Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the Redden family from Gunnison, Colorado. LeOna, Tom, Brett and Wendy represent two generations of Gunnison cattle ranchers, and are truly outstanding citizens of Colorado. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their tremendous achievements before this body of Congress and this Nation. As owners and managers of a 2000-acre ranch outside of Gunnison, they have honored their trade with distinction for over a century. In addition to being ranchers, each has contributed significantly to their community. Tom Redden participates with the Gunnison County Stock- growers' Association, the Cattleman Days committee, the Oddfellows, and the Elks Lodge. He also presided over the Soil Conservation Board. LeOna Redden is a member of the Rebeccas and is the state secretary of the military branch of Oddfellows. In recognition of their service to the industry, the couple was honored earlier this year as parade marshals of the Cattleman's Day parade. Brett Redden and Wendy Hanson, grandchildren of the ranch's founder, currently operate the ranch with the help of their respective families. In addition to ranching, the two families have contributed to their community and the environment. Brett works at the local airport while Wendy works as the director of finance for the city of Gunnison. The pair have also protected almost 1000 acres of land with a conservation easement, and donated additional land to the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor the Redden family for their longstanding commitment to Gunnison and their contributions to the environment and the citizens of Colorado. It is with great pleasure to recognize them today before this body of Congress and this nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to John Hardardt, a truly dedicated public servant from Durango, Colorado. John has been a devoted champion of veterans issues, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous service to helping America's veterans before this body of Congress. John served in the Army for fourteen years and fought in the Vietnam War. Since then, he has undergone more than forty surgeries in VA hospitals as a result of combat related injuries. As La Plata County's first Veteran's Service Officer, John was instrumental in expanding VA services to the rural area. He led a five year struggle to bring a VA clinic to the city of Durango, Colorado, and managed to obtain the necessary funds to purchase vans for transporting veterans in need of medical attention. After serving so effectively in Durango, John has recently accepted a promotion and will be continuing his work in Long Beach, California. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Veterans Service Officer John Hardardt for his service to this country, and his dedication to the heroes of our armed services. John man is a great patriot, and it is a pleasure to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, John, for everything you have done for the veterans of La Plata County. Congratulation on your promotion, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a truly dedicated public servant from Pueblo, Colorado. Tom Cvar has served as the Public Works Director for the city of Pueblo for over 20 years, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his hard work and commitment before this body of Congress and this Nation. In 1969, Tom graduated from the University of Colorado, and after working in the private sector was drafted into the Army. After fulfilling his military duty, Tom worked for two engineering firms before joining the Pueblo City Department of Public Works in 1980. Two years later he was appointed as the Director of Public Works. As director, Tom was responsible for a staff of over 150 members, the oversight of 450 roads and 94 buildings, and the management of storm water and waste. In addition, he had oversight of an eighteen million dollar budget and final approval in all personnel, budget and organizational decisions. After his impressive stint at the department, Tom will be moving to Fort Collins, Colorado to work for a private engineering firm and to be closer to his family. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor the service of Tom Cvar for his dedication to the city of Pueblo. His leadership will be missed, and I am proud to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thanks for your service, Tom, and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay tribute to the passing of William Buckles, a great man from my district. Bill Buckles, an anthropologist from Pueblo, Colorado recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. I am honored today to bring his contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. Bill was born on May 25, 1931 in Parco, Wyoming. He joined the Marines in 1951, and after fighting in the Korean War, was discharged in 1954. Bill then attended the University of Colorado where he obtained his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in anthropology. After traveling to Egypt under the employment of the Smithsonian Institution, Bill returned to Pueblo, Colorado, and became the first full-time anthropology professor at Southern Colorado State College. He spent twenty-seven years as a professor at SCSC before retiring in 1992. Bill will be remembered for his dedication in finding the original El Pueblo trading post. The trading post on the then Mexican-American border served as a meeting place for trappers and traders from all across North America before it was destroyed and forgotten in 1854. Bill began searching for the site in the early eighties and after finding the historical site, he helped insure that it was included as part of the El Pueblo Historical Museum. Bill also made great contributions the Fryingpan-Arkansas Water project, which provides safe drinking water to tens of thousands of residents in southwest Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Bill Buckles was a dedicated man that selflessly served his community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to such a respected citizen. His lifetime of achievements is an incredible model for America's youth. