Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Dorothy Savage of Ordway, Colorado has tirelessly worked to promote literacy and the importance of education in Colorado. She is a valued citizen, and I am honored to share her story here today. A former teacher, Dorothy knows the importance of educating our children. Dorothy volunteers her time to teach elementary school children the joy of reading. She also encourages other seniors to volunteer to tutor children. At 93 years young, Dorothy was recently crowned the Colorado State Fair Silver Queen for 2003, a recognition honoring her courageous outlook on life and youthful spirit. Dorothy has dedicated her reign to promoting literacy among children. Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Savage has selflessly taken the attention that has been given to her and focused it on a cause that is near to her heart. She has announced that she will dedicate her reign, and the attention that comes with it, to promoting literacy. For years, Dorothy has attempted to share the joy and wonder of reading and writing with the children of her local community. For her enthusiasm and tireless work, I am honored to join with my colleagues in thanking Dorothy Savage. I wish her the best of luck in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Paulette Waggoner of Kim, Colorado selflessly dedicates her time and efforts to helping children experience the excitement of the rodeo, a longstanding western tradition. Her love and dedication to this unique western experience is truly inspirational, and I am honored to share Paulette's story here today. Paulette has been involved with the Kids Rodeo for fifty-one years, beginning when she raced Shetland ponies as a young girl. She donates her time and energy to sharing her extensive knowledge of the rodeo with young Coloradans in my district. Whether it is helping with the Three Horse Relay, a race comprised of three-rider teams, or working as a timer, Paulette is always there to lend a hand. Paulette and her husband Kent also lend horses to children who need them in order to compete. She has helped many children win All-Around titles. Mr. Speaker, countless children have learned the joy and excitement of the rodeo because of the ceaseless work of Paulette Waggoner. Her dedication and hard work keep the tradition and heritage of the rodeo alive, and I am honored to join with my colleagues here today in extending my thanks to Paulette and wishing her the best of luck in the future. Thank you, Paulette, for your service to Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding student from my district. Anthony Price, a recent graduate of Centennial High School, was recently named the National Champion for Computer Applications by the Future Business Leaders of America. I am honored to pay tribute to the many accomplishments of this young Coloradan here today. Anthony set a goal for himself and he worked hard to achieve that goal. After an impressive fourth place finish in the Future Business Leaders of America competition last year, Anthony decided that this year he was going to win. He studied hard and never gave up on that goal. Anthony's efforts paid off when he won not only the Colorado competition, but the national competition as well. I know that Anthony will make good use of the lessons he has learned as he goes on to study business management at Johnson and Wales University in Denver. With his drive and determination, Anthony is sure to excel at whatever he puts his mind to. Mr. Speaker, Anthony Price exemplifies how, with hard work, determination, and perseverance, any goal is attainable. Anthony has a bright future ahead of him, and I am honored to join with my colleagues here today in congratulating him on his accomplishments thus far. Good luck, Anthony.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Louise Mooney of Glenwood Springs, Colorado volunteers countless hours to her local community, helping adults and children learn to read. She routinely spends time with people who are sick or injured and frequently helps out her neighbors who are in need. Louise is a valued member of her community, and I am honored to pay tribute to her here today. Louise has dedicated her life to helping others. As a young mother, Louise answered a crisis line at Valley View Hospital and volunteered at the area's first hospice. When her children grew up, Louise joined the Peace Corps, where she helped the people of the Philippines for two years. Today, Louise teaches adults to read and write as a tutor for Literacy Outreach. She volunteers at Sopris Elementary School, where she reads to the kids in order to help them improve their reading and writing skills. Louise also volunteers at the Frontier Historical Museum. For her efforts and her impressive dedication to her community, Louise was recently awarded the Garfield County Humanitarian Service Award, a recognition she has certainly earned. Mr. Speaker, Louise Mooney is an exemplary neighbor and a great citizen. Throughout her life, she has sought out opportunities to give back to her community. Her example of determination and hard work are an inspiration to us all, and I am honored to join with my colleagues today in thanking Louise for her service. Thank you, Louise. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Robert Flohr of Rifle, Colorado has dedicated countless hours to local rodeo clubs for children. His hard work has helped keep the rodeo tradition alive for future generations to enjoy, and I am honored to share his story here today. For over twenty years, Robert has been volunteering his time and efforts to everything from 4-H to the Little Britches Rodeo Association and local high school rodeo clubs. Children are especially dear to Robert's heart, and he focuses on those groups that help and educate children. Robert is currently the President of the Garfield County Fair Board, which is responsible for putting on the county fair. Five hundred children participate in the fair each year, where they learn lessons that will serve them throughout their lives, from the importance of providing consistent care to animals to how to keep a budget. Mr. Speaker, Robert Flohr's tireless work makes the joy and excitement of the Garfield County Fair possible. His commitment to children and the organizations that serve them is inspirational, and I am honored to join with my colleagues today in recognizing Robert's dedication and commitment to our youth. