Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Don Hill of La Junta, Colorado for his contributions to historical preservation and our National Park Service. Don is retiring, having served with the National Park Service in Colorado for thirty- three years, and today I would like to thank him for his service before this body of Congress and this nation. After beginning a career with the National Park Service at Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Colorado National Monuments, Don came to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in 1986 as the site's superintendent. Don has worked hard to make Bent's Fort an integral part of the Southeastern Colorado Community. He served as president of the Southeast Colorado Tourism Council, and in 1993 he coordinated the Santa Fe Trail Association's National Symposium, bringing over 500 tourists to the area. Additionally Don is an active member of the local Rotary Club and the La Junta Chamber of Commerce. Among other accomplishments, in 1993 Don worked with the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes of Oklahoma to repatriate Native American remains discovered during archeological work at the fort. Mr. Speaker, Don Hill has served as a steward of this country's natural treasures for over thirty years and has played an integral role in the development of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Today I stand before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize one of the National Park Service's best. Don's dedication is a credit to himself and to Colorado, and I thank him for his service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege today to recognize an outstanding educator from my district. Jolene Hyatt of La Junta, Colorado is my state's nominee for the 2003 National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Her fellow teachers nominated her not only for her skill in the classroom but also for her professional leadership and involvement in the community. Jolene has taught kindergarten in La Junta since 1975. She is a lifelong learner and advocate for education. Her dedication to her profession, her students, and her community is extraordinary. Jolene has served selflessly on a number of educational committees and organizations and is the past president of the La Junta Education Association. She currently contributes as a member of the La Junta Education Association's negotiations committee and is a member of the school improvement committee. She has been named to Who's Who Among American Teachers and is a recipient of the Heart of Learning Award, recognizing teachers who inspire students to learn and go the extra mile with students and parents after school hours. Mr. Speaker, Jolene has inspired and gone the extra mile for two generations of students in my district and plans to continue her work as an advocate when she retires from teaching. While she is now a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award, she prefers to direct attention away from herself and onto the children she helps to educate. Jolene's achievement and team spirit serves as an inspiration to her students, her peers, and her community. Her tireless dedication beyond the call of duty--both in and out of the classroom--has made La Junta and all of Colorado proud. Congratulations Jolene, and good luck with your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. I will be happy to yield in a couple of minutes if the gentlewoman would like to stay around, because I have a number of points that I would be happy to address with you.

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am glad I am going to get an opportunity to rebut the gentlewoman from Ohio's (Mrs. Jones) statements. Obviously, there are a number of exaggerated statements in my opinion. I want to go through a few things. First of all, in regards to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones), she talks about the deficit, she talks about the deficit as if she is a leading example of programs and her voting is a leading example of votes that are cast to reduce any of these programs. I would challenge the gentlewoman from Ohio to go ahead and present to her colleagues exactly what programs in discretionary spending, keep in mind the biggest part of that budget is nondiscretionary. So if you are going to do the kind of cuts that she talks about, I think that the gentlewoman should accept the challenge and step forward and show exactly which programs she is going to eliminate or which programs she is going to substantially reduce in order to eliminate that deficit in this budget. The fact is she will not even come close. I know it and you know it. I think it would be interesting, and I intend to do it, pull the gentlewoman's voting record from Ohio and see how many votes she has made to reduce programs. I also am going to pull the bills that the gentlewoman from Ohio has introduced and take a look at what those bills, bills that she is the sponsor of, bills that she is the proponent of, what kind of costs those bills add to the deficit. I think you would find, I have not looked at them but I think it is a pretty good guess that the gentlewoman from Ohio has a number of bills that she has introduced that add to the deficit, that under her definition of what which ought to be doing in economic sense and accounting and so on would defy her own, the discipline that she is up here preaching about that we have to exercise.

Mr. McINNIS. I yield the gentlewoman a few minutes. At such time, if you are not completed, I will consider yielding more time. I will be happy to hear from you on any of the points I brought up. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman.