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Rico, Colorado. This year marks the celebration of its Quasquicentennial, a rare and distinguished achievement. The story of Rico is one of a successful, booming mining town that thrived around the Rio Grande Southern Railroad route. As the town's residents celebrate their one hundred and twenty-fifth year anniversary, I would like to join my colleagues here today, before this body of Congress and this nation, in recognizing this impressive milestone. Rico is Spanish for ``rich'', and the rich culture and history of Rico is one of its greatest charms. The wealth of Rico derives from its long history of mining. Trappers first came to the valley in 1832 to catch beaver and other fur bearing animals. Gold was discovered in 1866 by a Texan named Colonel Nash and fellow prospectors Sheldon Shafer and Joseph Fearheiler of Montana. Rico reached its apex in 1892 with a population of five thousand, supporting several saloons, a few churches, a couple of newspapers, a theater and the Rico State Bank. In 1893, there was a silver panic that left only 811 people in Rico, but the town recovered and the mining industry rebounded in 1926. From 1953 to 1971, the mining industry then shifted its focus from silver to lead and zinc ore. Today Rico is unparalleled in its beautiful mountain scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities that include both fishing and hunting. Mr. Speaker, after one hundred and twenty-five years, Rico, Colorado continues to experience success as a tight-knit community. The social institutions and economic infrastructure account for the town's longevity. Our nation was built upon the strong foundation of small communities like Rico. I congratulate the town of Rico, Colorado for this important anniversary and wish the community the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to James Sullivan and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as a Douglas County Commissioner. A county commissioner since 1989, James is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. James is the president of the Douglas County Water Resource Authority, where he dedicates his time to preserving underground water supplies and building support for the use of renewable water resources. He is a past president of Colorado Counties, Inc., an active participant in the National Association of Counties, and has served as a commissioner on the national panel for the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities. James is also the first commissioner in 22 years to be placed on the Douglas County Fair Board. Some of the additional commissions and boards he served on include: the Board of Trustees for the Southeast Business Partnership, Colorado Governor Bill Owens' Commission on Saving Open Spaces, and the E-470 Public Highway Authority Board. In 2002, Governor Owens appointed James to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, where he will serve a 4-year term representing local government. In addition, the Governor also appointed him to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board of Directors, which uses State lottery proceeds to buy and improve recreation areas, parks, and wildlife habitats in Colorado. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that James Sullivan has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as a Douglas County Commissioner. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this Nation today. Thank you for all your dedication and service, James. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise and pay tribute to journalist John Sanko and thank him for his contributions to Colorado as a political correspondent for the Rocky Mountain News. The level of integrity and honesty that John has shown throughout his 41 years of reporting on Colorado politics is truly exceptional and worthy of recognition by this body of Congress. As John moves on to retirement, let it be known that the citizens of Colorado and I are eternally grateful for the outstanding work he has done covering Colorado politics. John will be remembered most for the integrity with which he performed his job. He spent 21 years with United Press International before joining the Rocky Mountain News. During his 41 years covering Colorado politics from the Capitol dome, John developed a reputation as top-notch reporter. He was known for his hard work ethic, having never missed a day of work, never filing for overtime, and never taking vacation without some arm-twisting. He was an extremely productive journalist, submitting an average of two stories every workday. John simply loved being a journalist and his presence will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to commend journalist John Sanko for his unwavering commitment to the citizens of Colorado. The enthusiasm he brought to the job, and the contributions he made to the field of journalism, will never be forgotten. It is an honor to recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. I have personally known John for many years, respect him tremendously, and will dearly miss