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of a great citizen from my district. Don Moffatt of Crested Butte, Colorado recently passed away at the age of 58, and as his family and friends mourn Don's passing, I would like to pay tribute to his life and memory. Don was an active member of his community. He served on the Board of the Adaptive Sports Center, where he worked hard to secure funding to help physically-challenged adults and children. Don was also an avid golfer and was active with the Crested Butte Open. Throughout the community Don was widely admired and respected. Don treated everyone he met with courtesy and respect, and he will always be remembered as someone who looked for, and found, the best in those around him. Mr. Speaker, Don Moffatt was a beloved member of the Crested Butte community. His love for life and dedication to his friends and neighbors touched many lives. While Don has passed on, his legacy will continue to live. I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring Don here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Doyle Davidson of La Junta, Colorado recently announced his retirement from the Colorado Boys Ranch, a residential treatment facility for at- risk boys. I am honored to recognize Doyle's dedication and commitment to our youth before my colleagues here today. Like so many brave men and women of his generation, Doyle heeded his country's call and served as an Army officer during World War II. Doyle participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, and received the Bronze Medal for distinguished military service. He then went on to serve in Korea before returning home and embarking on a life marked by his service to the community. As an active community member, Doyle has served on several local Chambers of Commerce, including those in Delta, Pueblo, and Canon City. He is also active in groups ranging from the La Junta Rotary to the Southern Colorado Economic Development District. In addition, Doyle was appointed to serve on several State councils and committees, including the Colorado State Highway Council and the Highway Legislative Review Committee. Doyle's hard work has not gone unnoticed. He was named Good Will Ambassador for the State of Colorado by former Governor John Love, and has been honored with the prestigious Ft. Carson Good Neighbor of the Year Award for 1988. However, more valuable than awards and accolades, Doyle has also earned the respect and admiration of his fellow Coloradans. Mr. Speaker, Doyle Davidson has given many years of service to his country and his community, and I am honored to pay tribute to his accomplishments before this nation today. Doyle has been a tireless and dedicated servant of Colorado and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Doyle, for your many years of service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a great citizen from my district. Myron ``Mike'' Genova of Grand Junction, Colorado recently passed away at the age of sixty-one. As his family and friends mourn Mike's passing, I would like to pay tribute to his memory here today. Mike was born in San Jose, California in 1942, but later moved with his family to Grand Junction, where he graduated high school and attended Mesa College. Mike and his wife, Doralyn, settled in the community and raised three wonderful sons. Throughout his life, Mike was a dedicated and hard-working man, devoting thirty-seven years to his job dealing with high pressure natural gas for Public Service/Xcel Energy. Mike was a National Hot Rod Association and NASCAR racing enthusiast. In his youth, he raced competitively, and remained a devoted race fan throughout his life. Mr. Speaker, Mike Genova had a tremendous zeal for life. He was devoted to his family and committed to his work. Everyone who knew Mike liked and respected him. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will certainly continue to live on. I am honored to join with my colleagues in remembering the life of Mike Genova here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I also wanted to note at the beginning of my comments that the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) is a gentleman, he is well respected, but I adamantly disagree with the statements that he has made. Let me say that I represent a large rural district, and I know something about rural hospitals, and I know something about a government-run plan. The proposal that the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) is asking to instruct the conferees on is simply a government-run program. It is a repeat of Hillary Clinton. So while I have high regards for the gentleman from Wisconsin, I could not disagree more. The motion that he has got clearly asks for a government-run prescription drug plan. It will give us a government bureaucracy that will increase its influence and adopt a philosophy of even bigger and bigger government. Now, our government currently has government health care programs, whether you look at the VA or Medicare or some of these others things, and they have not done a very good job of it. What kind of encouragement exists out there for us to expand this program? How can you want to enlarge it? It will not work. The intent is good. The result will be a disaster. The motion also provides an unprecedented inflationary increase as to hospitals and other health care providers, which forces the conference to quickly exceed the $400 billion allocation in the budget resolution. It is always easy from this House floor to propose all kinds of money going out to the Nation, but the fact is somebody has got to write the check, and right now we do not have the balance to write that check. So the motion to instruct defeats the purpose of the conference committee, which has already come to agreement on several provisions contained in both bills. Let me kind of highlight that for the remaining time. These conferees have been working very, very hard. This is a very tenuous agreement, if we are, in fact, able to come up with agreement. To interject at this late point in the game a proposal that would quickly exceed the ceiling in cost, and, on top of that, invoke clearly a large government-run health care program just like the Clinton program will defeat our purpose.