Mr. McINNIS. Before the what?

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to. I have not yielded yet. A couple of conditions I will yield to you under. One is the time.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform this body of a brilliant man from my home state. The Reverend Holmes Rolston III, a philosophy professor at Colorado State University, is the winner of this year's Templeton Prize. The award recognizes research and discoveries that advances the understanding of God and spiritual realities. In winning this prestigious award, Reverend Rolston joins such luminaries as Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Holmes grew up poor in rural Virginia in a home without running water or electricity. From that humble beginning, he rose to become what many consider the father of environmental ethics. Along the way he has lectured on all seven continents, written books that are used as texts at more than 150 universities, and co-founded the leading journal in his field, ``Environmental Ethics.'' Even though he has degrees in physics, theology, and philosophy, he still--at the age of 70--sits in on science classes. Learning is so important to this professor that he plans to donate his prize, which is worth more than $1 million, to establish an endowed chair in science and religion at his alma mater. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Holmes has distinguished himself as a professor, theologian, ethicist, environmentalist and philanthropist. He is not only a model citizen, but also an inspiration to his students, peers, and the community. It is an honor and a privilege to inform this body of his achievements. Congratulations on winning the Templeton Prize, Reverend Holmes, and best of luck with your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Amanda Beaver and Ashley Watson of Grand Junction, Colorado. Amanda and Ashley are making a difference in their community and touching the lives of many of their neighbors in the Grand Valley, and today I would like to honor their accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. Amanda and Ashley are fourteen-year-old students at Grand Mesa Middle School. This past year, they planned a fundraiser, ``Answer to Cancer,'' to honor families who have been touched by cancer and to support the American Cancer Society. The girls, who both have grandparents with cancer, have spent nearly a year planning the event, which features dancing, games, and refreshments. They have seen outstanding support from the local community, receiving donations from local businesses and numerous individuals. Mr. Speaker, Amanda Beaver and Ashley Watson have shown extraordinary leadership as young citizens of Grand Junction. Their volunteer efforts are offering hope to an important segment of the community and creating greater awareness of cancer among their peers as well as their elders. These two talented and determined young women clearly have great things ahead of them, and it is my great honor to recognize their hard work before this body of Congress and this nation today. I wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding community organization in my district, Dream Weavers of Southern Colorado. For twenty-one years, Dream Weavers has been working hard to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and today I would like to honor their efforts before this body of Congress and this nation. Dream Weavers is an inspirational all-volunteer organization founded in 1982. Over the last twenty years Dream Weavers has fulfilled the dreams of nearly 230 children, organizing vacations at Disney World, fishing trips and family reunions. Sometimes a child simply wishes for a computer, which the organization is only happy to provide. Dream Weavers also hosts frequent events and parties for its wish recipients, providing critical and continuing support for children and their families. To achieve its goals, Dream Weavers depends on community support from local corporations and individuals as well as its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser. Mr. Speaker, Dream Weavers of Pueblo is an inspirational organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of children struggling with life-threatening diseases. By focusing on family involvement, Dream Weavers provides wonderful opportunities and memories for children, parents and siblings, and I am honored to have such a compassionate program serving the citizens of my district.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Tom Sharp, a helicopter pilot from Telluride, Colorado and thank him for the contributions he has made to local search and rescue efforts. Tom recently risked his life and his helicopter to save two avalanche victims trapped on a steep slope near Telluride Ski Area, and today I would like to honor his service before this body of Congress and this nation. Tom has been a pilot with Helitrax, a heli-ski guide service, for over twelve years. When he was called to assist in the rescue of two skiers caught in an avalanche, he immediately responded along with two Helitrax guides, braving a dangerous landing near one of the injured skiers before picking up more rescuers and dropping off more medical supplies. Then Tom made a daring attempt to reach the other skier, flying close to dangerous jagged rock in spite of unpredictable afternoon winds. Though he was unsuccessful, Tom and his fellow rescuers dropped supplies to the