Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding elementary school from my district. Eva Baca Elementary School in Pueblo, Colorado recently received national recognition as an award winning ``Blue Ribbon'' school under the ``No Child Left Behind'' initiative. It is a privilege to stand here and recognize the amazing accomplishments of this terrific school and pay tribute to its success before this body of Congress and this nation today. Thanks to the hard work of everyone from administrators to students, Eva Baca Elementary has dramatically improved its performance ratings. By focusing on individual student achievement, the school targets kids beginning to show signs of difficulty with their studies and provides them with the extra help they need to succeed. Helping children excel in learning requires a tremendous amount of effort from the school's staff and a high level of participation on the part of the parents. Overall test scores at Eva Baca Elementary are in the top ten percent of the state, making it one of the top performing schools in the nation. National recognition by the ``Blue Ribbon'' program signifies Eva Baca Elementary School as one of Colorado's best. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand before this body of Congress and this great nation to recognize the accomplishments of Eva Baca Elementary School. They provide a shining example for the educational system in Colorado. Keep up the good work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of an outstanding citizen from my district. Whit Eastman of Gunnison, Colorado recently passed away at the age of sixty-seven. Whit was a kind, generous man who cared greatly about his community. As his family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to take this opportunity to remember Whit today. A life-long resident of Gunnison, Whit had deep roots in the community. Whit has given much to his country and his community. He served a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he became the Financial Director for the City of Gunnison and, later, the President of the First National Bank. He actively strengthened the local Masonic Lodge, as well as serving as the President of the Rotary. Whit also served on the Western State College Foundation Board of Directors at his alma mater, Western State College. Mr. Speaker, Whit Eastman was a beloved member of the Gunnison community, and he will be deeply missed. His love for life and dedication to his friends and neighbors touched many lives. While Whit has passed on, his legacy will continue to live. I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring Whit here today. My condolences go out to Whit's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to a landmark institution from my district. The Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Palisade, Colorado has served its parishioners and our community for over a century. By working to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation, the church has shaped the Palisade community for the better. For dedication to serving its community, I am honored to pay tribute to the Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church here today. Founded in 1903, the Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of its parishioners and the community at large. Its work includes everything from holding a week-long Vacation Bible School in the summer to preparing individuals to serve on mission trips overseas. The church is dedicated to reaching out to all members of the community, seeking to serve everyone in need. Mr. Speaker, the efforts of Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church to meet the needs of their community and foster a spirit of generosity are an inspiration. The Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church is an institution that many in the Palisade community turn to for guidance and encouragement in their daily lives. I am honored to join with my colleagues today in honoring the Palisade Seventh-Day Adventist Church for its tireless work and dedication to the community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to a wonderful citizen from my district. ``Grandma Joan'' Richardson of Grand Junction, Colorado volunteers her time to help area students in the classroom, providing them with a helping hand and teaching them how to read. Joan is a valued citizen of the Grand Junction community, and I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this nation today to honor her altruistic virtues. Twice a week, for two and a half hours at a time, Joan devotes her time in an area that she is quite familiar with: the classroom. Having retired from her career as a high school and middle school teacher, Joan has felt the urge to continue to contribute toward the education of local children. The students benefit from having an additional teacher in the classroom a few days per week, while Joan is able to share her valuable skills as a teacher. Joan began helping out on a part time basis when her grandson began school over five years ago. Today she continues to donate her time, helping schools in the Mesa Valley School District. By making the educational process both interesting and fun for the students, Joan is instilling learning habits that will benefit them for their entire lives. Thanks for your dedication to our youth Joan. I wish you all the best in your retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Ersilia Cruz of Pueblo, Colorado led the charge to revitalize her neighborhood after it had begun to deteriorate before her eyes. Her efforts have helped resuscitate the community and transform the area into a better place to live. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ersilia for her hard work and congratulate her on her success. Having lived in the neighborhood for more than fifty years, Ersilia has seen a great deal of change take place in her community, much of which has occurred over the course of the past nine years. Old run-down homes have been scrapped and replaced with new ones, the local school has reopened and a community center has been erected, all due to the hard work of citizens like Ersilia committed to revitalizing their community. In addition to Ersilia's role in the revitalization of her community, she is also the mother of eight. She is a dedicated servant with numerous community action organizations and serves as a member of the local PTA, president of the neighborhood association, and a member of the Community Development Block Grant committee. For her efforts, Ersilia was recently awarded the 2003 NeighborWorks Dorothy Richardson Award, one of only ten people throughout the U.S. to receive this recognition. Thanks to Ersilia's determination to revive her neighborhood, the Hyde Park community is again a family friendly region. Not only did she receive a national award, the city of Pueblo also acknowledged her dedication by naming one of the streets in her community Cruz Circle in her honor. It is my pleasure to recount Ersilia's efforts here today, and I would also like to thank her for her tireless work. I wish her all the best.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn heart that I rise before you today to pay tribute to the memory of a remarkable citizen from my district. Othell Ballage of Pueblo, Colorado was a leader in his community and a friend to many. Sadly, he recently passed away at the age of 74. As his family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to remember Othell for his kind heart and generous spirit. Othell was transferred to Pueblo by the U.S. Army and stationed at the Chemical Depot over thirty years ago. Having seen much of the world during his time in the Army, Othell decided Pueblo would be a good place to call home upon retiring from the service in 1975. It was then that Othell chose to realign his sights from national service to a more regional focus. After his days in the Army, accomplishing what would be considered a lifetime of achievements for most, Othell began to leave his mark on Pueblo. For the next twenty years, Othell pursued his goals in both higher education and public service. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Maryland in 1982 and went on to earn a Master's degree in management from Pacific Western University in 1996. Othell also worked as a counselor for the Colorado Job Training Program and served on numerous boards, including those of the NAACP and the Pueblo Human Rights Commission, as well as the Governor's Task Force on Drunk Driving. Mr. Speaker, the city of Pueblo and its citizens have lost a truly outstanding citizen and friend. Even more impressive than his numerous contributions to the community was Othell's role as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Othell was a remarkable citizen and he will certainly be missed. I am honored to pay tribute to his life here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Flo Gallegos of Arboles, Colorado has played an instrumental role in the recent renovations and rededication of the Saint Francis of Assisi Mission Church in Arboles. For her hard work and dedication, I am honored to pay tribute to Flo here today. The Saint Francis of Assisi Mission Church, built in the early twentieth century, desperately needed renovation: the roof needed replacing, the exterior needed refurbishing, and the interior needed fixing up. Flo spearheaded the effort to get funds, volunteers, and artisans to do the work. She saw a need in her community and refused to sit by or to give up before that need was filled. When times got tough, Flo refused to give in, and she got the job done. The renovations Flo worked so hard to secure were finally achieved this year, and the church was recently rededicated. Mr. Speaker, the determination and hard work of Flo Gallegos are truly inspirational. She displayed tremendous focus and fortitude in her quest to see that the renovation of the Saint Francis of Assisi Mission Church went forward. For her resolve and dedication, I am honored to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to Flo here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I rise before you today to pay tribute to the memory of a wonderful citizen from my district. Bill Harpel of Pueblo, Colorado recently passed away at the young age of 40 after a hard-fought battle with leukemia. As Bill's family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to recognize his life before this body of Congress and this nation. Bill will always be remembered as a staple of the Pueblo theater community. A kind and caring family man at home, Bill was a highly respected professional on stage. Bill was a Pueblo native and studied acting at the University of Southern Colorado. He had an amazing passion for the theater and devoted his time to his acting. Bill spent most of his time in the theater on stage, but also could be found directing several productions. Bill served as President of the ``Impossible Players,'' a local theater company. He was recently awarded the Lifetime Service Award for 2003 by the organization. Away from the theater, Bill was known as a loving husband and a proud father of two. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that the Pueblo theater community lost one of its most prominent members this past September, and the City of Pueblo has lost a remarkable citizen. Bill Harpel's memory will live on in the hearts of his friends and family. He will certainly be missed.