The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING COOPER BURDEN
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HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cooper Burden.
Cooper joined Pac 7 Cub Scouts in 2016 and immediately set his eyes on earning Scouting's highest rank that of Eagle Scout. At first it was playing in the woods with friends that he enjoyed but as Cooper advanced to Webelos camping, fishing and BB guns became more the attraction. Cooper earned countless service and volunteer hours over the years. Summer Camps at Camp Soule, Bourne and Sand Hill fostered friendships he will carry for a lifetime. As Cooper advanced to Arrow of Light and self-discipline leadership became a focus and a skill he embraced. This Leadership became evident in his schoolwork in Junior National Honor Society, in Scouting as he held leadership roles as Assistant Quarter Master, Quarter Master, and Patrol Leader. During his time in Troop 77 Cooper set goals for himself that included earning over 70 individual merit badges, spending over 120 nights Camping, completing BSA's First ever Virtual Camp-in during COVID lockdown and fundraising to earn his way to each summer camp he has attended. Cooper identified and completed his Eagle project in March 2022. The project came about during a conversation with his lifelong Pastor. The project consisted of pressure washing, prepping, and painting the day school at the Burden family's church; Good Shepard Lutheran Church located in Tampa, FL. Cooper organized over 25 volunteers, exceeded his fundraising goal, and completed the project days before his 14th birthday. Cooper did all this while maintaining academically all A's and the occasional B through his entire Scouting journey Elementary, Middle and High School. Cooper also has been active in intramural flag football, spent the last 11 years as a Karate Student and volunteer teaching the 3- to 6-year-old classes at Ingrams Okinawan Karate where he has studied Isshinryu karate and holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Cooper as a freshman at Mitchell High School is a member of the U.S. Navy JROTC, a member of the Wrestling Team. Cooper hopes to attend a Military Academy or State University, join the Armed Forces, and pursue a career in mechanical engineering focusing on automotive industries.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 160(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 160(2)
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