stranded skier that allowed him to climb out of the couloir and communicate with rescuers. Mr. Speaker, pilots with the expertise and skill of Tom Sharp are crucial to successful search and rescue operations, and it is a great privilege to honor Tom here today. His years of experience and his willingness to take risks are a tremendous asset to the citizens of Telluride and to all of Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this opportunity and pay tribute to an icon of the Montrose, Colorado community who recently passed away. Leo Fred Flower, Jr. died at the age of 84 and as his family and friends mourn his loss, I think it is appropriate that we remember Fred for his many contributions throughout his life. Fred was a longtime civic and business leader in Montrose whose affiliations ranged from the Western Slope Livestock Commission to the Montrose Industrial Development Board. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1934 and began working at a grocery store, later driving a truck for the Montrose Flour Milling Co. and pursuing further education. Eventually Fred began doing office work for the flour mill and for a local ranch and livestock business, which he would later purchase. In 1940 Fred began a career in banking, interrupted by his service in the Army from 1942 to 1946. He eventually became president of Montrose National Bank and Montrose Savings and Loan, and also spent a few years as a rancher. In 1968 he bought the family business, Flower Motor Company, which his son now owns. Fred was a dedicated community leader and played an integral role in establishing Montrose Memorial Hospital. He established the first Kiwanis Club in Montrose, and served on the local school board and on the board of the Colorado Western College. He gave his time and efforts to innumerable community organizations, and was most recently involved in Montrose's senior center. Mr. Speaker it is with profound sadness that we remember the life and memory of Fred Flower who so deeply touched the Montrose community. As family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to recognize the wonderful life Charlie lived. He will be missed.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today to honor a man tragically taken from us while in the service of his country. Sergeant First Class Randy Rehn, a graduate of Niwot High School in Colorado, was killed while serving in the conflict in Iraq. In the Army, Randy directed a crew that operated a Multiple Launch Rocket System. I am truly humbled to honor him before this body of Congress and this nation. The sacrifice of Randy and his fellow soldiers will be long remembered by our grateful Nation. Randy was known as an athlete and a prankster. In high school, he was a football player and an all-state wrestler. He was a loving husband and the new father of a six-month-old girl. I know that Randy's daughter, family and friends take pride in the uniform he wore and the ideals for which he fought. Our Nation will long endure due to the strength and character of the men and women like Randy who serve our country. Each generation must renew its commitment to defend our liberties. Today in Iraq, a new generation of young Americans is fighting bravely for the freedom of others. I know that those who seek the true meaning of duty, honor, and sacrifice will find it in dedicated servants like Sergeant First Class Randy Rehn. Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express my deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifice of this soldier and his family. Throughout our history, men and women in uniform have fought our battles with distinction and courage. At the dawn of this new century, the United States military has once again been called to defend our freedom against a new and emerging threat. Soldiers like Randy embody America's determination to lead the world in confronting that threat, and Sergeant Rehn's devotion to that cause will not be forgotten. Randy has done all Americans proud and I know he has the respect, admiration and gratitude of all of my colleagues here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and memory of an outstanding resident of my state. Mr. Donald Johnstone Finnie of Lakewood, Colorado passed away recently at the age of 84. As we mourn his passing, I think it is fitting to remember this outstanding husband, father, and friend who spent a lifetime in service to others. Mr. Finnie, like so many members of his great generation, contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. He fought for our country in New Guinea and Germany before returning home to Colorado, where in 1948 he joined the El Jebel Shrine, which does charity work with the Shriners Hospitals. He became president of the Jefferson County Shrine Club a decade later. Mr. Finnie and his beloved wife Doris also participated in a number of youth programs in support of their two daughters, including the Jefferson County YMCA and the Campfire Girls. Donald Finnie knew the meaning of the word dedication. In his 43-year association with the Rotary Club, Mr. Finnie never missed a meeting. His good works also extended into the political arena as district chairman of the Republican Party and as a founding father of the city. In 1968, Mr. Finnie served on the incorporation committee for Jefferson City, which later changed its name to Lakewood. Mr. Speaker, we are all saddened by the loss of Donald Johnstone Finnie, but take