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this Nation to pay tribute to the amazing courage displayed by a young boy from my district. Casey Mudroch of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, nearly lost his life this past summer when his tent was washed into a lake during a flash flood. After five grueling weeks of recuperation in the Children's Hospital of Denver, Casey finally returned home with hope for a full recovery. I am honored to stand and recognize Casey's harrowing battle for life and his remarkable recovery here today. Casey was left critically injured this summer when a tent he and his friends were sleeping in was swept into Navajo Lake. Witnesses were able to pull him out of the water, but unfortunately by the time they got to him he was unconscious and had stopped breathing. Following CPR Casey was flown to Denver and taken to Children's Hospital, where he was treated for over a month. I can assure you that his stay in the hospital was not an easy one. After being downgraded from critical condition, Casey developed an ulcer, which ruptured, returning him to critical condition. Fortunately, Casey is expected to make a full recovery and is glad to be home among his family and friends. Mr. Speaker, surviving such a traumatic experience is never easy, especially for someone as young as Casey Mudroch. Casey has displayed a tremendous amount of bravery throughout this ordeal, and it is my privilege to honor his recovery efforts before this body of Congress and this Nation today. I would like to wish Casey a continued recovery and all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand here before you today and pay tribute to a remarkable citizen from my district. Nancy VanMatre of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, has defied the odds and overcome cancer three times over the past eight years. It is my privilege to recount her story before this body of Congress and this Nation, for her determination and loving spirit are truly an inspiration to us all. Nancy and her husband Harry relocated to the Pagosa Springs area nine years ago upon retirement from their careers in New York. After a few years of enjoying their retirement, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the course of the next six years, Nancy would undergo three major operations targeting cancer in her breast and her two lungs. Suffering from acute care myopathy and neuropathy, Nancy eventually returned home too weak to move her body. As she began to regain consciousness, she set out a list of goals; the final one was summiting V-Rock Mountain. A year and a half later, she had accomplished everything on her list, including hiking the mountain, and began to set her sights on new goals. Nancy has come so far on her road to recovery that her new focus is now set on helping other cancer victims to see that there is hope; that they too can overcome the disease and continue on with their lives. Mr. Speaker, I commend Nancy for her courage to battle the cancer that threatened her life; she never gave up and her success should serve as an example to others faced with difficult odds. It is truly an honor to pay tribute to this remarkable woman before you today. Nancy, you are an inspiration to us all.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to recognize the efforts of a distinguished citizen from my district. Julie Comins is the Executive Director for the Aspen Writers' Foundation and, after six years of dedicated service, she will be stepping down next month to spend more time with her family. The organization has experienced tremendous growth during her tenure, and the entire Aspen literary community is saddened by her departure. Today, I would like to commend Julie on the fine work she has done for the writing community on behalf of the Foundation. Julie began her time with the Foundation in 1997 when she volunteered to assist with one of the organization's major events, the Aspen Summer Words Conference. She went on to become a part-time administrative assistant for the organization, which was then a small non-profit group. Within a year, Julie's hard work was rewarded with increased responsibility within the organization, eventually being named as Executive Director of the Foundation. Under Julie's watch, the group went from a relatively small society to a nationally renowned literary organization. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand here today and pay tribute to Julie Comins' accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. The Aspen Writers' Foundation is a terrific organization and, thanks to Julie, it has grown to achieve remarkable success. I would like to thank Julie for her years of hard work and dedication and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a dedicated educator from my district. Crystal Cuckow is an extraordinary art teacher from La Junta High School in La Junta, Colorado. Through her dedication and hard work, Crystal shapes the lives of the youth of her community, and I am honored to share her story here today. Crystal began her career as an educator by teaching art but was soon assigned to teach ``stage craft'' as well. Throughout her career, Crystal has reached out to many different types of students and encouraged them to express themselves. Crystal has been able to bring the art and entertainment of the theater to students who otherwise would have had little or no exposure to it. Her work with the La Junta theater program earned Crystal the Senior High Theater Educator of the Year Award from the Alliance for Colorado Theater. Mr. Speaker, Crystal Cuckow's dedication and devotion to her students enriches the lives of Colorado's youth and molds our future leaders. By reaching out to so many students, Crystal has created a diverse environment where creativity is allowed to flourish. I am honored to join with my colleagues here today in extending my congratulations to Crystal for the honor she has received and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors. Thank you, Crystal. Keep up the good work!

