Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the philanthropic spirit of Frank Koenig of Montrose, Colorado. Frank responded to a call to community service by founding the Sharing Ministries food bank in Montrose eight years ago. The thriving state of the food bank today is a testament to Frank's tireless efforts, but also to his faith that God will provide and that others will give. Sharing Ministries relies on the contribution of some eighty volunteers, as well as the donations of local food distributors and farmers. In 1996, Frank Koenig, an ordained Baptist minister and World War II Navy veteran, felt a calling to serve the people of his Montrose community through the establishment of a food bank. He had very little money when he began Sharing Ministries, and was often met with resistance in his efforts to get the charity started. Frank was undeterred and he reached an agreement to lease a vacant freight delivery building from the Rio Grande Railroad, where Sharing Ministries began. During its first month, Sharing Ministries distributed ninety-seven boxes of food to the needy in Montrose. Today, thanks to Frank's efforts, the food bank distributes over three thousand boxes per month, serving those in Montrose and the surrounding communities. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service and compassion of Frank Koenig to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. Frank has shown that one person's effort can really make a difference in their community. I would like to wish him the best and sincerely thank him for his service to Montrose and the State of Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Sollie Raso, an impressive man whose record of public service and commitment to education in the community of Pueblo, Colorado spans seven decades. Those whose lives Mr. Raso has touched during his distinguished career as an educator know him to be firm, fair, and friendly. He has led by example, never demanding respect, but rather commanding it through his actions. Simply stated, Sollie Raso exemplifies the most sacred of American values: service to the community and dedication to family. Sollie is the son of Italian immigrants from Calabria, who instilled in him the value of hard work and the love of family. He served his country proudly during the Second World War as a nose-gunner in a B-17, logging many missions over Europe. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart Betty Lou, with whom he raised four children, and moved to Pueblo to begin his teaching and coaching career at Central High School. In 1956, Sollie was named principal of Central High, even though there were many who did not believe a football coach could succeed as an administrator. Sollie's straightforward administrative style quickly won over his detractors and, after eleven years as a principal, he moved on to become the Pueblo School District Activities Director. After retiring from the school system in 1982, he returned to public service in 1984 for the first of two terms as a Pueblo County Commissioner. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Sollie Raso to the attention of this body of Congress, and commend him for the manner in which he has served the community of Pueblo, Colorado. His importance to Pueblo cannot be overstated, and he has helped to shape many leaders of the community. Sollie continues to serve his community as a member of the selections committee of the Greater Pueblo Sports Association, nearly sixty years after he first became an educator. I sincerely thank him for his service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise and today pay tribute to Bob Storch and thank him for his leadership and contributions to Colorado as supervisor of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG). Only the level of integrity and honesty that he has brought to the position matches his thirty-eight years of service and dedication to the Forest Service. As Bob celebrates his recent retirement, let it be known that the citizens of Colorado and I are eternally grateful for the outstanding work Bob has done in preserving our National Forests. Bob began working with the Forest Service as a seasonal laborer, and from 1991 until his retirement, oversaw one of the most complex and largest National Forests in the country. His forest system's 1,800 miles of rivers and streams are a primary source of water for western Colorado, as well as four other states, and provide products and income for the residents of forty-two communities. For his exceptional management of the forests, the GMUG Forests have received national awards for Excellence in Range Management and Outstanding National Forest fisheries, as well as numerous other awards for progressive land management. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Bob Storch has been an invaluable resource for the State of Colorado and to our National Forest System. His selfless dedication to preserving a priceless part of America's landscape is worthy of acknowledgment before this body of Congress and this nation today. Thanks Bob for all your hard work, and I wish you and your wife Nyla all the best in your well-deserved retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Brent Ritter, and thank him for enriching the lives of his Pueblo, Colorado community. As Pueblo's most distinguished singer, Brent has become a fixture in almost every musical event put on by the city. It is with great satisfaction and pride that I pay tribute to Brent for his many contributions to his community and state. Brent's passion for singing developed during his youth while participating in his church choir, and has led him to a fulfilling career as a professional singer. His career took off while serving his country in the Air Force where he won local, national, and worldwide military talent shows. After Brent's service with the Air Force, he settled with his family in Pueblo, and soon became a fixture of the community through his performing in church choirs, with the Pueblo Symphony, and with local theater groups. Brent currently serves as Music Director for the Wesley United Methodist Church, and finds his most rewarding work singing at events where he is able to connect with the people in his community. Mr. Speaker, it is clear Brent Ritter has a musical gift that he has used to greatly enhance his Pueblo community. His energy, big heart, and tremendous voice have become staples in Pueblo, and it is my privilege to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this nation. I would like to extend my thanks to Brent for being such a positive influence in Pueblo, and 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 warm and generous soul who takes pride in brightening the lives of countless Capitol Hill employees and visitors each and every day. Doris Cherry has worked in the Longworth House Office Building cafeteria for 28 years. Doris is an enthusiastic and friendly face amidst the hectic cafeteria environment. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing her tremendous years of service to the Capitol Hill community. This year Doris was recognized as Employee of the Year by Guest Services for her longtime dedication to customer service. Doris came to Washington, DC as a child and started work in the Longworth cafeteria as a line server in 1976. She was a grill cook and a deli server for ten years before moving to her current position at the checkout line registers, where she has been a pleasant fixture for Cafeteria patrons over the past 15 years. Doris is a compassionate person who maintains that she is happiest when her customers come in for a break and leave with a smile. Her reputation for kindness and customer care have led patrons to line up 20 people deep to get a chance to speak with Doris. Mr. Speaker, Doris Cherry is a dedicated individual who genuinely cares about every person she meets. Doris has demonstrated a talent for customer service that resonates in her ability to selflessly enrich the lives of the Capitol Hill Community. Doris's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Congratulations on your award Doris. I look forward to continuing to see your friendly face in the Longworth cafeteria.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Rick Allen, the founder of the Christians Reach Out Ministries in Grand Junction, Colorado. His actions are all the more remarkable when one considers that he has overcome a crippling disability and his own homelessness, hurdles which he sees as God's way of preparing him for his path of service. His tireless efforts have motivated others in the community to join with him to give hope to those individuals, that society views as hopeless. In 1992, after nearly 20 years as a successful truck driver, Rick Allen developed debilitating carpel tunnel syndrome. Losing the use of his hands precipitated the loss of his job, home and family within a matter of months. Through the years of surviving under the harshest of conditions, Rick came to see his plight as God's way of educating him for his special mission to the homeless. In 1997, while still homeless and living in a church basement, he began preparing meals and serving them every Sunday at the park where many homeless spend their days. Soon, church members began to join Rick and the program became the Christians Reach Out Ministries. When Rick was awarded long term disability in 1998, he moved into a modest apartment, which he promptly put into use preparing meals for an ever increasing number of people. Rick is currently working on plans for a larger shelter, giving those in need access to healthcare and employment services, in order to make it possible to climb out of the pit of homelessness, which Rick knows firsthand. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service and vision of Rick Allen to the attention of this body of Congress, and to commend him for his outstanding dedication to his community. His mission to serve does not end with simply feeding the homeless, but rather in giving the homeless hope for a better life. I would like to wish him the best and sincerely thank him for his service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Frank Dicamillo on his recent retirement as chief operator of the wastewater treatment plant for the City of Delta, Colorado. For over forty years, Frank helped Delta's sewage and water systems become more ecological and efficient. His service to the community is certainly commendable. Frank began his career with the City of Delta in 1960, when all the city's wastewater was discharged, untreated into the Uncompahgre River. After serving in the Army from 1963 to 1966, he returned home to find the city building wastewater treatment lagoons. He became responsible for overseeing these lagoons, and in 1968 when the water treatment plant was built, overseeing that as well. One of the most memorable moments in Frank's career came in 1977 when he and his co-workers came to national attention for their success in preventing a water shortage. They solved the problem brought about by a lack of snowfall the previous winter by diverting water from a canal to the water plant. When the new wastewater treatment plant opened in 1985, Frank eagerly accepted the challenge the more complex plant presented and was named Chief Plant Operator. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Frank Dicamillo to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation, and to congratulate him on an outstanding career. I would like to wish Mr. Dicamillo the best in his retirement. I sincerely thank him for his service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted and compassionate soldier from Paonia, Colorado, Army Lt. Col. Mike Czaja. Mike has worked to keep our nation safe for over 20 years and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous service to our country. Mike recently returned from service in Iraq where he oversaw the Psychological Operations units. These army units were instrumental in both reducing casualties during the war and continuing to build support for the rebuilding efforts after hostilities had ceased. During the war, units under Mike's command successfully deterred many Iraqi civilians from waging a fight against coalition forces by dropping leaflets that encouraged the opposition forces to defect, desert or surrender, out of consideration for the safety of both themselves and their families. The literature also encouraged Iraqis to not destroy natural resources like oil that would be vital to future economic recovery and prosperity. After President Bush declared an end to the fighting, Mike and his troops focused their efforts on communicating messages that