comfort knowing that our grief is overshadowed by the legacy of courage, selflessness, and generosity he left with all who knew him. Donald's life embodies the virtues that helped make this country great, and I am deeply honored for the opportunity to pay tribute to him today. Donald Johnstone Finnie will be missed by his family, friends and the many people in his community who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honor and privilege today to honor a real-life hero from my district by the name of Steve Massano of Montrose, Colorado. Steve serves as a Montrose County Sheriff's Deputy, but what I'm about to share with you here did not happen in the course of his duties, but rather as a concerned citizen. On December 2nd of last year, Steve came across an accident in the town of Olathe. After getting out of his truck to help, he came across an eight-year-old girl who had been ejected from her vehicle and had stopped breathing. Two adults hovered over her, pleading for the child to breathe. Steve quickly and calmly assessed the situation, and after checking to be sure the child was not breathing, began to administer CPR. Less than a minute later, the girl began kicking and sputtering and breathing on her own. She returned home from the hospital a day or two later with no serious injuries and returned to school a short time later. For his heroic actions, Montrose County Sheriff Warren Waterman recently presented Steve with the department's Life Saving Medal along with a letter of commendation from the Olathe Ambulance Service for ``going above and beyond the call of duty.'' Mr. Speaker, we rejoice in the life of that eight-year-old girl, and we are thankful that Steve came across the scene of the accident that day. His quick-thinking and life-saving heroics will be remembered everyday by the family and friends of that young girl. Steve is a true asset to the Montrose County Sheriffs Department, his community, and the state of Colorado, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Flannery Davis and Gus Jolley for their creativity in sharing their love of horses. Flannery and Gus run the Walk On Therapeutic Riding Center in Florence, Colorado and offer programs that give disabled people the opportunity to experience riding in Colorado's beautiful mountains. Today I want to honor their efforts before this body of Congress and this nation. Gus began thinking about offering services for disabled riders when he was driving a shuttle van for the disabled as a part-time job in Santa Fe. Both he and Flannery spent two years volunteering with therapeutic riding centers and undergoing training as riding instructors before starting Walk On. Walk On Riding Center helps to make riding accessible to diverse groups of people by using adaptive teaching techniques and equipment to accommodate disabilities, both physical and mental. Their programs build independence, confidence, and self-esteem by introducing disabled citizens to the freedom and fun that riding can provide. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize Flannery Davis and Gus Jolley for their outreach to the disabled in their community. On horseback and off, disabled riders can feel capable, empowered, independent, and healthy. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience a slice of our western tradition, and I am proud to salute a program that expands access to one of the best recreational opportunities Colorado has to offer.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor an outstanding woman who has gone far out of her way to help others. Charlotte Reicks of Grand Junction, Colorado has ridden her bicycle all over the country to raise money and awareness for a number of charitable causes. Charlotte began her adventures in 1997 with a 400-mile ride around Colorado for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. On another occasion, this intrepid grandmother pedaled 700 miles in 10 days and helped raise $7,000 for Habitat for Humanity. During the spring and summer of 1999, she rode from California to Maine, down the coast to Florida, and back across the country again. The 8,800 mile journey lasted six months and benefited the American Bible Society and the Lutheran Hour Ministries. So far, she has ridden about 14,000 miles for various organizations and has no plans to stop any time soon. This summer she is slated to ride across Texas to raise money and awareness for Huntington's disease. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Charlotte for her outstanding service to humanity. Her courage, tenacity, and dedication to various worthwhile causes certainly deserve the praise of this body and this nation. She is an extraordinary woman who has truly gone to great lengths to help others.