him. Thanks for your service, John. I wish you the very best in your retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Richard Sheehan and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as a Jefferson County Commissioner. A commissioner since 1999, Richard is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. As a resident of South Jeffco, Richard has a long history of educational and vocational training. He has earned his Masters in Business Administration, his Certified Public Accountant's license, national certification as a Public Finance Officer and his teacher's certification in Social Studies. Richard's rigorous academic background and passion for public service led him to serve in the Colorado State Auditor's office and teach social studies at Aurora Public Schools. Additionally Richard served as a financial officer for Arapahoe County and taught financial reporting in the MBA program at Regis University. In the private sector, Richard has been employed as a financial analyst in the corporate offices of the Pace Membership Warehouse. In 1999, Richard was elected as a Commissioner for Jefferson County, and he has proven himself to be a great asset to the citizens he represents. This year Richard will additionally serve as the Chairman Pro Tem of the Board and the Law Enforcement Authority. In addition to his work as a county commissioner, Richard also serves as the treasurer of Colorado Counties Inc., sits on the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the Jefferson Economic Council, and the State's Human Services Board. What little spare time that he has remaining is devoted to volunteer work for organizations such as the Governor's Place, and the Colorado Energy Science Center which promotes the use of renewable energy sources. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Richard Sheehan has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as a Jefferson County Commissioner. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Richard, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a Colorado landmark, the Royal Gorge Bridge. Canon City is celebrating the Bridge's 75th anniversary this year, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing this tremendous engineering achievement before this body of Congress and this Nation. Construction began on the Royal Gorge Bridge on June 5, 1929 and was completed in less than six months with no loss of life. Built using more than 100 tons of Colorado produced steel and 1,300 wooded planks, the bridge spans a record breaking 1,053 feet above the floor of the gorge. Since being dedicated on December 6, 1929, the bridge has seen more than 20 million visitors and has been the location for movie and commercial filming, and various recreational activities. Today the bridge is the center piece of a sprawling 360 acre theme park bordering the Arkansas River. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Royal Gorge Bridge. The bridge is a symbol of American ingenuity and engineering, and has served the State of Colorado for over three quarters of a century. It is with great pleasure that I recognize this landmark before this body of Congress and this nation today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today to recognize Charles Buss for his exemplary service as Chief District Court Judge for Mesa County, Colorado. For over 27 years, Judge Buss has served the people of Mesa County, and Colorado, with honor and distinction. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his commitment and dedication to our justice system. Charles began his career as a private practice attorney before being appointed to the Mesa County Court by Governor Richard Lamm in 1977. In 1987, he was appointed Chief Judge where he was responsible for overseeing the Twenty-First Judicial District's administrative, budget, and personnel decisions during a time when the local caseload more than doubled. Judge Buss was also instrumental in the modernization of the district by bringing computer automation to the court system, and encouraging the construction of a new Justice Center. As a community leader, Judge Buss served on the Colorado Juvenile Justice Council for 15 years. He was also a member of the Mesa County Partners' board and the Mesa County Community Corrections board. Currently, he is serving as a chairman of a court reform committee regarding dependency and neglect. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Judge Charles Buss before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Judge Buss was an excellent trial judge and his dedication to the people of Mesa County, Colorado and the Justice System will be missed. It is a great pleasure to recognize his efforts and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Carl Bledsoe and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. A state representative since 1973, Carl is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community and I am honored to recognize his service before this body of Congress and this Nation today. A resident of Aroya, Colorado, Carl graduated from Kit Carson High School in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1945. He later earned a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from Colorado State University. Carl began his impressive thirty-two year public service career in 1958 as secretary of the Lincoln County Stockmen's Association. He served 12 years on the Kit Carson Board of Education, including two years as President. Carl was the President of Cheyenne County Farm Bureau from 1962 to 1964, and the Colorado Cattlemen's Association in 1967. He has also served as a member