Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today and pay tribute to Judith ``JR'' Rodrigue and thank her for her outstanding commitment to serving the people of Colorado as the Chief Clerk of the Colorado House of Representatives. After twenty-four years of tireless service, JR will be stepping down from her position as Chief Clerk. As she celebrates her retirement, let it be known that she leaves behind a wonderful and strong legacy of dedication to the Colorado General Assembly and the citizens of Colorado. In 1979, JR began her career in the State House as an Assignable Clerk. She has since served as Messenger, Historian for the House of Representatives, and Chief Clerk's assistant, before her appointment as Chief Clerk in 1994. Some of her many accomplishments as Chief Clerk include publishing an Office Manual for the Members of the House, creating the Chief Clerk's Book, creating the Book of Motions, and serving as a member of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries. Most importantly, JR has provided excellent leadership and guidance, while establishing a close camaraderie with her colleagues and members of the Colorado House. Indeed, one of the highlights of my service as a state legislator was the friendship and guidance I received from JR. I can guarantee that I speak for many past and current members when I say she will always be revered for the level of honesty, integrity, and impartiality that she brought to her position. She is everybody's friend and always has a smile. She will be sorely missed by one and all. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Judith Rodrigue before this body of Congress and this nation, and to congratulate her on an outstanding career of public service. Her selfless dedication to the Colorado General Assembly and the people of Colorado as the Chief Clerk of the Colorado House of Representatives is truly remarkable. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today and pay tribute to Sally Schaefer for her remarkable contributions to her Grand Junction, Colorado community. Her outstanding dedication to Hilltop Community Resources, which helps people with brain injuries re-create their lives is certainly commendable and worthy of recognition from this body of Congress and this nation. It is my pleasure to take this opportunity and thank Sally for her many contributions to Grand Junction and the State of Colorado. Sally became interested in aiding others at an early age by helping to take care of her six younger siblings when they were sick. She attended Marquette University Nursing School, and in 1982 became a rehabilitation nurse at Hilltop. Sally immediately took a leadership role at the hospital, developing the Life Adjustment Program for brain- injured adults, a program that helps patients learn to live constructive lives after they are discharged from the hospital. In 1995, Sally negotiated the sale of Hilltop's rehabilitation hospital to St. Mary's Hospital in order for the Center to focus exclusively on people readjusting to their lives after a serious medical trauma. In 1998, she became chief executive officer of Hilltop, overseeing an organization with $40 million dollars worth of assets and 400 employees. Sally's extensive involvement in her Grand Junction community includes her participation in numerous civic organizations. She serves as chairman of the Victims of Crime state board, an organization dedicated to victim's rights, and for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. She also serves as vice chairman of the Fort Lewis College governing board, and is a member of the state medical services board. Mr. Speaker, it is clear Sally Schaefer plays a vital role in her Grand Junction community. Sally's leadership and dedication as chief executive officer of Hilltop has helped it become a preeminent rehabilitation facility for people suffering from major trauma injuries. Her efforts in serving the people of Grand Junction and the State of Colorado are worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today, and I thank Sally for her service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Chris Brown of Grand Junction, Colorado whose efforts and vision recently earned his business, the designation of Small Business of the Year from the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce. Since he opened Brown's Cycles in 2000, Chris has made great contributions to the Grand Junction business community, as well as helping to spread the love of biking in his community. Chris began exploring his passion for bicycle exhibition and repair while working as an engineer where he would plan business trips around cities with other bike enthusiasts. Since opening his store, he has brought his engineering background to his passion, creating new and innovative bikes. Perhaps most notable is the bike he specially designed which allows people with physical disabilities to share in his passion for cycling. As a member of the Downtown Association Board, Chris is a proponent for all the businesses on Main Street, and is currently working on a proposal for a summer bike festival for Grand Junction. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service and achievements of Chris Brown before this body of Congress and this nation. Through his vision and determination, he has made remarkable contributions to his Grand Junction community. I sincerely thank him for his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Father Vincente Paz, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Colorado. Father Paz has been serving Catholic Parishes of my state with great dedication for the past 28 years. His move to Grand Junction to become pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary is the latest step in a remarkable journey. Paz, a native of Northeast England, was ordained in 1966. An encounter with a Franciscan Priest in 1975 convinced him to leave his teaching position in England to serve as Pastor of a parish in Pueblo, Colorado. Reverend Paz also served parishes in Durango and Delta before coming to Grand Junction. He continues to strive to keep his church's message relevant to an ever-changing culture and to actively involve as many community members as possible in his parish's ministry. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service of Reverend Vincente Paz in front of this body of Congress and this Nation. Over the years, he has helped to serve several communities in my state, just as he continues to do for the parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary. I sincerely thank him for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to John Huebinger, Jr. of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for his great efforts to better his community. John is an extraordinary businessman and community leader, and as one of the founders of Vail, has shaped the landscape of communities around Vail, Aspen and Snowmass through his many construction projects. John, a native of Marion, Texas, came to Colorado in 1962 to work on the Vail Village Inn, and later moved to Snowmass in 1964 when he formed the Aspen Construction Company. His extraordinary achievements in the construction industry early in his career gained him entrance into the Young Presidents organization, an exclusive group of international business leaders. When the construction industry began to falter, John quickly adjusted and began Harbinger Real Estate, which he ran until his retirement in 1998. In addition to helping construct his community, John participates in numerous civic organizations. He has been a member of the Aspen Elks and Eagles Lodges, served as president of the Aspen Fire Protection District, and volunteered with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service and achievements of John Huebinger, Jr. before this body of Congress and this nation. His vision and determination have shaped several communities in the Vail, Aspen, and Snowmass areas, and I sincerely thank him for his service. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Lucy Rickman, an extraordinary woman from my district. Lucy will soon be retiring as the director of The Haven, an assisted living center in Hayden, Colorado, where she has worked since its inception in 1992. She has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time, effort, and care into the project, and it is my privilege to recognize her career here today. Seeing the need for an assisted living center in Hayden, Lucy became heavily involved in The Havens planning and design. After thirty-four years of teaching English and Social Studies to seventh and eight graders, Lucy became director of The Haven in 2000. Lucy saw to it that the facility grew and become a success, and worked to obtain grants for the center totaling $115,000. A firm believer in grassroots community involvement, she has implemented events such as senior visit lunch Fridays, holiday light tours, and socials in the town park. Mr. Speaker, Lucy has been a vital part of The Haven's formation and operation since its beginning, and it is my pleasure to recognize her today before this body of Congress and this nation. Her hard work and dedication are largely responsible for The Haven's existence and success. Thanks for your service Lucy, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of John Kapushion of Pueblo, Colorado, who passed away recently at the age of eighty-three. John was a true American patriot, and a beloved friend and colleague to many in his Colorado community. As his family and community mourn his passing, I believe it is appropriate to recognize the life of this exceptional man, and his many contributions to his community, state and country. Born and raised in Crested Butte, Colorado, John proudly served his country in World War II under General George Patton. After the war, he moved to Pueblo where he worked as an electrician for Colorado Fuel and Iron until his retirement in 1982. An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as spending summers with his family in the mountains of Crested Butte. He was also active in his community, serving as a member of the American Legion. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize the life of John Kapushion. He dedicated his life toward the betterment of his community, state and nation, and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the grassroots effort to protect one of Colorado's greatest natural treasures: The Great Sand Dunes. I was privileged to play a part in this momentous and exciting process. My own effort to preserve this beautiful area began in 1989 on a family vacation to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in Colorado's San Luis Valley, where I had a conversation with my friend Bob Zimmerman about his idea to re-designate the Great Sand Dunes National Monument as a National Park and Preserve. This conversation with Bob was the catalyst for a decade-long effort to put the Sand Dunes in their rightful place alongside the nation's other crown jewels as a National Park and Preserve. A rare gem, Colorado's Great Sand Dunes cover an area of thirty-nine square miles and reach heights of 700 feet above the floor of the flat San Luis Valley, making them the tallest dune fields in the western hemisphere. The Dunes are nestled between rugged, snowcapped mountains that include 14,000-foot peaks peppered with pristine alpine tundra. The Great Sand Dunes of Colorado are a unique hydrological system that feeds one of Colorado's largest wetland areas and are home to beaver meadows and spacious grasslands that are dotted with beautiful mountain flowers. High mountain streams cascade first into pristine lakes situated above the timberline, flowing into dense spruce and fir forests, streaming farther to reach large Aspen groves, ponderosa forest, pinion-juniper woodlands, cottonwood and mountain willow riparian areas. As the newest member of America's National Park system, the Great Sand Dunes is one of the nation's most biologically diverse parks, encompassing wetland species such as sandhill cranes, the rare white-faced ibis, and Rocky Mountain species of bighorn sheep, marmots and ptarmigan. The park also represents a diverse cultural heritage, where Native American sites spanning thousands of years, standing Ute Indian wickiups, mammoth kill sites, and a branch of the Old Spanish Trail traveled by some of the earliest Spanish people in America all sit side by side. The Dunes themselves are a historic product of the wind and rain eroding the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges that ring the San Luis Valley. For thousands of years prevailing westerly winds have come over the Rockies and down the flood plain of the Rio Grande River, picking up sand particles on the way. These dry surface layers of sand are deposited at the east edge of the valley before the wind rises to cross the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This continuing process gradually enlarges and changes the shape and sand patterns of the dunes each day. Overall, the dunes maintain a stable form as a result of the combination of wind, topography, and moisture from rain and snow. Another unique feature of the Great Sand Dunes is a small stream called Medano Creek that is fed by melting snow and only flows during spring and early summer along the eastern edge of the dunes before disappearing below ground in the valley. Medano Creek displays a ``surge-flow'' behavior in that it flows in waves and is the best example of this phenomenon in the world. Under the ground of nearly half the valley is a fundamentally important aquifer that serves as both the principal source of ground water for irrigation and the maintenance of the Dune ecosystem. If the aquifer were even modestly depleted, the rivers and creeks that feed these dunes would dry up. Part of this vital aquifer underlies the scenic open-space Baca Ranch, consisting of 100,000 acres running alongside the Dunes. The expansive Baca Ranch property is critical to the preservation of the fragile Sand Dunes ecosystem and the economic life of the San Luis Valley. Following multiple water battles in the Valley, a plan came together whereby the Baca Ranch could be part of a solution to these water issues while also helping in the park's designation. The Great Sand Dunes National Monument is one of Colorado's greatest natural treasures and