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding woman from my district. Nora Dwire of New Castle, Colorado leaves behind a large family and a grateful community. It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today to honor her remarkable life. Nora lived in the New Castle area her entire life and was an active member of her community. She spent most of her professional career as a columnist for the local newspaper and dedicated a great deal of time to various volunteer and community organizations. Her volunteer activities centered around helping the elderly and women's groups such as the Ladies Aid and Senior Meals. Nora was also involved with her church, Women's Club, and Community Recreational Council. Nora leaves behind a large family consisting of a daughter, two sons, many great- grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandson. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you today to remember the life of such a caring and compassionate citizen. Nora's generous spirit will truly be missed in her community, though I know that spirit will live on through the lives she touched. As her family and friends mourn her passing, I would like to recognize the devoted life Nora lived. She will truly be missed.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress to recognize an outstanding family from my district. The Emerson family of Grand Junction, Colorado has been a fixture of their community for many years. The Emersons have shown their devotion to their community by promoting local products and services at their family run Quality Meat Market. I am honored to share their story here today. The Emersons have owned the Quality Meat Market since 1946, insisting from the beginning that an emphasis be placed on local goods. The Emersons' support has allowed many of Western Colorado's farmers and ranchers to remain in business through the years. The Emersons feature a variety of local products, from meat and jams to coffee and soap. They have devoted themselves and their store to serving the needs and the desires of their community. Mr. Speaker, the Emerson family saw a need in their community and they addressed it. The Emersons established a place for local farmers and ranchers to market their goods and services to the community. The Emersons' deep commitment to their community exemplifies the spirit that makes this country great. I am honored to join with my colleagues today in thanking the Emersons and wishing them good luck in the years ahead.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a creative and enterprising family from my state. Bill Bowen, along with his sons David and Roby, of Grand Junction, Colorado operate a unique business creating beautiful art out of large slabs of steel. For their hard work and many contributions to the Grand Junction community, I am honored to pay tribute to the Bowen Family here today. Bill Bowen began working with metal as a young boy. The welding torch he used to build his mother a rose trellis soon became his ticket to building motorized vehicles and, eventually, amazing works of art. Most of the art that Bill and his sons started making in large quantities about 15 years ago revolve around the theme of dinosaurs, and their work has created quite a stir. People from all over the country and around the world have purchased the Bowen family's hand-made sculptures, and the joy their work has brought to the thousands of owners and admirers is truly immeasurable. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Bill, David, and Roby Bowen here today. This trio often toils up to 70 hours a week in order to fashion their artistic creations for others to enjoy. The hard work and dedication they devote to their craft is reminiscent of the work ethic that helped make this nation great, and I am proud to bring these special individuals to the attention of my colleagues in this Congress. I congratulate the Bowen family for their success, thank them for their contributions to the Grand Junction community, and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Margaret Lamb is a lifelong resident of Creede, Colorado and a fixture of her community. She is extensively involved in the local community and gives freely and selflessly of her time to many different organizations. I am honored to recognize her selfless service here today. Margaret has twice served as the Creede Postmaster, once in 1941, and then again in 1956. Margaret has given freely of her time for many years, serving as the secretary and treasurer for many organizations, including the Mineral County School Board, Creede's St. Augustine Episcopal Church, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She also helped found the Creede Community Church Board of Christian Education. Mr. Speaker, Margaret Lamb is an inspiring woman who has lived her life according to her motto that getting along with people is the key to a successful and satisfying life. Margaret has served her community throughout her 83 years. Her hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all those around her, and I am honored to join with my colleagues today in saying thank you to her and wishing her good luck in the years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to stand before you today and pay tribute to a truly