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before this body of Congress today to honor a very accomplished citizen from my district. Duane Vandenbusche of Gunnison, Colorado has guided the track and cross-country teams at Western State College to numerous national titles. Along the way, he has instilled many important values such as discipline and teamwork into his student athletes that have helped them mature into successful young men and women. For his remarkable success and his dedicated commitment to Colorado's youth, I am proud to recognize Duane here today. Duane started his career at Western State College as a history professor in 1962 and began helping the track team a few years later by timing the athletes. From that humble beginning, Duane went on to become the program's head coach, and eventually one of the most successful coaches in the country. Under his tutelage, the women's cross-country team claimed one NAIA championship and three NCAA Division II National Titles. The men's squad has been equally impressive, winning one NAIA title and five NCAA national championships. Duane's remarkable accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his team titles, Duane has been named National Coach of the Year in cross-country seven times. For his success and dedication to the sport, he will be inducted next spring into Michigan's Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, despite all of the praise and accolades that have been bestowed on him, Duane Vandenbusche has kept his head on the ground and his focus on his students. He is a true credit to his community and the educational institution he serves. I am truly privileged to have this opportunity to congratulate Duane on his accomplishments, thank him for his four decades of hard work with our young people, and to wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of a great citizen from my district. John Weaver of Naturita, Colorado, an employee of the Montrose County Sheriff's Department and a devoted public servant, tragically passed away recently in the crash of his ultra-light airplane. As his family and our community mourn John's passing, I would like to pay tribute to his memory here today. John was very active in the Naturita community. He was Lead Dispatcher at the West End Communications Center for the Montrose Sheriff's Department, where he helped make that office a unified and efficient team. His hard work and dedication saved countless lives. John was also a member of the Naturita Town Board, and he worked tirelessly to open the Basin Clinic, a local medical clinic which serves the residents of Naturita. In addition, John was instrumental in establishing the Naturita Fire and Rescue team, serving his community as a volunteer fire fighter. Mr. Speaker, John Weaver was a man of conviction and kindness. A dedicated public servant, a devoted neighbor, and an active member of the community, John went out of his way to help his friends and neighbors whenever he could. While John has passed away, his legacy will certainly live. I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring John's life and memory here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a great citizen from my district. Pastor Roy Altman of Silt, Colorado recently announced his retirement from the Glenwood Springs First Presbyterian Church. Roy is a man of devotion and humility whose hard work and dedication to his friends and neighbors shows a spirit of charity all too rare in today's society. For his tireless work and commitment to his community, I am honored to rise and recognize Roy's many contributions here today. Roy was ordained thirty-eight years ago at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and he worked with several churches before moving to Colorado in 1981 to take over as pastor at the Glenwood Springs First Presbyterian Church. At First Presbyterian, Roy forged strong ties to the community, which he serves in many ways. He volunteers on the board of directors for Mountain Valley Developmental Services and ministers to the sick at Valley View Hospital. Roy is well respected in his community, and he is widely known as the unofficial chaplain of the 19th Street Diner. Roy has guided First Presbyterian and the greater community for twenty-one years. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, Roy Altman is a kind and devoted spiritual leader who many in the Glenwood Springs community turn to for inspiration and guidance in their daily lives. He has devoted nearly forty years to guiding his parishioners, and I am honored to join with my colleagues in recognizing his service here today. Thanks for your tireless work and efforts, Roy. I wish you all the best in your retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to a landmark institution from my district. The First Congregational Church of South Pueblo, Colorado has served its parishioners and the Pueblo community for over 125 years. By working to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation, the church has shaped our community for the better. For its many years of service to the community, I am honored to pay tribute to the First Congregational Church of South Pueblo here today. Founded in 1878, the First Congregational Church has been dedicated to meeting the need of its parishioners and the community at large. Its work includes everything from buying shoes for orphans to hosting Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls. First Congregation also hosts the Pueblo Interfaith Hospitality Network, a program to house homeless families in need of shelter. Mr. Speaker, First Congregational Church's efforts to meet the needs of the community and foster a spirit of generosity are an inspiration to us all. The First Congregational Church of South Pueblo is an institution that numerous Puebloans turn to for guidance and encouragement in their daily lives. I am honored to join with my colleagues today in honoring the First Congregational Church of South Pueblo for its dedication to improving the