of various organizations like the National Western Stock Show Association, the Colorado Housing Inc, Board, the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine and the Colorado State Fiscal Policy Committee. Carl was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1972 becoming the third member of his family to serve in the Colorado General Assembly. During his seventeen years as a legislator, Carl chaired the House Committee on Finance, the Legislative Audit Committee, the Western Region of the Council of State Governments, and was the vice-chairman of the International Trade Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures and most recently Speaker of the House for the last five years. During his seventeen years of service he received many awards such as the Outstanding Rural Legislator of the Year, and the American Legislative Exchange Conference's Outstanding State Legislator award. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Speaker Bledsoe has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as the Speaker of the House in the Colorado House of Representatives. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Carl, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Lee Elwood Gillis and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as the District 63 representative to the Colorado House of Representatives. A representative since 1981, Lee is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Lee was born in Texas and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from West Texas State University before going on to serve in the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Army Rangers. He is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business and Director of the Heritage Savings and Loan from 1977 to the present. Lee began his public service career in 1980, when he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives and subsequently reelected in 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990. Serving the people of Baca, Bent, and Otero County in District 63, Lee has long been an advocate of lowering property taxes on agricultural land, and establish an economic development office in Southeast Colorado. He served on the Game, Fish & Parks, Education, Appropriations, House Services, and Joint Budget Committees during his legislative career. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Lee Elwood Gillis has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as a State Representative. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Lee, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Michelle Lawrence and thank her for her exceptional contributions to her community and the State of Colorado as a Jefferson County Commissioner. A two term commissioner, Michelle is a dedicated public servant and leader in her community, and I am honored to recognize her accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Michelle is a Colorado native who has lived most of her life in Jefferson County. She is the co-owner of a Jefferson county business that had been in her family for over 48 years. Michelle served in the Colorado legislature from 1990 to 1994, and is a former member of the board of directors of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. She has been active in several local community organizations such as the Arvada Historical Society and the Arvada center for the Arts & Humanities and as a member of the Jeffco Transportation Task Force. After leaving the General Assembly, Michelle continued her exemplary public service record by serving as a Jefferson County commissioner. Currently she is the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and the Law Enforcement Authority Board. She also represents the county on the Rocky Flats Coalition of Local Governments and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Board. Michelle has been appointed as an alternate to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the Jefferson Economic Council, and most recently the Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Michelle Lawrence has ceaselessly dedicated her time and efforts to serving her country and the people of Colorado as a Commissioner for Jefferson County. I am honored to bring her hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Michelle, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the First Lady of Colorado, Frances Owens. Frances is a compassionate and intelligent woman whose dedication and commitment to her family and fellow citizens is renowned and unprecedented. Long before she became Colorado's First Lady, Frances was an education advocate for children and a dedicated servant to her fellow Coloradans. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize her many accomplishments. Frances is a Colorado native, spending her childhood in Texas before returning to Colorado to receive a degree in Art History from the University of Colorado at Denver. She began campaigning for former Senator Bill Armstrong in the late 1970's and served as the Associate Director of the Colorado Council on Economic Education. Frances, who is married to current Governor Bill Owens for twenty-nine years, has three children: Monica, Mark, and Brett. She is actively involved in her children's academic careers. On January 12, 1999, Frances became the First Lady of Colorado, where she has made important strides for Colorado in public service by actively volunteering her time to various charitable projects and organizations throughout the state and by serving on boards such as the Children's Hospital Cardiac Care Center, and the Colorado Opera. Frances is a dedicated