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding athlete and a pioneer from my district in the sport of woman's snowmobile racing. Ashley Durmas of Whitewater, Colorado is only 17 years old, though she is already an accomplished professional snowmobile racer. Ashley started racing in junior competitions during the winter of 1999-2000 against a field of all boys. She crashed nearly every race, but Ashley is a winner, and she refused to give up. She continued riding and racing. She improved so much that last year she turned professional and finished second overall in the Colorado women's pro class. She still competes in the male division and usually finishes at or near the top. She recently entered the Colorado state championships in the sport class and beat 21 of the 23 men who competed against her. Ashley is not only successful on the snow, but she excels in the classroom too. Even though her busy schedule often requires her to study while on the road to out-of-state events, this high school junior still finds the time and energy to hit the books and earn As and Bs on her report cards. Ashley's tenacity, hard work, and dedication have truly made her community and the state of Colorado proud. It is my privilege to bring her example to the attention of my colleagues here in this body today. Ashley embodies the old maxim, ``If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.'' Ashley not only tried again, but has developed into an outstanding athlete and an inspiration to us all. I congratulate her on her success and wish her the best with all of her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Bonifacio ``Boney'' Cosyleon for his leadership in the Pueblo, Colorado business community. In addition to becoming a successful businessman himself, Boney has volunteered his time to a wide range of community organizations and today I want to honor his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. ``Boney'' has served the Pueblo community for nearly twenty-three years as a member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. As the owner of a construction company, Byerly and Cosyleon, Inc., he has been an instrumental player in the Colorado Contractors Association's outreach to minority businesses. From 1988 to 1992, ``Boney'' served as chairman of the CCA's Affirmative Action Committee, helping to develop the Emerging Small Businesses Program. ESB offers training opportunities, technical assistance and referrals to eligible small businesses and has helped to secure almost $60 million in construction contracts for these businesses. Recently the Colorado Department of Transportation presented him with the Emerging Small Business Award for his work on ESB and for his advocacy on behalf of small business. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize ``Boney'' Cosyleon for his service to Colorado. His work has helped innumerable new small businesses achieve success in the construction industry. His community involvement is a credit to small businesses everywhere, and it is my distinct pleasure to honor him here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the strength and courage of Brian Baldwin of Grand Junction, Colorado. Brian is a former rodeo champion who is now fighting a rare form of cancer, and today I would like to salute his determination to fight this disease and the strength of his will in this battle. Brian started his career as a Little Britches Rodeo Champion in Delta, Colorado, becoming the world rodeo champion in 1994. He was diagnosed with cancer last October and since then has endured surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and physical therapy. Brian, like the champion he is, has remained positive through it all with the help of family and friends. In an effort to pay for his treatment, Brian's friends and family are hosting the Brian Baldwin Benefit Rodeo and Auction in Grand Junction. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Brian Baldwin and to wish him and his family the best through this difficult struggle. The support Brian has received from friends in the rodeo community and throughout the area is a testament to the respect Brian himself inspires. Brian's is indeed an inspirational story. He is truly a lucky man and certainly has the good wishes and prayers of many people in Colorado and around the country. I add my own good wishes to Brian as he continues in his fight against cancer.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Woodis family of Montrose, Colorado for their willingness to dedicate their time and energy to benefit the disabled. The Woodis family is raising a puppy to be a companion dog for a person with a physical disability, and today I would like to pay tribute to their efforts before this body of Congress and this nation. Sons Jeff and Ethan Woodis have raised pigs for their 4-H club, so when the club required a community service project, they turned to Canine Companions, an organization founded in 1975 to provide dogs trained to help disabled people achieve greater independence. Airlie, a female Black Labrador retriever, came to Montrose to live with the Woodis family and to learn thirty basic commands to help her prepare for life as a companion dog. After the initial training, Airlie will go to California for six months of advanced training before graduation. Then, the Woodis family will hand Airlie's leash to her new owner. Raising Airlie has been a community-wide effort, with help coming from numerous local organizations and businesses. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize the Woodis family for their contributions to the quality of life of disabled Americans. By helping to raise and train Airlie, the Woodis family is helping to provide increased independence and freedom, as well as a loving companion, for a disabled American. I thank them for their efforts.