I am honored to bring the concerns of the people of the San Luis Valley to the attention of this nation. The Great Sand Dunes National Park proposal was a ground-up, community driven effort to enhance the status of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument to a National Park and Preserve. The push to preserve the Sand Dunes area began in the 1930's as Elizabeth Spencer and other members of the Chapter V of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Monte Vista, Colorado circulated petitions and wrote letters to elected officials in Washington to prevent construction and commercial mining companies from hauling off truckloads of sand. All of their hard work resulted in President Herbert Hoover's proclamation creating the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. It wasn't until the fall of 1999 that the movement to crown one of Colorado's natural jewels while preserving the agricultural way of life in the San Luis Valley began to take its next steps. Protecting the great natural environment of the Dunes came out of requests from citizens who represented the San Luis Valley. Several community members contacted me about trying to preserve and protect the Sand Dunes while putting an end to the decades long fight over efforts to export the Valley's water. This input from the local community was critical to the legislative proposal that I planned to draft and introduce at the upcoming Sand Dunes Summit. In early December of 1999, I invited then Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, to participate in a public forum at the Great Sand Dunes to announce our efforts to work together on an initiative to re- designate the Sand Dunes as a National Park, and also to solidify the Administration's support for this proposal. Together with U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, U.S. Senator Wayne Allard, and Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar, I affirmed the importance of acquiring the Baca Ranch property as crucial to the fragile Dune ecosystem and an important step in protecting the water of the San Luis Valley. At the same time, the Nature Conservancy, under the leadership of state director Mark Burget, was considering entering into tough negotiations to purchase the Baca Ranch. I was encouraged by their dedication. The communities of the San Luis Valley overwhelmingly supported the Great Sand Dunes National Park proposal. For several months following the Summit, I worked with my staff to consult with the communities of the San Luis Valley through town hall meetings over countless working weekends. Our goal was to develop a set of community-generated principles that would serve as the basis for my legislative proposal to Congress for the authorization of the new park. Before going to work on this proposal in Washington, I sent my staff out in the community to learn the issues better than anyone else, so that the eventual draft legislation would adequately reflect local priorities. Ahead of the Summit, my staff had spent significant time on the ground, meeting with local citizens and officials who were interested in creating the Great Sand Dunes National Park, including county officers, Friends of the Dunes' supporters, the Nature Conservancy, and park officials. The information gathered through these meetings was instrumental in formulating the legislative proposal to create the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. For instance, one of the priorities voiced locally was the need to preserve the ability of the Colorado Division of Wildlife to manage the big horn sheep population. That required some creative problem solving, since typically hunting is not allowed in a park. That's where we came up with the idea to create a nature preserve, managed by the National Park Service, that would protect the aspects, such as the hydrology, that make the park unique, while also allowing for the hunting needed to manage the big horn sheep population. Another creative idea that was implemented in the proposal was the designation of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. That designation allowed for different management regimes than a national park. It was envisioned for land diverse enough to be managed for wildlife (including the overpopulated elk), while also flexible enough to account for an area that could support significant migratory bird populations, such as waterfowl, cranes and shorebirds, through continuation of many of the Ranch's irrigation practices. In this way, the park could become an economic draw in and of itself. Additionally, I listened to the wishes of the citizens of Saguache County who were concerned about the potential for traffic congestion created by a possible northern entrance to the park. I decided to include a locally driven advisory council that could be a platform for ensuring that these local concerns were considered when the management of the future park was being crafted. I was also able to offer the Forest Service some incentives to support the bill. While the Forest Service was very reluctant to give up the land that it was currently managing in what was to become the preserve, I was able to offer them the chance to manage the area of the Baca Ranch that includes the mountains, specifically the 14,000+-foot Kit Carson Peak. This helped ease some management headaches because of travel restrictions across the Baca Ranch that broke up the continuity of the forest and notably the 14,000-foot ridge. This enticement helped to eventually convince the Forest Service to support the goals of the legislation. Finally, the most important part of this process was the innovative way in which my staff and I offered to protect the hydrologic resources of the area with an approach that respected the local water interests. This was a unique and creative effort to give the federal government the ability to protect the water in a manner that made everyone comfortable with the process. This is perhaps the lynchpin of the legislation, and one of the primary reasons for the bill. After all, it is the interwoven hydrologic system in the San Luis Valley that creates the Dunes themselves. In fact, without the water to move the sand back down to the dunes and create the conditions for the dunes themselves, the Valley's agriculture and Colorado's largest concentration of wetlands would cease to exist. It is important to remember that the San Luis Valley had just gone through a lengthy and expensive water fight with American Water Development Incorporated and Stockman's Water--a battle that led to two ballot initiatives in 1998 that the Valley worked together to defeat. As a result of that effort, the provisions in this bill that offered a way to protect the Dunes and the water and agriculture in the Valley ensured our success. On March 28, 2000 I introduced H.R. 4095, a bill to establish the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to re-designate the Great Sand Dunes National Monument as a National Park. This legislation was well received in the local community, where numerous organizations passed resolutions or wrote letters in support of my bill. My staff and I worked with members of the Administration, along