advocate for children; her involvement crosses into many arenas, including support of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Samaritan's Purse-Operation Christmas Child, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Colorado Historical Society. Frances currently serves as the Honorary Chair for Early Childhood Intervention Awareness Day, where she continues to champion important issues for Colorado's children. Frances widely promotes literacy and children's programs like the annual Easter Egg Roll. Her latest honor, given by the Republican Women Leadership Forum, was their Humanitarian Award for civic involvement. Colorado's First Lady is involved in many long-term projects that promote the great diversity and vibrant culture of Colorado. She chairs the Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission for the design of Colorado's new quarter, which is planned for release in 2006. Frances has also been instrumental in the privately funded renovation and restoration efforts of the Executive Residence, which was originally constructed in 1908. Mr. Speaker, Frances Owens is a tremendous asset to the State of Colorado. Her impeccable record of dedication and service throughout her life is a high standard for any public servant to match. Frances' devotion to the State of Colorado has advanced Colorado and certainly made it a better place to live and raise a family. I want to thank Frances for all of her hard work, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to mourn the passing of Bob Nero from my home state of Colorado. Bob, who recently retired as the head of Public Relations for the University of Colorado system, passed away at the age of fifty-nine after battling pancreatic cancer. He was known for his fun-loving nature, excellent wit, and abiding sense of professionalism. As his family and friends mourn this loss, I believe it is appropriate to remember Bob and pay tribute to him for his contributions to the state of Colorado. Bob worked for the University of Colorado for nineteen years, most recently as the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Relations. He was an effective and professional communicator who passionately worked to build an understanding of the University of Colorado's mission and its educational contributions to the state. However, Bob's legacy reaches far beyond the University of Colorado. He was a multitalented individual who had a diverse career working as a consultant to the cast of The Lives of the Rich and Famous in Europe; as an assistant editor in the reference book division of Thomas Y. Crowell Publishing Company; and as the West Coast Bureau chief for the New York Herald. Earlier in his career, Bob served as an oral historian at the American Film Institute and was the Director of Communications at UCLA's Graduate School of Management. Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Bob Nero, though take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is overshadowed only by the legacy of dedication that Bob has left with us. I am honored to pay tribute to such a devoted public servant, one who has given many years in service to the state of Colorado. I know that many throughout our state who had the chance to benefit from his experience and dedication will miss Bob Nero. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to mourn the death of Pete Larson, who was killed in an all-terrain- vehicle accident while conducting land health assessments for the Bureau of Land Management near Grand Junction, Colorado. Pete was an active, enthusiastic individual, who loved his job and was a loyal friend to Colorado's Western Slope. I am honored to stand here today before this body of Congress and this nation to celebrate his life and recognize his many accomplishments. Pete married Rita Graham in 1966, and they raised their family in Grand Junction, where Pete was very active in the community. He taught science for twenty-nine years at Grand Junction High School where his natural curiosity and wide-ranging interests allowed him to connect with students of every personality. His students recall his enthusiasm for explaining chemistry, physics, biology and botany to generations of Grand Junction students. Pete was always ready to help a friend or a stranger and willingly shared his knowledge of the environment. He knew its plants and its animal inhabitants, its soils and its water, its weather and its moods. Pete's love of the land and the people of Mesa County led him to continue his service to others as he worked to combat tamarisk while working at the Colorado National Monument. He was instrumental in creating the Tamarisk Coalition and served on their board of directors. After ten years of dedication to the National Park Service, Pete took a job as a biological technician for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field office in Grand Junction where he worked for three years before his unfortunate accident on August 2, 2004. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call the attention of this body of Congress to the life of Pete Larson. He always had a bright outlook on life and his curiosity and love of learning inspired those who knew him. The Grand Junction community and the State of Colorado are a better place as the result of his many contributions. Pete was a great man who dedicated his life to helping others, and I know that he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Rita, his two daughters Kristen Kasel and Kari Larson, and his son Tor Larson at this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Don Sheppard, a dedicated Colorado State Patrol Officer from Cortez, Colorado who recently retired after twenty-one years of service to the people of my state. His hard work and love for protecting his community over the years serves as a shining example of the character of our nation's law enforcement officers. It is my privilege to stand before this body of Congress and this nation today to recognize the career of Don Sheppard. Don has compiled an impressive record in helping others. During Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a communications specialist working with computers and cryptography. In 1979, he joined the Montezuma County Sheriff's office and then the Dolores County Sheriff's office. He attended the Colorado State Patrol Academy in 1983, and upon completion was assigned to the Cortez office of Troop 5A where he has served for twenty-one years. Don has received many accolades throughout his law enforcement career for his professional and courteous service. He was an active, hard working officer who was responsible for removing more drunk drivers from the roads that any other trooper in 5A. He still holds the DUI arrest record for his area, ninety-one in a single year. Mr. Speaker, Don Sheppard has dedicated his career to ensuring the safety and well being of Colorado citizens. His presence in the continuing efforts to fight drunk driving are especially commendable given that he has taken time away from his family and friends to face uncertain danger and unpredictable consequences. I am honored to stand here before this body and recognize the efforts of such an industrious public servant who will be sorely missed in Colorado. Good luck in your retirement Don, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Cheryl Olson and thank her for her exceptional contributions to her community and the State of Colorado as a Larimer County Commissioner. A two-term commissioner, Cheryl is a dedicated public servant and leader in her community, and I am honored to recognize her accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. As a lifelong resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, Cheryl attended Fort Collins High School and earned her bachelor's degree from the Colorado State University. After graduation Cheryl worked at various organizations including: James Johnson & Son, Inc., The Group, Inc., and Commercial Investment Team, Inc. She began her public service career in 1996, when she was elected to the Board of Commissioners of Larimer County where she has dedicated her efforts to serving the people of Larimer County. Cheryl served as Chair of the Board from 1998 to 2001. Some of the additional boards and commissions Cheryl served on include: the Larimer Center for Mental Health, the Colorado State University's President's Community Relations Committee, and the Larimer County Department of Human Services Children and Family Services Division. She was also chairman of the Colorado Counties, Inc. Land Use and Natural Resources committee, and the joint Colorado Municipal League Growth subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Cheryl Olson has ceaselessly dedicated her time and efforts to serving her country and the people of Colorado as a County Commissioner for Larimer County. I am honored to bring her hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Cheryl, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ted Strickland and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as an Adams County Commissioner. A two term county commissioner, Ted is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community, and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Ted was born in Austin, Texas and moved to Colorado in 1954 after serving in the Army. He began working as Vice President of Petroleum Information before his 1966 election to the Colorado State House of Representatives. Two years later he was elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1968 and served twenty-four years, including twelve as the President of the Senate. Ted also served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado from 1973 to 1975. In 1996, he was elected to the Board of Commissioners of Adams County where he has dedicated his efforts to serving the people of Adams County. Ted currently serves on the E-470 Public Highway and Front Range Airport Authority Boards and is the alternate representative to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the Adams County Economic Development and Adams County Water Association. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Ted Strickland has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as an Adams County Commissioner. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Ted, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Sandy Hume and thank him for his exceptional contributions to his community and the State of Colorado as an Adams County Commissioner. As a public official since 1983, Sandy is a dedicated public servant and leader in his community and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. A lifelong resident of Boulder, Colorado, Sandy attended Boulder High School and went on to earn both a bachelor's and masters degree from the University of Colorado. After a short period of serving with the Army, Sandy became a self-employed photographer. Sandy began his public service career when he was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1983, and reelected in 1985, and 1987. His strength as a legislator led to his 1989 election to the Colorado State Senate. Serving the people of Boulder County in District 13, Sandy has long been an advocate of education, efficient transportation, and management of our energy and natural resources. During his tenure in the House he served as a member of the Education and Transportation and Energy committees where he was able to work on higher education bills and regulating the amount of hazardous waste that is transported through Boulder. After leaving the General Assembly, Sandy continued his exemplary public service record by serving as a Boulder County commissioner from 1991-1994, and the Boulder County Treasurer from 1995-2002. Currently he is serving as the Boulder Public Trustee, a post that he was appointed to in 2003 by Colorado Governor Bill Owens. In his spare time, he serves on the Advisory Board of the Colorado Commission for Higher Education, and is an accomplished photographer. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Sandy Hume has ceaselessly dedicated his time and efforts to serving his country and the people of Colorado as an Adams County Commissioner. I am honored to bring his hard work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation today. Thank you for all your service, Sandy, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of Marjorie Stein of Aspen, Colorado. Marjorie recently passed away at the age of ninety-four, and leaves behind a legacy as an active and generous member of her community. I am honored to join my colleagues in remembering Marjorie's life before this body of Congress and Nation. Marjorie grew up in Chicago, Illinois and went on to attend Connecticut College where she studied abroad in Paris, France. Marjorie and her husband Henry first fell in love with Aspen in the late 1940's, when they purchased a second home in the small, developing town. Their time spent there inspired them to make Aspen their permanent residence, and for the next half century they made their home on the Mill Iron Ranch. Marjorie took great pride in her good works for the community. Her great passion for music and entertainment inspired her to get involved with the Aspen Music Festival in the 1950s. She also had a desire to help people that led to her co-founding of the `Blue Ladies', a group of volunteers at Aspen Valley Hospital in 1960. The `Blue Ladies' of Aspen Valley Hospital took their name from a Red Cross group with the same name that Marjorie worked with during World War II. Both groups performed similar duties, providing their services to the hospital wherever it was needed. Outside her volunteering efforts, she also enjoyed tennis and skiing Colorado's slopes. Mr. Speaker, Marjorie Stein was a selfless contributor to the Aspen, Colorado community. She passionately pursued her interests, and in doing so made Aspen a better place. In this difficult time of bereavement, I wish to offer Marjorie's family and friends my heartfelt condolences.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the passing of my close friend Sam Maynes of Durango, Colorado. Sam passed away recently at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was a humorous, kind-hearted man who was a bastion of goodwill and stability for his friends, family and community. Sam dedicated his life to the betterment of those less fortunate than himself, and I am honored today to stand before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize his many contributions to the State of Colorado. Sam was born in Silverton, Colorado in 1933. After moving with his family to California during World War II, he came back to a Colorado setting in the city of Durango. He worked his way through high school and went on to Colorado College on a football scholarship before going on to study law at the University of Colorado in Boulder. It was there that he met Jacqueline Stahl, his beautiful wife of 45 years, who passed away last February. Throughout his life, Sam was an engaged, bright individual with a brilliant sense of humor. His acumen and passion for the legal profession served him well throughout his tremendous legal career. At 26, Sam became the youngest lawyer in the Larry McDaniel and Byron Bradford firm in Durango. He soon became one of Colorado's foremost experts in water law. However, Sam's motivation was not money; he spent most of his career working to empower those in need, including the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Sam was a beloved husband, and father. He is survived by his mother Louise Maynes and his four remarkable children; Michele Hurley, Melinda Higgins, Sam W. Maynes and Mark Maynes. He also leaves behind eight beautiful grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call attention of this body of Congress to the life of Sam Maynes. His industrious, strong-willed nature made him a resilient force in the Durango community and the State of Colorado is a better place as the result of his many contributions. Sam dedicated his life to helping others, and I am truly honored to have been his friend.