would help rebuild Iraq such as information about schools, doctors, and social services. With Mike's leadership, American soldiers have begun to earn the trust of ordinary Iraqi citizens through face-to-face contact as the situation in Iraq gradually edges toward democratization. Mike continues to serve in the Army until his retirement in August when he will return to the Western Slope of Colorado to pursue a teaching position. Mr. Speaker, Mike Czaja is a dedicated, selfless American soldier who has been crucial to the fight against terrorism in Iraq and has aided in securing the safety of America's homeland. His outstanding public service to his fellow countryman is setting an important example for America's future generations. Mike's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Thank you for your service Mike, and keep up the good work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before you to pay tribute to Roena Frank, an extraordinary woman from my district who has devoted her life to helping the citizens of her community. Roena, who hails from Montrose, Colorado, has dedicated the past thirty years to a career in nursing, and volunteers much of her time working with local charitable organizations. Her work serves as a valuable model of public service to us all, and I would like to ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing her tremendous achievements before this body of Congress and this nation today. Raising four kids as a single mother, Roena entered the nursing field in order to earn a living for her family. She quickly realized the career she had chosen was her true calling in life. Roena currently serves as a part-time nurse in Delta County, and spends her free time volunteering with local organizations such as the local hospice, a Boy Scout troop, and the Magic Circle Theatre. In addition, Roena, along with her husband Jim, have been very active with the Montrose Christian Church where they have participated in mission trips to Mexico and Chile. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation and pay tribute to the contributions of Roena Frank to her community and state. Throughout three decades of civic and public service, Roena has demonstrated an ardent devotion to her nursing career and charitable work. I would like to thank her today for all the work she has done for her Montrose community and the State of Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Pete Daguerre, a remarkable woman who has overcome great obstacles in her life to serve her community. Pete, a resident of Montrose, Colorado, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over forty years ago, but despite the effects of this debilitating disease, she has thrived as a successful writer and public servant. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize her accomplishments and her strength to overcome difficult obstacles before this body of Congress and this nation today. Pete was already an accomplished writer before she was diagnosed with MS. Refusing to remain idle as the effects of the disease began to set in, she instead concentrated on her writing as a means of coping with the disease. Pete has spent over twenty years writing columns for the Montrose Daily Press that serve to inform its readership of activities in not only her nursing home but in other homes around the community. In addition to her writing, she has remained active in public service, and continues to volunteer her time for the greater good of her community. Pete served as the Ouray County public treasurer for six years, and is now vice-president of the residency council at the San Juan Living Center. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that Pete Daguerre is a person of unparalleled dedication and commitment to her life-long pursuit of writing and serving her community as a public servant. Pete's love of writing and positive attitude throughout her life serves as an inspiration to all, and it is my special honor to thank her for her service to her community before this body of Congress and this nation today.-

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Neil McDonald for the extraordinary patriotism and valor that he demonstrated in the service of his nation. Neil was a gunner in a Navy helicopter crew in Vietnam and in recognition of his actions, was recently inducted into the Navy Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor. This incredible honor is a testament to Neil's courage, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize him before this body of Congress and this nation today. This amazing honor is the manifestation of his many selfless and brave actions during the time he spent flying in combat overseas. The distinction of being inducted in to the Navy Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed for those enlisted Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard aircrewmen who flew in combat in all wars and served with distinction. Neil McDonald now joins only six hundred and fifty fellow patriots that have been selected for this honor. During the eighteen months he spent abroad, Neil flew in over five hundred combat missions and earned many combat decorations which include the Purple Heart, single action Air Medal, the Silver Star, and many personal and unit citations. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that Neil McDonald is a man who possesses unparalleled dedication and commitment to serving his country. His life is the very embodiment of what makes this country great, and it is my distinct pleasure to honor Neil before this body of Congress. Thanks for your service to this country.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Terry Windnagel for his extraordinary patriotism and valor during his service to this nation. Terry was a helicopter door gunner with the Navy Seawolves of Helicopter Attack Squadron Three, and as a result of his heroic efforts was recently inducted into the Navy Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor. This special honor is a testament to Terry's patriotism, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize him before this body of Congress and this nation today. The distinction of being inducted into the Navy Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on an enlisted member of the military who served as an aircrewmen, flew in combat, and served with distinction. As a result of his many selfless and brave actions during the time spent in combat, Terry Windnagel now joins a select group of only six hundred and fifty fellow patriots that have been selected for this honor. While serving abroad, Terry flew in over five hundred combat missions, and earned many combat decorations, including the Purple Heart, single action Air Medal, combat action ribbons, and many personal and unit citations. Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that Terry Windnagel is a man who possesses unparalleled dedication and commitment to serving his country. His life is the very embodiment of what makes this country great, and it is my distinct pleasure to honor Terry before this body of Congress and this nation today. Thanks for your service to this country.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to three Mennonite churches that have enriched the Southeastern Colorado community for 100 years. The East Holbrook, Rocky Ford, and Emmanuel Mennonite churches in Colorado have been instrumental in educating citizens about religion and providing healthcare to the Pueblo community. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing these institutions tremendous service to their Colorado community. In 1903, the Mennonites settled in East Holbrook and the Fairmount area in my state. Over the years, the group has established a school, a tuberculosis sanitarium, and a hospital. The Mennonites have been outstanding members of the community who have met the increasing needs of their community by adding a School of Nursing and a new congregation for Spanish-speaking residents in Cheraw and La Junta, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, East Holbrook, Rocky Ford, and Emmanuel Mennonite churches are composed of dedicated individuals who use their resources to improve the lives of many Puebloans. The Mennonites have demonstrated a love for humanity that resonates with their compassionate and selfless service to their town. The Mennonite enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to pay recognition to a man of my district that has diligently served his community for years. The city of Cortez has honored Mr. Bob Diedrich by selecting him as the 2003 Citizen of the Year. I am honored to rise today and acknowledge his contributions that have prompted this well-deserved award. Bob's service to his community has included his election to the City Council in 1992, and being selected to serve as the Mayor Pro-Tem of Cortez in 1995. On the city council, Bob facilitated projects to increase the size of the city's park as well as the building of a new police station. Sitting as chairman on the Sanitation Board, Bob worked hard to see the completion of the city's new sewage treatment facility plant. In addition to all of his outstanding work on the City Council, Bob has dedicated himself to working with numerous charitable and civic organizations in his Cortez community. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to a dedicated citizen of Colorado. The time and effort Bob puts into serving his community is admirable and worthy of this recognition.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the memory of Don Robinson today. To anyone who has skied the beautiful slopes in Aspen, Colorado, they probably have Don Robinson to thank, and it is his contributions to Colorado skiing that I would like to recognize here today. Don Robinson was a pioneer in his field, creating many of the ski trails on the Aspen Highlands. For over forty-five years, Don worked on the popular mountain, creating most of the original runs. One of the mountain's hardest trails is his namesake, which is fitting considering the amount of hard work and dedication Don put in to making Aspen's ski slopes some of the best in the world. In addition to creating so many trails, Don was an active member of his church where he enjoyed singing with the Church Choir. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to Don Johnson. Don helped turn a little known town into one of the greatest ski destinations in the world. The Aspen community, the State of Colorado and skiers around the world mourn his passing. My heart goes out to his wife Janet and his family during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to rise and pay tribute to Baudelio and Gloria Flores, who for over fifty years have provided a valued service to their Salt Creek, Colorado, community. The Flores are the proud owners of Flores Grocery and Gift Shop, a business they started in the late 1950's that is well known for providing authentic Mexican products in their region. The Flores invested their entire life savings to start their Mexican-style grocery, with the hope that the profits from the business would one day send their four sons to college. Due to their hard work, the store has grown into a thriving business and is considered a staple of the local business community. Today, people drive from all over the region to purchase authentic Mexican products and sample Gloria's delicious baked goods. Mr. Speaker, Gloria and Baudelio Flores are two wonderful people living the American Dream. Through their business acumen, hard work, and dedication to excellence, all four of the Flores children were provided the opportunity to graduate from college and today enjoy successful careers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gloria and Baudelio for their service to their community and congratulate them on remaining dedicated to achieving their goals and dreams. Their efforts have enriched the lives of their children and the Salt Creek community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to two people responsible for continuing a great tradition of entertainment in Beulah, Colorado. Pete and Polly Conlon's Flag Mountain Grill is a family-oriented attraction center that has been a source of entertainment for the citizens of Colorado for over a century. The Flag Mountain Grill is an incredible asset to the city because it engages the community members in such a dynamic way, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing the Conlon's tremendous service to the Beulah community. Pete and Polly Conlon are the owners of the Flag Mountain Grill, formerly known as Gayway Park. Currently, the Flag Mountain Grill serves as a restaurant but it began as a small boating pond that was carved out of a mountain valley. Over time, it expanded to include numerous baseball fields, the valley rodeo, and many other community events. During its heyday in the 1950's, Gayway Park was the weekend destination for the Pueblo community as a vibrant music and dance hall. Mr. Speaker, the Flag Mountain Grill continues a long tradition, dedicated in bringing the people of Colorado together. Pete and Polly Conlon have enjoyed taking on the task of running this landmark institution in Beulah, and their enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a talented and dedicated athletics coach from Rangely, Colorado who is retiring after many years of service. Kurt Douglas uses his creative guidance to inspire people to achieve their best and make the most of their talents and abilities. His enthusiasm spirals through the community as he passes his love for sports on to his student- athletes. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing Kurt's tremendous service to the Rangely community. Kurt Douglas has been coaching for over twenty-seven years. He started his coaching career in Crowley County in 1975, where he served as an assistant baseball coach for six years and assisted with the boy's basketball team for two more years before becoming head coach. After Crowley County, Kurt went on to coach at Rocky Ford, working with the Meloneer's baseball team for 13 seasons, which included two trips to the state finals. He also coached the girl's basketball program and assisted the football team for a combined 12 years. Kurt has led three basketball teams to the state tournament and participated in four all-state games, two in basketball and two in baseball. His favorite aspect of coaching has been the opportunity to guide his three daughters through their own basketball careers. In the midst of all this, Kurt has found the time to work as a full time teacher, while serving as the activities director for the high school. Mr. Speaker, Kurt Douglas is a truly dedicated individual who uses his talents to enrich the lives of the students in his Rangely community. Kurt has demonstrated a love for sports that resonates in his compassionate and selfless service to many athletic programs and the student-athletes who participate. He has given up countless hours of his free time in order to give kids a chance to pursue their dreams, and I commend him for his service to our youth. Thanks for all your hard work Kurt, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before you to pay tribute to the life of a remarkable and loved man from my district. Doug Donnelly of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away recently at the young age of forty-one. Doug will forever be remembered for his kind heart and spirit and I would like to take this opportunity to remember Doug here today. Doug was my cousin; so I had the privilege to interact with him over the years and watch a young man with challenges grow into a man of accomplishment. Throughout his life, Doug helped us appreciate the surroundings around us that we typically did not see or have time for. From an early age, Doug was diagnosed with a debilitating condition that doctors told his family would cause him never to walk and affect his learning abilities. Doug's determination helped him overcome the odds facing him, eventually learning to walk and graduating from Boulder High School to a standing ovation. Doug was an accomplished student, a class president, and would later work in the medical industry making medical devices. Another passion of his was designing and constructing tree houses. Doug could be found traveling between lumberyards asking for discarded lumber, and using tree branches as a ladder, climbed up to build elaborate homes in the sky, oh he loved his tree house. Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Doug Donnelly, but take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is overshadowed only by his legacy of courage and love of all that Doug left with all of us. Doug's overwhelming ability to live life to its fullest is a true testament to the man he was and serves as an inspiration for us all.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before you to pay tribute to a remarkable public servant from my district. After an impressive thirty-three year career, Judge Steve Carter recently retired from the Garfield County bench, and I would like to take this opportunity to highlight his life and accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation today. As a rising attorney in 1972, Steve was appointed to the Garfield County bench at the age of twenty-seven by then-Governor Love. He has won much praise from his colleagues and his fellow Coloradans over the years, both for his commitment to the judicial system and to his community. Steve has worked tirelessly to resolve many of his community's ailments, such as drug and alcohol abuse, and devoted much of his time and energy to overseeing the county's juvenile court system. He has truly enjoyed a wonderful career in jurisprudence, and his many years on the bench have earned him the distinction of being the longest serving county judge in the State of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, with almost four decades of service and experience under his belt, I can guarantee that Judge Robert Carter will be sorely missed. He selflessly dedicated his time and efforts toward the betterment of Garfield County and the State of Colorado, and I wish him all the best in his retirement. Thanks for your service, Judge Carter, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a special honor that I rise today to pay tribute to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a devoted and compassionate community service organization from Grand Junction, Colorado. The Fraternal Order of Eagles have been improving the lives of Colorado citizens for over a century, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their tremendous service to the Colorado community. The Grand Junction branch of the Fraternal Order of Eagles was formed in 1904 to help the less fortunate people in the community have a chance at a better life. One hundred years later, the organization has been so successful that the men's group has grown to include over 800 members. Every year the Fraternal Order of Eagles gives thousands of dollars to various local groups to aide impoverished citizens facing difficult times. The organization proudly admits that more than 90 percent of the money they give away comes directly from their members. One of the biggest events that the organization conducts in the Grand Junction community is a Christmas children's shopping spree at K-Mart as a reward to them for being good citizens. Mr. Speaker, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is a dedicated, selfless organization that has long been active in helping those in need from the Grand Junction community. Their focus on public service to their fellow man is an outstanding example for America's youth. The Fraternal Order of Eagles organization's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Congratulations on celebrating 100 years of public service, Eagles, and keep up the good work!