community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Beverly Counts of Craig, Colorado, has been working with needy families in the community for thirty years as a social service worker in Moffat County. I would like to thank Beverly for her hard work and dedication to the Craig community and recognize her efforts before this body of Congress here today. Beverly began her career with the Moffat County Department of Social Services in 1973 as a case aide. Upon completion of her Bachelor's degree, and later her Master's degree, she rose steadily up the ranks in the Department to her current position as a supervisor. Today her work focuses on child welfare, as she oversees caseworkers in the field. Beverly's accomplishments were recently acknowledged by her social services co-workers at a party in her honor. I join with them here today in honoring Beverly's years of selfless service. Everyday her work helps families become better prepared to effectively manage their lives in spite of hardships and insurmountable odds. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Beverly before this body of Congress, and I thank her for all of her hard work. I wish her the best in the years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of an outstanding citizen from my district. Elna Mae Ryden of New Castle, Colorado recently passed away at the age of eighty-one. Elna was an active and talented member of her community, and as her family and friends mourn her passing, I would like to pay tribute to her life and achievements. Elna was very active in her community, donating her time and talents to a wide variety of organizations. Groups like 4-H and the Elk Creek Homemakers Club benefited greatly from Elna's participation. Elna also served as Secretary for the Garfield County Farm Bureau and sat on the Founders' Committee for the New Castle Recreation Center. An industrious woman, Elna was a farmer and rancher; she owned and operated Shady Court Trailer Park--raised ostriches, emus, and chinchillas--and wired her house and those in her neighborhood for electricity. Mr. Speaker, Elna Mae Ryden was a talented and industrious woman. She gave liberally to her family, friends, and community. While Elna has passed on, her legacy will continue to live. I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring Elna here today. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen. Calvin Hopper has worked for many years in the field of nuclear safety. His dedication and hard work has earned him widespread recognition, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from Colorado State University--Pueblo. Calvin is well accomplished in his field, and I am honored to recognize his achievements today. Calvin is a distinguished Senior Development Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he works in nuclear criticality safety process analysis and program management. Prior to his current work, Calvin held many positions in the field, including helping to develop the Department of Energy Standard Practices Guide for criticality safety projects for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In addition, Calvin has served as the Deputy Advisor and Technical Expert to the U.S. Nuclear Technical Advisory Group and is a member of the American Nuclear Society, where he serves as chairman of several committees. Outside of his professional life, Calvin works to give back to his community through involvement in the Habitat for Humanity and the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra and Band. Mr. Speaker, Calvin Hopper is a dedicated scientist and active citizen. His distinguished professional achievements and commitment to his community are truly an inspiration to us all. I am honored to join with my colleagues in recognizing Calvin here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen. Dr. James Hall of Livermore, California is a dedicated research scientist who diligently works to improve the safety of all Americans. James is a graduate of Colorado State University--Pueblo and is being recognized by that institution for his outstanding work in the field of science with their Outstanding Alumnus award. James is well accomplished in his field, and I am honored to recognize his achievements here today. James is a Principal Investigator at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in. Livermore, California. His work includes utilizing nuclear technology to screen luggage and air cargo. James is a leader in his field, publishing over 60 articles, and he is a member of the American Physical Society. In the past, James worked with the U.S. Underground Nuclear Test Program and was selected by the Department of Energy to serve as their representative to the Eighth Joint Compliance and Inspection Commission in association with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Mr. Speaker, James Hall exemplifies a life devoted to science and technological advancement. Through his hard work and dedication, James has worked to improve lives through scientific discovery. For his many accomplishments, I am honored to pay tribute to Dr. James Hall here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen. Dana Perino of Washington, D.C. is a talented and dedicated public servant. Dana is a product of Colorado State University--Pueblo and is being honored by that institution with its Outstanding Alumna award. For her dedication and hard work to her nation, I am honored to recognize Dana here today. Dana has dedicated many years to the field of communications. She is the Director of Communications for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, which oversees implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act by all Federal agencies. Dana acts as one of the administration's primary spokeswomen with regard to environmental issues, taking complex issues and making them understandable so the message can get out to concerned