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Scott Tipton, a dedicated businessman and friend from Cortez, Colorado. Scott is a prominent member of the Cortez business community, selling pottery for over a quarter of a century from his establishment, Mesa Verde Pottery. He is a tremendous servant of the community, and I am honored to stand with my colleagues today before this body of Congress and this nation to recognize his accomplishments. Scott passed up an opportunity for a successful law career to open a seven hundred square foot pottery shop on East Main Street in 1979. Twenty-five years later that business is thriving in a building twenty times its original size. The pottery is sold in all fifty states and six foreign countries. The heaviest concentration of his business is concentrated in the Rocky Mountain region and the Southwest, but also stretches to specialty stores and gift shops throughout the nation. Mesa Verde Pottery employs eight salespeople and fourteen full-time American Indian artists and production workers. These artists paint designs on geometrically carved white and red-earth objects evolving Navajo monument and silhouetted mountains into intricate patterns. Scott takes pride in the unparalleled craftsmanship and employee spirit that results in better products. Scott has also taken many opportunities to give back to the community, donating twelve thousand dollars worth of goods, services, and financial contributions to local non-profits and charities in addition to pottery awards for the Indian Summer Run contestants. Mr. Speaker, Scott Tipton is an outstanding member of the Cortez community. He has followed his dream and inspired his fellow Coloradans to do the same. The pottery created at Mesa Verde Pottery celebrates an important part of America's history, and I am honored to stand here before this body and this nation and recognize his service to his community and the nation. Congratulations on your twenty-five years of successful business, Scott, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ethal Jordan, a dedicated weather observer from Hamilton; Colorado. Ethal was recently honored with the 2004 John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding service in the Cooperative Weather Observer Program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Her observations have helped our government accurately describe the climate of our country, and I am honored to stand here today with my colleagues before this body of Congress and this nation and recognize her accomplishments. The National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Observer Program has provided scientists and researchers continuous data on temperature, precipitation, and other weather factors such as river levels and soil temperature. Once a month observers mail their records to the National Climatic Data Center. These weather records retain importance over time as they provide an accurate picture of a locale's normal weather and give scientists a basis to predict future trends. Through these predictions scientists are able to enhance economic security and provide for the national safety of Americans. Ethal has served for over 47 years as a cooperative observer. The award that she received this year is one of the agency's most prestigious awards and she is one of only twenty-six that received the honor this year. She established the Hamilton station in 1957, where she began reporting daily precipitation data to the National Weather Service. With her hard work these records have helped establish climatology parameters for northwest Colorado and the central Yampa River Basin. Mr. Speaker, Ethal Jordan is a devoted weather observer whose data have been an important source of information for scientists to make accurate weather forecasts and predictions in the United States. She has provided a great service to her country for over 47 years, and I am honored to recognize her efforts before this body of Congress. Congratulations on your award, Ethal, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an individual of remarkable courage who serves as an inspiration to many Americans. Kevin Shaeffer was the only survivor of his section at the Pentagon's Navy Command Center that was destroyed in the attacks on September 11, 2001. Kevin was severely wounded in the attack; and he has overcome many challenges on the long road to recovery. Kevin is a brave and dedicated patriot, and despite his wounds, has continued his service to his nation. I am honored to tell his story before this body of Congress today. Kevin had been working for the Navy's Command Center for almost thirteen months as a junior action officer in the branch that dealt with naval strategy and concepts. Specifically Kevin was working on the final phases of a new service strategy for the Navy in the twenty-first century. At 9:43 a.m., Kevin's world was dramatically altered when the command center exploded in flames, blowing Kevin to the ground. He quickly rolled to douse the flames, and with the help of Sergeant First Class Steve Workman, made his way over flames and debris toward the daylight that came from the gaping hole that Flight 77 left in the Pentagon. Kevin was placed in an ambulance and sent to Walter Reed Army Hospital to be treated for seared lungs and burns that covered forty- two percent of his body. On his path to recovery, Kevin was forced to endure intolerable pain, several skin graft operations, two heart attacks and multiple infections. He received the Purple Heart from the Navy for the wounds he sustained in the attack. Kevin was discharged from the Navy while in the hospital, but vowed to continue in the service of this country. He found an opportunity to keep that promise by seeking an appointment to the 9/11 commission, charged with investigating the 9/11 attacks. Kevin has faithfully devoted his time and energies to the commission, and worked alongside the panel's members to develop a number of strategies for the government to consider to prevent such a terrible disaster from reoccurring. Mr. Speaker, Kevin is a phenomenal individual who has prevailed in the course of disaster and tragedy. His tremendous courage and continued dedication to our nation certainly deserves the attention of this body and nation. I am honored to recognize his service. Thank you for all your hard work Kevin, and I wish you, your wife Blanca and your daughter Sophia all the best in your future endeavors.