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 an extraordinary American from my district. Rich Hopkins from Durango, Colorado passed away last November after a remarkable life. Rich was a beloved husband, father, colleague and sportsman who will be missed and I think it is appropriate that we take the time to recognize his contributions here today. Rich began his tireless service to his community and country by entering the Navy after his graduation from Grand Junction High School. After an Honorable Discharge, Rich attended college and received his Law Degree from the University of Colorado. During his long and distinguished career as a lawyer, Rich helped to establish groundbreaking case law in the area of domestic relations. Rich had a full and vigorous life, whether he spent it with his loving wife Susie and his children and grandchildren, or with his friends, ``The Money Boys'' out on the golf course. Even after his formal studies were over, Rich always had a passion for the pursuit of knowledge, spending the last years of his life writing a novel. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the life of Rich Hopkins. Rich was a patriot, husband and father and made a tremendous impact on all that were fortunate enough to know him. The Durango community and the State of Colorado will truly miss him. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise before you today to honor the lifetime achievements of a man from my district. For over thirty years, Jim Lunn, of Pueblo, Colorado has dedicated his life toward educating young musicians. Jim has been an outstanding teacher, and for his service, has recently been inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame. I would like to ask my colleagues in Congress to please join me in recognizing him here today. Jim was nominated for this prestigious award by several of his colleagues, who recognized his dedication to helping children learn and appreciate music. Jim also volunteers his time to grade schools, choral concerts, local theaters and his church. Jim's love of music and his willingness to share his passion for it has been a blessing for his community. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to rise before this body of Congress to pay tribute to the life-long achievements and dedication of Jim Lunn. For almost forty years, Jim has devoted his life to fostering children's interest in music. Jim now joins his wife as a recipient of the award and they are only the second couple in Colorado to win this high honor. It is my privilege to offer my congratulations and gratitude to Jim for his continuing efforts to bring music appreciation to the Pueblo community and the State of Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before you to pay tribute to the life of a remarkable man from my district. Stanley Barron from Stonewall, Colorado passed away recently at the age of eighty-two. Stanley was a patriot, rancher, and conservationist, and it is my privilege to honor his accomplishments today. Stanley began his career serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, flying thirty missions over Europe in his B-17 aircraft, which he aptly named the Colorado Eagle. When Stanley returned to Colorado, he began conservation work, and later won multiple awards for his expertise on land surveys and property boundaries throughout the southern areas of the state. Upon retiring from conservation work, he started volunteering at the Stonewall Fire Department, the Las Animas County Sheriff's Department, and the Colorado Cattleman's Association. Stanley eventually rose to chief of the fire department and president of the Southern Colorado Cattleman's Association. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress to pay tribute to the life of Stanley Barron. Stanley was a devoted volunteer, husband, and father who made a tremendous impact on his community and all that were fortunate enough to know him. The Stonewall community, and the State of Colorado mourns his loss, and my heart goes out to his loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor that I rise today to pay tribute to Gabby George, a devoted public servant from North Fork, Colorado. Gabby is a kind and generous man who has dedicated forty years to improving the water systems of the Hotchkiss and Crawford communities. He is an intelligent and multi-talented employee of the Public Works Department who actively improves the lives of his fellow citizens, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous service to the Colorado community. Gabby George recently celebrated his twentieth year with the Crawford public works department, after serving a previous twenty years in the Hotchkiss public works department. Over the years, he has helped to add a new water main and additional service lines as well as securing the pavement of many city streets. Gabby has served the community in many other ways, as an auctioneer, a rodeo announcer, a basketball referee, a volunteer firefighter and even as a Santa Claus for local kids. Mr. Speaker, Gabby George is a dedicated individual who is actively involved in building productive and caring Colorado communities. Gabby has demonstrated a love for public service that resonates in his compassionate and selfless service to the North Fork Community. Gabby's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Thanks for all your hard work Gabby, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.