young people embodies the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming's charge to better the lives of children in Casper. Phil is a devoted family man, successful businessman, and selfless community member. After graduating from high school, Phil attended Black Hills State University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. Phil and Jody moved to Casper in 1982, immersing themselves in the community. Phil began his career as a CPA. In 1988, he became the president and owner of Greiner Motor Companies. Under his guidance, Greiner Motors grew from one dealership to three, employing almost 300 people. Phil received the Ford Motor Company's ``Salute to Dealers'' award in 2009. The award commends dealers ``exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities.'' Phil was one of six recipients, selected from almost 6,000 dealers. Remarkably, Phil's hard work and contributions to the Casper community extend far beyond his business successes. Phil and the employees of Greiner Motor Companies led a cleanup effort of Casper Skate Park in 2004. Phil recognized a clean, safe park would give Casper youth an area where they could safely socialize and develop athletic skills. Greiner Motor Companies also helped to host the ``Fill-A-Ford'' food drive, parking Ford pickups at various bank branches to collect canned good and donations for food banks. They raised $26,000 and collected enough canned goods to fill up three pickup trucks. Phil also devotes much of his time and energy serving on the boards of many outstanding organizations. Any group lucky enough to have Phil on its board is destined for success. The Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, Casper Family YMCA, Wyoming Medical Center, Wyoming Auto Dealers, the Natrona County Library Foundation, and the Wyoming Transportation Commission have all benefited from his servant leadership. Phil credits Jody for his great success. Her support and strength during times of both hardship and good fortune allowed Phil to thrive with his ventures. Jody is a dedicated mother and caring wife. Raised in Fruitdale, SD, alongside five siblings, Jody learned the values of hard work and community involvement from her parents. They ran the family's beekeeping business, McIntire Honey. Her father, Russell, served on the board of directors for their local hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels to his neighbors in need, and served as a member and Grand Knight in their local council of the Knights of Columbus. Her mother, Betty, served in the local community club and was honored for her work as a hospital auxiliary volunteer. Their values of kindness and generosity were instilled in Jody, who then brought them to the Casper community. Jody also supports their neighbors and community with volunteer work and service efforts. She serves on the boards of the National Alliance on Mental Issues and Interfaith of Natrona County. She volunteers at Holy Cross Center with the food bank ministry and helps St. Anthony Tri-Parish School in countless areas, including coordinating charity runs and auction galas. Like my wife Bobbi, Jody is a strong, resilient breast cancer survivor. She is a pillar of courage and perseverance. Phil and Jody have been married 37 years and were blessed with six children: Allyson, Madelyn, Reid, Evan, James, and Nathan. The family persevered through tremendous pain; their sons Evan and Reid passed away at the ages of 11 and 29, respectively. In the wake of this tremendous personal challenge, Phil and Jody chose to continue their commitment to others. They looked past their pain, turning tough times into a means to assist and help care for those in need. They believe their difficult experiences give them the ability to come alongside others who face similar challenges. This mindset of perseverance demonstrates just how deserving they are of this award. There is no doubt the work and endless hours given by Phil and Jody will continue to shape and improve countless lives for years to come. Together, the couple represent Wyoming's characteristic strength, resilience and determination. Their generosity is exceptional. In the midst of enormous challenges the pair find the courage to not only push on, but to help others do the same. It is with great honor that I recognize these exceptional members of our Wyoming community. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in extending our congratulations to Phil and Jody Schmidt for this special acknowledgement. ____________________
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