with State and local government officials to bring this important legislation to the attention of my colleagues in the Congress. Without the support of many of these organizations and numerous dedicated individuals, this legislation would never have become law. I am grateful for the support of several individuals who worked with us to make this legislation a reality. Christine Canaly of the San Luis Valley Ecosystems Council, a retired Adams State College professor and president of the Friends of the Dunes organization; Hobey Dixon, whose efforts to elevate the dunes and save the ecosystem, with special attention to keeping the water in the San Luis Valley, were instrumental to building a coalition of local support. Mike Gibson, former head of the Nature Conservancy's San Luis Valley Project; Ray Wright, the Chairman of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District; Ralph Curtis, the manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District. Ralph, along with the rest of the Colorado water community, were helpful in working with us to creatively forge consensus solutions to the water issues central to the ecosystem and the Valley's economy. Their suggestions helped us to push for the purchase of the Baca Ranch property that is crucial to maintaining the fragile Dunes ecosystem. Mike Blenden, the local manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, played a significant role in helping me to craft the ``Refuge'' portion of the bill. Steve Chaney, who serves as superintendent of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve, was also an invaluable source of support and dedication throughout the entire process. I was fortunate to receive the support of Colorado State Legislators Gigi Dennis and Lewis Entz, who teamed up to pass a resolution in the Colorado legislature that supported our efforts to create the new National Park and Preserve. My staff and I were also grateful for the dedication of various individuals from the Governor's office and the Colorado State Land Board, who worked with us to help structure the finances of the Baca Ranch land purchase. The Action 22 organization also passed a supportive resolution encouraging the park's re-designation. However, this legislation could never have been successful without the initial support of the grass-roots efforts of people like local organizer Dion Stewart, Rio Grande County Commissioners Randall Brown, Doug Davie, and Vern Rominger, Alamosa County Commissioners Darius Allen, Charlotte Bobicki, and Bob Zimmerman, and citizens throughout the region. Despite this overwhelming support from state and local officials, neighboring communities and statewide organizations, H.R. 4095 had opposition from two of Colorado's U.S. Congressional Representatives from Teller County and Eastern Colorado, whose disagreements centered on concerns over control of water usage in Colorado and a belief that the Great Sand Dunes National Monument was not on par with our other national parks. In response to the clear intentions of the Representative from Teller County to kill the legislation through the Committee process in the U.S. House of Representatives, it became clear that we would have to try another route. I went to Senator Wayne Allard and worked out a strategy with him to pass an identical measure in the Senate. Senator Allard quickly agreed and S. 2547 was introduced on May 11, 2000. Within a month, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a Subcommittee hearing and a full Committee mark-up. On October 5, 2000 the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S. 2547. Pursuant to a prior arrangement with the Speaker of the House, the following day the Senate-passed version of my bill was received in the House and held at the desk for subsequent consideration on the Floor. This parliamentary procedure is very unusual. On October 24, I debated well into the evening with my opposing colleague about the merits of the bill. I welcomed the support that I received from other members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, who spoke in favor of this legislation on the Floor. However, given the Representatives position on the Resources Committee at the time, we couldn't take anything for granted. That evening, after the debate, I had my staff personally deliver a ``Dear Colleague'' letter from me to each Member of Congress asking that they support my Sand Dunes bill, which would be voted on the next day. On October 25, 2000, by a vote of 366 to 34, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the legislation. On November 22, 2000, the President signed the legislation designating the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve into law. I was overjoyed with the enactment of our legislation, but I also knew that, in order to make sure the monument made the transition to a national park, the essential Baca Ranch property would need to be incorporated into the park. My staff and I have continued to work with the Nature Conservancy to stave off a few procedural battles and have asked for the necessary appropriations to acquire the funds necessary for the purchase of the Baca Ranch and the transfer of ownership from the Nature Conservancy to the federal government. As of April of 2004, we have managed to acquire all but roughly $3 million of the funding needed to go towards the closing costs to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is the last step in re-designating the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. My staff and I have, in conjunction with U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, already made the request for the final appropriation. We are encouraged by the resolve of all of our supporters in this final step. It has been a long journey and I especially want to thank all of those devoted individuals and organizations that have worked with me to make this initiative a legislative success. The designation of this park is a tribute to the natural beauty of Colorado and the hard work of numerous capable and committed people. The realization of our goal is in sight, and I hope that in the very near future we will achieve our common dream of creating the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. I'd like to thank Elizabeth Peetz of my staff who helped compile the history of these efforts.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated family that has provided a tremendous service to the Pueblo community for many years. Rose and Jack Gornick, the original founders of the Gornick Furniture Store, and their sons Jack Jr. and Gene, and now Jack's grandsons Ken and Scott have devoted their time to helping Pueblo citizens improve the decor of their homes. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their longstanding generosity and creative endeavors before this body of Congress. What initially began in 1928 as a small but successful grocery store on Northern avenue, has transitioned into a blossoming and prosperous furniture store that has kept generations of customers coming back to furnish their homes. The Gornick family has devoted over eighty years of long hours in the store and at trade shows, taking risks to find the cutting-edge pieces of furniture that will lure customers into their store. Despite the tough years during World War II in the grocery business, and the immense amount of devotion that goes into the furniture business, the family has maintained their Slovenian tradition, which prides itself on providing the customers innovative items with high quality. The family has been able to watch their combined hobby and business interests bear fruit as childhood friends grew up to become loyal customers. Mr. Speaker it is a privilege to honor the Gornick Family for their many years of dedication to the Pueblo community. They are lucky to inherit and pass along to future generations a wonderful business that gives people a reason to come home to peaceful and relaxing locales that offer salvation from the hectic pace of today's modern world. The Gornick family is truly a gem in the Pueblo community that I hope will long endure as an example of amiable citizens that inspire future generations to work hard and to achieve their dreams. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and I thank them for their service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated forester and Korean War veteran from Mancos, Colorado. Jack Ott has devoted the majority of his life to preserving our nation's forests. His enthusiasm spirals throughout the community, as he encourages others to respect their environment. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing Jack's tremendous service to the Mancos community. Jack has recently been recognized by the San Juan Chapter of the Society of American Foresters for his fifty year membership in the organization. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1952, he joined the U.S. Forest Service, spending thirty years in the Rocky Mountain Region. Jack began his service to this nation in the Korean War and today is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and National Rifle Association. He is also an active member of the community, serving as the Treasurer of the Mancos Masonic Lodge and a dynamic member of the Mancos United Methodist Church. Mr. Speaker, Jack Ott is a dedicated individual who uses his talent to enrich the lives of members of his Mancos community. Jack has demonstrated a love for forestry that resonates in his compassionate and selfless service to his town. Jack's enthusiasm and commitment to this nation certainly deserves the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated family that has been servicing the cars of residents in the Pueblo, Colorado community for many years. James Dent and his sons Dan, Josh and Roland Dent along with brother-in-law Dave Humphries, have devoted their time to providing a valuable customer service. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their generosity and longstanding commitment before this body of Congress. For over fifty years, the Dent Brothers service station at the corner of Abriendo Avenue and Lincoln Street in Pueblo have given their customers a true full service visit, including cleaning the windows, checking the oil and tires--not to mention pumping the gas. The dedication and warmth of the Dent Family has kept generations of loyal customers coming back to their station. The Dent family has devoted over fifty years of long hours at the station despite inclement weather conditions and the occasional customer mishap or prank. The immense amount of devotion that goes into the family business has helped to send all twelve children through Catholic schools with the money earned from the store. Mr. Speaker it is an honor to recognize the Dent Family for their many years of dedication and commitment to their community. They are lucky to inherit and pass along such a wonderful business to future family members. The Dent family is a wonderful part of the Pueblo community, and they serve as an example of hard work to inspire future generations. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and I thank them for their service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gary Thomas on his recent retirement from the Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction, Colorado after nearly forty years of service as a pre-press worker. His behind the scenes efforts have helped to ensure the high quality that Grand Junction residents have come to expect from their newspaper, and it is my privilege to pay tribute to his outstanding career today. During his career, which began in the days when operating a press was truly dangerous work, Gary has seen many changes, including four different publishers. Gary's dedication to the paper was most prevalent when the Sentinel burned down in 1974. To ensure the paper was still delivered on time he drove daily to Glenwood Springs to print the paper between shifts clearing the rubble from the fire. After 14 years as a pressman, Gary moved to the camera department, preparing photos for printing. His hard work and skills helped establish the Sentinel's reputation for superb color photography. -Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the career of Gary Thomas to the attention of this body of Congress and this Nation. I would like to congratulate him on an outstanding career. His tireless work has been crucial in ensuring the quality of the Daily Sentinel, and I would like to wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to recognize Shawna Valdez for her selfless dedication to the community of Dolores, Colorado, and congratulate her on being recognized by the Dolores Chamber of Commerce as their 2004 Citizen of the Year. The award is presented to an individual who has shown an outstanding commitment to the Dolores community, and Shawna could not be a more worthy recipient. It is a privilege to pay tribute to Shawna for her well-deserved award, and her ongoing efforts to better her community. A lifelong resident of Dolores, Shawna participates in a vast array of civic functions in her community. A past president of the Dolores Chamber of Commerce, she currently serves as a member of their board of directors. She also serves on the board of the Community Center, the McPhee Lake Planning Committee, and is a member of the Dolores Library Board. Dolores is also an active member of the local Methodist Church and Dolores Rotary Club, and is a past member of the local school Accountability Committee and the Booster Club. Her enthusiasm for taking part in these organizations comes from the joy she receives in giving back to the community she loves. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service and achievements of Shawna Valdez before this body of Congress and this Nation. Her efforts to strengthen her community are truly remarkable, and the recognition she received from the Dolores Chamber of Commerce as their 2004 Citizen of the Year is a well-deserved testament to her tireless efforts. I sincerely thank Shawna for her service, and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before you today to pay tribute to the life of Timothy Brooks Leach of Aspen, Colorado, who passed away recently from injuries sustained in a skiing accident at the age of 27. Tim was a man deeply devoted to his family, and his job as a psychotherapist. His kindness, intelligence and work ethic, along with his strong desire to help others, gained him the reputation as a respected professional. His loss at such a young age will be deeply felt by his family and the community of Aspen. Tim, a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in 1998, and subsequently earned his master's from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000. After earning his degree, he worked as a counselor for Commonwealth Catholic Charities in Richmond. In 2002, Tim and his wife Amy moved to Aspen. Tim eagerly took on a variety of challenging counseling positions: opening Leach and Leach Psychotherapy with his mother Clare, taking a position on the emergency-crisis counseling team at Aspen Counseling Services, and leading DUI classes and other rehabilitative programs. Despite his workload, Tim always managed to devote time to his beloved family. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this Nation and pay tribute to the life and memory of Timothy Brooks Leach. He dedicated his life to his family, to the service of his community, and to his profession. His passing is a great loss to the town of Aspen and the State of Colorado. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Peggy Reeves and thank her for her extraordinary contributions in the Colorado General Assembly. She will always be remembered as a State Senator and Representative with the utmost dedication and talent, and will continue to be known as a leader in the community. As she moves on in her distinguished career, let it be known that I, along with the people of Colorado, are eternally grateful for all that she has accomplished in her tenure in the Colorado General Assembly. Peggy was elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1996, and subsequently in 2000, after serving in the State House of Representatives from 1983 to 1996. Serving the people of Larimer County in District 14, Peggy has long been an advocate of budget reform, health care, education, and economic development. During this current term, Peggy serves as a member of the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committee. Her outstanding record has garnered Peggy praise and awards from numerous organizations throughout the state and country, including the March of Dimes Advocate of the Year in 2000, the Colorado Community Health Network 2001 Outstanding Legislator of the Year, and the Colorado Treasurer's Association 2001 Unique Woman of Colorado Award. In addition to her service in the Colorado General Assembly, Peggy has dedicated much of her efforts to numerous civic organizations. She is a member of the American Association of University Women, Colorado State University Women's Association, and a past member of Fort Collins Community Foundation and United Way Campaign. In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Peggy is the proud mother of two children, Margaret and Michael, and two grandchildren, Nathalie and Max. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that State Representative Peggy Reeves has displayed a terrific level of dedication and commitment to her community and the State of Colorado. She is a remarkable woman, who has achieved extraordinary things in her distinguished tenure in the Colorado General Assembly, and I am honored to be able to bring her hard work and dedication to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. It is my privilege to be able to express to her, and to this country, my gratitude for all that she has done for our wonderful state. I wish her and her husband Brent all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to Carl Miller and thank him for his dedication to Colorado as a four-term representative in the State House of Representatives. Carl has brought an outstanding level of energy and integrity to the State House throughout his years of public service, and as he celebrates his retirement, let it be known that he leaves behind a great legacy of commitment to the people of Colorado and the Colorado General Assembly. A third generation Leadville native, Carl has always held firm to his beliefs of serving his community and country. Graduating from Leadville High School in 1956, he joined the army and served in Germany from 1958 to 1960. In 1977 Carl filled his first elective office as Lake County Commissioner, and served as past chairman and member of Region 13 Council of Governments. In 1996, Carl was elected to serve District 56 in the Colorado House of Representatives, and presently serves on the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee; Information & Technology Committee; and the Capital Development Committee. An active member of his community Carl has devoted his time to numerous civic organizations. A miner for twenty-seven years, Carl served as president and executive director of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum from 1989 to 1999. He has served on the Lake County School Finance and Scholarship Committees, Lake County Advisory group, Lake County Historic Preservation Committee, and the 3rd Congressional Military Academy Advisory Selection Committee. Carl and his wife Mary Ann of forty-three years have two daughters and four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that State Representative Carl Miller has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his district and the people of Colorado in the Colorado General Assembly. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service Carl and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to Terry Phillips and thank him for his dedication to Colorado and his community as a two-term State Senator. The level of energy and integrity that he has brought to the General Assembly throughout his years of public service are truly outstanding. As Terry celebrates his retirement, let it be known that he leaves behind a great legacy of commitment to the people of Colorado and the Colorado General Assembly. A Boulder County Assessor from 1989 to 1997, Terry was elected from District 17 to serve the community of Boulder in the State Senate in 1996, and subsequently in 2000. As a dedicated public servant, Terry also is a member of the Colorado Student Loan Program Advisory Committee, Executive Committee for the Council of State Governments West, Water Policy Committee, and the State/Local Forum and Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. For this current term he serves as a member of the Appropriations, Business Affairs & Labor, Finance, and Joint Computer Management Committees. Some of the honors he has received for his significant accomplishments while serving in the General Assembly include the Colorado Assessors' Association Legislator of the Year award in 2002, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Alumni Legislative Award in 2000, and the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Legislative Award in 1999. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that Terry Phillips is a person that has displayed a terrific level of dedication and commitment to his life long pursuit of public service. Terry's selfless dedication to his Boulder community and the State of Colorado is truly outstanding, and it is my privilege to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this nation. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to Brad Young and thank him for his commitment to public service as a four-term member of the Colorado House of Representatives. Brad will always be remembered for the leadership and guidance he has provided, and as he celebrates his retirement, let it be known that he leaves behind a great legacy in the Colorado General Assembly and for the people of Colorado. Raised in Lamar, Colorado, Brad received his bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University. This academic background served Brad well in representing Baca, Bent, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, and Prowers counties in the 64th District, where agriculture and water issues are so vital. His work in the General Assembly also has included sponsoring the Habitat Partnership program, the Rural Doctor Tax Credit, Workers Comp Education by Community Colleges, and Aquaculture regulation by the Department of Agriculture. Brad's leadership and dedication in the State House earned him the important chairmanships of the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees, and he is a former member of the Education and Transportation Committees. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute before this body of Congress and this nation to State Representative Brad Young for his selfless efforts of public service during his tenure in the Colorado House of Representatives. The level of integrity and honesty Brad has displayed while serving his district and the people of Colorado has earned the respect and admiration of his peers. I would like to extend my congratulations to Brad on his retirement and wish him, his wife Rebecca, and his two daughters Cassandra and Laura all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to Tambor Williams, and thank her for her tireless efforts serving the people of Colorado as a four-term member of the Colorado House of Representatives. Tambor will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader of the community. As she celebrates her retirement, let it be known that she leaves behind a terrific legacy of dedication and commitment to the Colorado General Assembly and for the people of Colorado. A practicing lawyer and professional mediator, Tambor has used these skills to become an efficient and effective leader in the General Assembly through her four terms of office for District 50, which serves Weld County. She serves as the Speaker Pro Tem of the House, chairs the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee and the Legislative Audit Committee, and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Her excellent record in the State House has earned her the Legal Reform Summit State Legislative Award from the United States Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous awards and recognition from Colorado businesses and organizations. Tambor's efforts to better her community include extensive involvement with civic organizations. She is an active member of the City of Greeley Mayor's Advisory Board, a member of the Commission of Judicial Performance and member of the Weld County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Tambor's involvement also has included serving as board chair of Union Colony Civic Center, board member for Parent Child Learning Center, board member of Right to Read, and serves as post advisor for the Explorer Scouts. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that State Representative Tambor Williams is a person who possesses dedication and commitment to her life long pursuit of public service. It is not only her incredible devotion, but also her passion for contributing towards the betterment of the Weld County community and the State of Colorado that I wish to bring before this body of Congress and this nation. It is my distinct pleasure to honor Tambor here today, and wish her and her husband Jim all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Moffat County in my home state of Colorado. Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture, along with the Department of the Interior, recognized Moffat County for the excellence of its Wildland Fire and Fuel Management Plan. The County has developed an innovative approach to combating the threat of catastrophic wildfire, and I am honored to recognize its dedication to the safety of its citizens. Over the past two and a half years, officials from Moffat County have worked in conjunction with local residents, wildfire experts and government agencies to implement a comprehensive system for hazardous fuels reduction and fire suppression. As a result of these efforts, Moffat County has created a model countywide fire plan that provides a template for the implementation of similar programs in rural communities nation-wide. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and pay tribute to Moffat County. The County's commitment to integrating the needs and desires of the local community into their fire planning is certainly deserving of our praise. I am proud of Moffat County and its tireless dedication to the protection and betterment of its citizens.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise and pay tribute to an outstanding patriot from my home state of Colorado. Army Specialist Justin Redifer recently returned from serving our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in recognition of his actions, was awarded a Bronze Star with a distinction for valor. This incredible honor is a testament to Justin's courage and bravery, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize him before this body of Congress and this nation today. A soldier in the 244th Engineer Battalion, Justin's responsibility in Iraq was to seek out and establish temporary operating bases for American forces. This dangerous task often put Justin's detachment, based in Grand Junction, Colorado, in harms way. A few months ago Justin's unit was involved in one harrowing firefight in the City of Samarra where a group of armed insurgents in a car headed straight for our troops. As the insurgent's vehicle passed Justin's position, he shot out the back window before the car careened into an area where the unit was able to effectively contain the situation. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise and recognize the actions of Specialist Justin Redifer for his service to our nation. Receiving the Bronze Star is a testament to the bravery and courage Justin displayed while in Iraq. His selfless sacrifice to his country serves as a model for all Americans who desire to serve their country in this war against terror. Many young men and women like Justin are now serving their nation, without regard to personal safety, to ensure the people of Iraq can have the same freedoms we enjoy. On behalf of my fellow Coloradans and Americans, I wish to thank Justin for his bravery and noble service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of Private First Class Chance Phelps, who honorably devoted his life to defending the freedoms of our nation. A member of the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Chance was recently killed while defending the freedoms of the Iraqi people in Ramadi, outside of Baghdad. His story is one of honor, selflessness and sacrifice. As we mourn the loss of an American patriot, I think it is appropriate to call the attention of this body of Congress, and our nation, to the sacrifice that Chance made on behalf of a grateful nation. A tall and athletic nineteen-year-old, Chance attended Moffat County and Palisade high schools where he was known for his fun-loving nature and being an avid outdoorsman. He came from a family with a rich military tradition, his father John being a Vietnam veteran, and his sister Kelley working at the Pentagon. After the terrorist bombings of 9-11, Chance knew that he had to do something for his nation, and resolved to join the Marines. As a dedicated member of our armed forces and as a patriot, he answered the call of duty, embarking on a journey to defend freedom and independence. Mr. Speaker, Private First Class Chance Phelps will be sorely missed, and although we will grieve over the loss of this incredible individual, we can take comfort knowing his sacrifice was made while fulfilling his dream of serving our nation. I would like to extend my heartfelt respects to his family and friends as they mourn his passing. It is my honor to pay tribute to the life of Chance Phelps before this body of Congress and this nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ken Arnold and thank him for his commitment to serving the people of Colorado for eight years in the Colorado General Assembly as a State Senator. His dedication and tireless efforts have done much to ensure a promising future for all Coloradoans. As Ken celebrates his retirement, let it be known that he leaves behind a terrific legacy of commitment to the people of Colorado and the Colorado General Assembly. Upon his retirement from the Colorado State Patrol as a major, Ken still felt he could serve his community, and he successfully ran for the State senate seat for District 23 in 1996. While serving the people of Adams, Broomfield and Weld counties, Ken has focused on education reform, transportation concerns, and criminal justice issues. For this current term, he sits as chairman for the Education Committee, and is a member of the Finance, Judiciary, and Legislative Council Committees. For his excellent record in the General Assembly, he has been named Guardian of Small Business by the NFIB in 1999 and 2000, and recognized by the CACI as their Legislator of the Year in 2000. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that Ken Arnold is a person who possesses dedication and commitment to his life long pursuit of public service. Ken's selfless dedication to his community and the State of Colorado has helped ensure a promising future for our great country, and it is my privilege to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. It is my distinct pleasure to honor Bill here today, and wish him and his wife Marilyn all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to Lola Spradley and thank her for her leadership and contributions to Colorado as the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. She has brought an outstanding level of energy and commitment to the Colorado General Assembly throughout her years of public service. As Lola celebrates her retirement, let it be known that the citizens of Colorado and I are eternally grateful for the guidance she has provided in making Colorado a leader of American democracy. Lola was appointed to the House of Representatives to fill a term in 1997, and was subsequently elected in 1998, 2000, and 2002. Serving Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Park, Pueblo and Saguache counties, Lola has fought for the issues that are important to her constituency, including renewable energy, affordable health care, and water conservation. Before serving as Speaker of the House, Lola was the House Majority Leader, and currently chairs the Executive Committee of Legislative Council and the Legislative Council Committee. Her outstanding record of public service has garnered Lola numerous legislator of the year awards, the Fremont Economic Development Corporation Citizen of the Year award in 2000, and the NFIB's Small Business Guardian of the Year award in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. Lola's commitment to community participation exemplifies her belief that it is the duty of every citizen to do what they can to make their community stronger. She is an active member of the Canon City Lions Club, the Pueblo Community College Foundation Board of Directors, the Sangre De Cristo Arts Center Board of Directors, and the Colorado State Fair Ladies. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to State Representative Lola Spradley before this body of Congress and this nation for her selfless dedication to public service. It is clear that she has been an invaluable resource for the State of Colorado, and her efforts have helped ensure a promising future for our great country. I would like to extend my congratulations to Lola on her retirement and wish her and her husband Dale all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity and pay tribute to Rob Fairbank and thank him for his commitment to serving the people of Colorado as a three-term member of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rob will always be remembered for the leadership and guidance he has provided for his district, and as he celebrates his retirement, let it be known that he leaves behind an outstanding legacy of commitment to the people of Colorado and the Colorado General Assembly. Rob was elected to serve the people of Jefferson County in 1998 based on his common sense approach to government and his previous political experience. From 1995 through 1997, he served as Political Director for the Colorado Republican Committee; he served as campaign manager for Bill Owens for Treasurer in 1993 and 1994; served as Program Director for the Independence Institute from 1991 to 1993; and was the Deputy Political Director of the Colorado Republican Committee from 1989 to 1991. Rob's current service in the State House includes serving as Majority Caucus Chair and Vice Chair for the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Appropriations Committee; Legislative Council Committee; and State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Some of the honors he has received for his significant accomplishments while serving in the House include the Jeffco Coalition of Chambers 1999 Champion of Enterprise award; the CACI Friend of Business award in 1999 and 2000; and the National Federation of Independent Businesses Guardian of Small Business award in 2000. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to State Representative Rob Fairbanks for his selfless efforts of public service in the Colorado General Assembly. Rob is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, and he works tirelessly to better his Jefferson County community and the State of Colorado. I would like to extend my congratulations on Rob's retirement and wish him and his wife Mary Ann the best in their future endeavors.