citizens. Prior to her work with the White House, Dana served as press secretary for former Congressman Dan Schaefer and a staff assistant in my office. From that humble beginning, Dana has gone on to do great things. Mr. Speaker, Dana Perino is a committed and hard working public servant. Her years of service to the citizens of Colorado and the Nation at large are truly an inspiration to us all. I am honored to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to Dana here today. Congratulations and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this Nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Lola Spradley of Beulah, Colorado is a dedicated public servant and a good friend. For years, Lola has worked to meet the needs of the citizens of the great State of Colorado through her work in the Colorado General Assembly, where she currently serves as Speaker of the House. For her dedication to Colorado, Lola is being recognized by Colorado State University--Pueblo with its Outstanding Service to the Community Award. She is a valuable public servant, and I am honored to pay tribute to Lola here today. Lola is a true pioneer in Colorado politics, serving as the first female Speaker in the Colorado State General Assembly. For years, Lola has represented the needs of her district, working tirelessly to ensure that their voice is heard in the State Capitol. Before her term as Speaker, she served as the House Majority Leader from 2001 to 2002. In addition to her work in the State House, Lola has served on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Technology and as Chair of the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Mr. Speaker, Lola Spradley has dedicated many years of service to the great State of Colorado. As Speaker of the House and as Representative of District Sixty, Lola diligently meets the needs of her constituents. I am honored to join with my colleagues today in paying tribute to Lola Spradley here today. Congratulations on your recognition, Lola, and I wish you all the best.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Dr. Paul Smith of Pueblo West, Colorado is a dedicated physician who has worked tirelessly to improve the care given to our veterans. An alumnus of Colorado State University--Pueblo, Paul is being recognized by that institution with their award for Outstanding Service to the University, and I am honored to recognize his achievements here today. Paul was instrumental in the creation of the Eastern Colorado Health Care System, which merged with the Southern Colorado Health System of the Veterans Administration and the Denver VA Medical Center. He serves as the Associate Chief of Staff for Community-Based Care, where he is responsible for overseeing seven Veterans Administration clinics in central and southern Colorado. In addition to his dedication to our nation's veterans, Paul has remained active in the Colorado State University--Pueblo community by serving on search and screening committees, advising on the restructuring of the Student Health Services, and donating his time to the university's health clinic. Mr. Speaker, Paul Smith is the kind of dedicated and devoted citizen who makes our communities a better place. His tireless work has improved the lives of countless veterans and members of the community at large. I am honored to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to Paul Smith here today. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this Nation to pay tribute to a landmark institution from my district. The First United Methodist Church of Pueblo, Colorado has served its parishioners and our community for one hundred forty years. By working to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation, the church has shaped the Pueblo community for the better. For its many years of service to the people of Pueblo, I am honored to pay tribute to the First United Methodist Church here today. Founded in 1863, the First United Methodist Church has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of its parishioners and the community at large. Its work includes everything from promoting its missionary efforts to reaching out to less fortunate members of the community. First United Methodist is also active in the Pueblo Interfaith Hospitality Network, a program to house homeless families, and the Downtown Cooperative Care Center, a program to provide food, clothing, and assistance to the less fortunate. Mr. Speaker, First United Methodist Church's efforts to meet the needs of the community and foster a spirit of generosity are an inspiration to us all. The church is the kind of institution that our community turns to for guidance and encouragement in their daily lives, and I am honored to join with my colleagues today in thanking the people of the First United Methodist Church for their tireless work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of an outstanding citizen from my district. Joseph Faris of Walsenburg, Colorado recently passed away at the age of eighty-two. Joseph was a man of integrity and vision who dealt fairly with everyone he encountered. As his family and friends mourn Joseph's passing, I am honored to pay tribute to his life and achievements here today. Joseph was a kind and friendly man who left a mark on everyone he met. He was a gifted businessman who built his company, Faris Land and Cattle Company, into a thriving business. As an active member of the community, Joseph spent time at the Pueblo Elks Lodge and supported the Pueblo Dodgers baseball team. In addition, he loved to participate in charity golf tournaments. Mr. Speaker, Joseph Faris had a great passion for life, and he loved to share that passion with others. While Joseph has passed on, his legacy will continue to live. I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring Joseph here today. My thoughts are with Joseph's family during their time of bereavement.