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this opportunity to pay tribute to an icon of the Pueblo, Colorado community, Frank Cedrone. Frank, an accomplished pianist, died recently at the age of seventy-three and as his family and friends mourn his loss, I think it is appropriate that we remember Frank for his many contributions throughout his life. Frank was half of a renowned piano team with Victoria Markowski, whom he met at the Boston Conservatory of Music. After a successful debut at New York's Carnegie Hall and numerous tours, the couple joined then- Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo as artists-in-residence. Frank taught at the College, gave private piano lessons, led workshops, published articles, and continued his touring schedule. He served as executive director of the Pueblo Symphony for five years and was past president of the Colorado State Music Teachers Association. He retired from USC in 1999, and released a CD album the next year. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that we honor the life and memory of Frank Cedrone. He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, but will be remembered most for the generous way in which he shared his talents throughout his life. As family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to recognize the wonderful life Frank lived and the enjoyment his music brought to people throughout Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an organization that has been dedicated to providing life- saving care to the citizens of Colorado for sixty years. Bonfils Blood Center operates several community donor centers statewide, including one in Pueblo, Colorado. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the employees and donors of Bonfils Blood Center before this body of Congress and this nation. Since 1943, Bonfils has been an integral part of the health care system in Colorado, and now serves more than ninety health care facilities across the state. When the centers first opened, Bonfils annually collected 1,600 units of blood; today the center collects nearly 200,000 units each year. Pueblo's Bonfils Center opened in 1990 and consistently supplies about ten percent of the blood collected each year in Colorado. In addition to their blood supply services, Bonfils also operates the Colorado Marrow Donor Program and Laboratories at Bonfils. This vital public service is possible only with the help of innumerable donors and local organizations, the community support Bonfils relies on to continue its long record of success. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize the Bonfils Blood Center and its employees for their dedication to health care in Colorado. Hospitals and patients all over Colorado rely on Bonfils for a safe and adequate blood supply, a service Bonfils has effectively delivered for six decades. It is my distinct pleasure to honor that record of success today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a young student from my district, Sarah Peacock from Montrose, Colorado. A fifth grader at Oak Grove elementary school, Sarah is making a big difference for children around the world with her quilting skills, and today I would like to honor her accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. Instead of asking for presents for her tenth birthday, Sarah asked for quilting supplies. With those supplies she has made six blankets for Project Linus, a volunteer organization that provides blankets to children who are either seriously ill or who are emotionally traumatized. Sarah's blankets are among the more than 400,000 security blankets Project Linus has shipped around the world since 1995. Sarah heard about the project from a teacher at her elementary school who was teaching her kindergarten class about quilting and with that introduction, Sarah took to the craft immediately. Along the way, her blankets have earned grand champion honors at the Montrose County Fair and fourth place at the Colorado State Fair. Mr. Speaker, Sarah Peacock is clearly a determined and gifted young woman. Even at such a young age, her volunteer efforts are reaching children around the world, and it is my great honor to recognize her hard work before this body of Congress and this nation today. Sarah has great things ahead of her, and I wish her every success in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Millie Beall of Steamboat Springs, Colorado for her extraordinary service to her community. Millie has long been recognized as a leader in Steamboat Springs, and today I would like to acknowledge her accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation. Millie moved to Steamboat Springs in 1971 for the ski season and never left. Since then she has served on the Steamboat Springs School Board for eight years, including four as its president, and another eight years as a member of the Routt County Education Foundation. Among many other activities, Millie has been involved with the El Pomar Youth in Community Service program, the Community Committee for the Arts, and the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, and the Northwest Colorado Philanthropy Days. She currently serves as the executive director of Routt County United Way and works to raise funds for a wide variety of projects. Spending most of her career in community service, Millie has received numerous awards, most recently receiving recognition from the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize Millie Beall for her outstanding commitment to her community. Millie holds a key leadership role in Steamboat Springs, and her community is immeasurably better off because of her efforts. I wish Millie the best in all of her future endeavors.