heroic individual from my district. Colorado State Patrol K9 Technician Chris Cutrone of Cortez, Colorado was shot three times while on an otherwise routine traffic stop, nearly ending his life. It is my privilege to pay tribute to Chris in recognition of his inspirational service to the State of Colorado. Chris was shot after pulling over a car with stolen license plates on a rural highway near the Ute Indian reservation. After being shot, Chris made his way to a nearby casino, where an employee was able to call for help. His most critical wound was a shot to the chest just above his bulletproof vest. After several weeks in critical condition, Chris was released from the hospital and is making a steady recovery. During his five years with the Colorado State Patrol, Chris has been rapidly promoted and just last spring achieved the rank of technician. He has been described by his peers as a zealous officer who is very dedicated to his profession. Most importantly, Chris is a loving husband and father to two young children. Chris Cutrone displayed signs of bravery long before he was shot. State patrolmen risk their lives each and everyday to protect the citizens of our state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chris for his dedication to the protection of Colorado's citizens and wish him the best for a full and speedy recovery. It is truly an honor to recognize his bravery and dedication before my colleagues in this distinguished body here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to an extraordinary citizen from my district. Todd Martin of Silverton, Colorado showed remarkable bravery and dedication as a member of the Montezuma County Sheriff's Department. His courage and sacrifice show the spirit of a true hero, and I am honored to share his story here today. On May 29, 1998, an All Points Bulletin (APB) went out that three armed suspects had stolen a water truck. Todd and his fellow law enforcement officers raced to respond to what would prove to be a dangerous situation, with one officer losing his life in an encounter with the armed men. Todd met the wanted men at an intersection, where the suspects opened fire. He bravely faced them, selflessly putting the well-being of his community before his own safety. Todd sustained severe injuries from his fateful encounter. He received gunshot wounds to his elbow and knee, lost a significant amount of blood, and required five and a half hours of surgery. Todd's will was strong and he refused to give up. He pushed his way through months of therapy and, on January 11, 1999, Todd returned to active service and joined the Colorado State Patrol. Mr. Speaker, Todd Martin's bravery and commitment to duty in the face of extreme personal danger is an inspiration. It is through the hard work of law enforcement officers like Todd that our communities stay safe and secure. I am honored to join with my colleagues today in paying tribute to one of Colorado's finest. Thank you, Todd, and keep up the good work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before this body of Congress to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Donald Palthe of Grand Junction, Colorado is both a devoted teacher and a talented entertainer. From writing lesson books to performing for the elderly in retirement centers, Donald's dedication and civic mindedness make him a credit to our community. I am privileged to share his story here today. As a boy growing up in Holland during World War II, Donald taught himself to play the ukulele and later the banjo. Donald turned his love of music into a career and has entertained thousands of people over the years, playing under the name Don Van Palta. He played at several restaurants and bars before taking a position at Caesar's Palace on the Las Vegas strip. From there, Donald was then offered a position on a cruise ship, where he had the opportunity to travel all around the world sharing his music with others. Today, Donald brings joy to the lives of many when he visits retirement centers and reminds the residents the music of their youth. Donald does not stop at playing the banjo, though. He also teaches the instrument to others. He has hundreds of students across the country who have benefited from his instruction books, finger charts, and videotapes. Donald is dedicated to these students and still takes phone calls from them whenever he can. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize a citizen who has given so much to his community. Donald Palthe's life-long efforts to spread joy through music have made Grand Junction a better place to live. His example of service and creativity model the spirit that make this country great. I join my colleagues in recognizing Donald's achievements here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today to honor an outstanding citizen and a community hero. Stephanie Mueller of Pagosa Springs, Colorado showed quick thinking and level-headedness in the face of personal danger and helped to prevent a catastrophic forest fire. I am honored to share her story here today. Stephanie was traveling in Archuleta county when she noticed a fire in the trees. Unable to contact local authorities immediately, Stephanie took her shovel and began digging a fire line around the burn area. As others arrived at the site, Stephanie was able to use the skills she learned as part of a Forest Service hand crew to instruct onlookers as to what they could do to help her keep the fire contained until Archuleta Country firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. This is the second time Stephanie has saved her community from a devastating fire. Three years ago Stephanie encountered another fire while driving in the Coyote Park area, which she helped to extinguish. For her efforts in that fire, Stephanie received the much-deserved Angel of the Highway award. Mr. Speaker, Stephanie Mueller's courage is an inspiration to us all. As ashes fell on her head and shoulders, Stephanie sacrificed her own personal safety for the good of her community. I join with my colleagues and a grateful community in extending my thanks and appreciation to Stephanie Mueller.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a selfless community servant and dedicated veteran from my district, Lowell Thompson of Trinidad, Colorado. As Commander of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lowell tirelessly dedicates his time to his fellow veterans and the youth of his community. Lowell was drafted to fight in World War II prior to completing high school and served in Germany for two years. Thanks to a law recently passed by the State of Colorado, veterans who left high school early to serve their nation can now receive their diploma. Last year, alongside four of his fellow veterans, Lowell received his diploma in a ceremony at Rio Grande High School. Selflessly, Lowell chooses not to focus on his military service, but rather on his community. Lowell's VFW chapter works with local schools, promoting various competitions among all grade levels. Lowell loves spending his time with other veterans and often visits them in hospitals and nursing homes throughout Las Animas County. In addition to his service to the VFW, Lowell worked as a Sears Catalog Merchant for twenty-three years. Prior to his time with Sears, Lowell tried his hand at farming in the San Luis Valley. Today, when not attending to his duties with the VFW, Lowell spends his time with his family. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues here today in applauding the hard work of Lowell Thompson. I commend Lowell on receiving his diploma and on his many successful endeavors as Commander of his local VFW chapter. I wish him all the best in the years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today to honor an outstanding community program. The Grand Junction Parks and Recreation STARS Bicycle Repair Program collects old, used bicycles, repairs them, and places them in the hands of children who would not otherwise know the joy of owning their own bicycle. In the process, the program teaches the children of our community both responsibility and community service. It is for these notable accomplishments that I recognize the STARS Program here today. The idea for STARS originated in the Central High School El Pomar Youth in Community Service Club. This club helped to found the STARS Bicycle Repair Program and enabled the program to collect bikes, repair them and distribute them to needy individuals and families. There is simply no substitute for the joy in a young child's eyes when he is the recipient of one of STARS' refurbished bikes. The STARS program allows the children to learn, hands-on, how to repair and maintain bicycles. More than that, they learn that there are many ways that everyone, even children, can help the community. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in honoring the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation STARS Bicycle Repair Program. Through STARS, the children of our community learn responsibility and the excitement of being a positive force in the community. Recognition for this program is long overdue, and I am privileged to honor the STARS Bicycle Repair Program here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen from my district. Mabel Wallis of Delta, Colorado has dedicated her life to serving her country and her community. She selflessly gives of her time and her talent to a grateful community. I am honored to stand before you today to recognize Mabel and her lifetime of service. Mabel grew up in Colorado and attended Colorado University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked as a student teacher before deciding to join the Navy and attend Officer Candidate School. As an Ensign, Mabel was assigned to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, but was chosen shortly thereafter to serve on the staff of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the Father of the Nuclear Navy. Mabel retired after twenty years in the Navy with the rank of Commander. Since retiring, Mabel has volunteered extensively in her community. She was active with Meals on Wheels, she volunteers for the Delta County Historical Society by typing their quarterly newsletter, and she volunteers in the Medical Records Department of the Delta County Memorial Hospital. Mabel has logged more than 700 volunteer hours with the hospital alone. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in recognizing Mabel Wallis. Her dedication and desire to give back to her community are inspiring and serve as an example to all Americans. I am honored to share her story before this Congress today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this body of Congress to pay tribute to a remarkable woman from my district. Jodie Spradlin of Steamboat Springs, Colorado has demonstrated the kind of personal dedication to overcoming adversity that is truly honorable. I stand before you to recognize her today. At the age of 16, a drunk driver collided with her family's van on the interstate and Jodie lost her leg from injuries sustained in the accident. Jodie's acceptance of her loss did not come easy. She was very self-conscious for a period of time after the amputation. However, in time, she was able to overcome her anxieties and begin living a more normal life. Jodie now assists others by donating her old prosthetic legs to victims of land mines. A new prosthetic leg costs around $15,000 and her contributions are the only hope for many less fortunate amputees. Her charitable actions provide others with an opportunity to conquer their own personal challenges, just as Jodie was able to do. Today, Jodie and her husband have three children and are living happily in the mountains of Colorado. Her story serves as an inspiration to others by illustrating the significance of focusing on the important aspects of life, such as children and family, and overcoming those things that hold us back. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand here today and honor Jodie Spradlin and her achievements before this body of Congress. Her spirit, self-determination and altruistic sense of community service are truly worthy of praise. Jodie's charitable actions demonstrate how much one person can improve the lives of others. I wish her all the best in the years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I stand before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and passing of Cody Brickell, a resident of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. As his family and friends mourn their loss, I would like to pay tribute to his life and the wonderful memories he has left behind. Just 18 years old, Cody was a recent high school graduate with plans for attending college in the fall and dreams of studying medicine. Cody was a young leader in his community, serving as the student body president, captain of the football team and a member of the Glenwood Springs High School Key Club. Cody was known for his solid work ethic, toiling long hours to save money while pouring concrete, mowing lawns and working at the local athletic club. The loss of a life is tragic in any instance, but the loss of a young life is even more trying. Cody showed such tremendous potential for accomplishing tremendous feats in his short lifetime, and it saddens me to stand here today and mourn his passing. Cody's family and community will certainly miss his generous spirit. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by the untimely loss of such a kind and promising individual. Cody's commitment, compassion, and hard work garnered him respect in his community, and it is for those very qualities that I bring his life to the attention of my colleagues here today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Cody Brickell.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I stand before this Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to a dedicated veteran and loving family man from my district. Paul Deyerle of Pueblo, Colorado died recently at the age of 86. Paul's dedication and commitment to his country have left a legacy of leadership that we would all be wise to emulate. I am proud to stand and recognize his accomplishments here today. As a member of the Army Air Corps in World War II, Paul fought to protect the freedoms we cherish today. Paul also met his future wife Kay during his stint in the army; the couple would later marry and be blessed with three children. When Paul returned from the war he settled in Pueblo and was a founding member of the Pueblo West Ecumenical Church. At the church, Paul's humorous, loving spirit was evident, and he would later be recognized for the community service he provided his hometown. Paul was voted Optimist of the Year in 1981, 1986, and 1992. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by the loss of such a kind and caring individual. The hard work and dedication that Paul has shown to Pueblo and the United States is truly remarkable. It was Paul's selflessness, reliability and positive spirit that have garnered him respect, and it is for those qualities that he has earned my respect. My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul's family and friends. He will surely be missed.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this body of Congress and this nation today to recognize the thirty years of service that Irene Martinez has dedicated to the children of the Manzanola School District. Irene is retiring after having served as both a cook and teacher's aide since 1973. As we mark her retirement, I would like to commend Irene for the devotion that she has shown to her students over the years. Irene began her career with the Manzanola School District as a teacher's aide, though quickly switched careers and became a cook. She loved her job and says she will truly miss the students. Irene has seen three generations pass through her schools, having served the grandparents of some of today's students. Irene is looking forward to her retirement, with plans to do some gardening and spend time with her family. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the contributions Irene Martinez has made to the health and well being of Colorado's children. Irene will certainly be missed by the children under her care and by her co-workers who have come to know and admire her remarkable dedication. Irene, I wish you all the best in your retirement. Thank you for your many years of exemplary service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I stand before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life and passing of Ruth Marie Colville, an outstanding citizen from my district. Ruth was an active member of the Del Norte, Colorado community and she will be remembered as a respected historian, educator, and mother. Ruth passed away recently at the age of 99, leaving a legacy of leadership for her community to follow. I stand to honor that leadership here today. Ruth was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania but moved to Del Norte shortly after she graduated from college. Ruth had a fascination with the West, exhibited in her love of movies and Western entertainment. Ruth began her life in Del Norte as a history teacher, calling on her English and History degrees from Wellesley College. Ruth's passion, however, was researching and documenting the life, culture, and exploration of early life in the San Luis Valley. Ruth's passion would lead her to write several books on the history of the area, and she soon became a respected member of the educational community. For her service, Adams State College opened the Ruth Marie Colville room in the Nielsen library. Del Norte honored her by opening the Ruth Marie Center for the Community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ruth Marie Colville before this Congress and this nation. Her hard work, enthusiasm, and leadership in the community will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ruth's family and friends as they mourn her loss.