Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to rise and pay tribute to Betty Jaramillo of Manzanola, Colorado, for her many years of dedication to the education of our youth at Manzanola Elementary School. As she celebrates her retirement, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize her career before this body of Congress and this nation. Betty has lived all her life in Manzanola. Her career at Manzanola Elementary School started when she attended the school there as a young child and student. Later, she returned to the school as an employee working as a migrant aide. It did not take long before she was promoted to work as the school secretary, a position in which she would spend the large majority of her tenure. For thirty-six years, she has been a staple in the school and the community by forming strong relationships with the students and other teachers. After spending well over three decades at the elementary school, she has chosen to spend more time with her family and hopes to travel with her husband. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Betty Jaramillo before this body of Congress and this nation. She has dedicated her life toward the betterment of others and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a smart, happy, and beautiful seven-year old, Breann Blackman, who brightens the lives of her family and her Grand Junction, Colorado community. Despite the many challenges she has faced she maintains a healthy and happy attitude towards life. I am proud to join my colleagues here today before this body of Congress and this nation in recognizing her tremendous caring and fun-loving nature in the face of great adversity. When Breann was three-months old she was diagnosed with infantile scoliosis. The disease produces a severe twisting of the spine, which causes her to spend twenty-three hours of the day in a brace that encases her torso from the hips up to her armpits and has an attachment for neck and head support. The brace comes off for half an hour stretching exercises at recess and half an hour to take a bath. She attends swim therapy at St. Mary's Life Center and does breathing exercises four times a day with a Bi-pap breathing machine. In addition to these daily aspects of her life, she and her brother Jordan experienced the loss of both their mother and father to tragic circumstances and now live under the custody of their grandparents Lilian and Gene. Mr. Speaker, Breann Blackman has surpassed many obstacles in her life, and I am honored to recognize her strength and vitality before this body and this nation today. Thank you Breann for improving the lives of the people around you, 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 Ronald Pettigrew and thank him for the remarkable civic contributions he has made to his Durango community and the State of Colorado. Ron is an active and well respected leader in his community, and I believe it appropriate to acknowledge his many accomplishments to the Durango community before this body of congress and nation. A second generation native to Southwest Colorado, Ron graduated from Fort Lewis College in western Colorado, and has been a business owner in Durango ever since. Due to his many civic and business contributions, he was recognized by the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association as their Citizen of the Year in 1992. Throughout the years, Ron has given his time to numerous state and local organizations and his community is indebted to him for his exemplary service. He served on the Colorado Highway Legislative Review Committee, the local school board, the Board of Directors for both Mercy Medical Center, and the Animas La Plata water Conservation District. Ron's diverse interests are reflected in additional service with the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Enterprises organization, Excel Charter School, and the Foundation for Education Excellence. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Ron Pettigrew is a man of great commitment to his community and the State of Colorado. Ron's willingness to provide his time and excellence to his fellow citizens serves as an example to us all of the civic mindedness that brings together our towns and communities. Thanks for all your hard work Ron, 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 Donna Ferganchick for her tireless service to her Delta, Colorado community. Donna is a dedicated volunteer for numerous community organizations and it is my privilege to recognize her efforts before this body of Congress and this nation. Donna is a western Colorado native. Her family moved to Delta in 1956, and then to Cedaredge where she graduated from high school. Soon after Donna met and married her husband Les in 1959. She purchased the family ranch on the Gunnison River near Delta where she and her family have lived for the last thirty-two years, raising three children. After receiving her real estate license and attending some classes at Mesa State, she was persuaded to run for Delta County Assessor. Donna faithfully served her county for two terms and was urged to run for county commissioner. Months later she was elected and became Delta County's first woman county commissioner, again serving her community for two terms. In 2001, Donna retired from civil service so that she and her husband could travel. In September, Les became ill and tragically passed away. When Donna was at the hospital she was overcome by how friendly the staff was to her, so she decided to return the favor by being an emergency room volunteer and also serves on the hospital foundation board. She also helped with the Delta County 4-H foundation, sits on the hospice advisory board, and is a part time executive director for Grand Mesa Scenic Byways. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Donna Ferganchick has been an invaluable resource to Delta County and the city of Delta. Her hard work and humble service to her community is extraordinary and worthy of acknowledgment before this body of Congress and this nation. Thanks, Donna, for all your hard work, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mike Anselmo of Pueblo, Colorado who recently celebrated fifty years of dedicated service to the United States Postal Service. Throughout his years of service, Mike has become a friendly and familiar face in many of Pueblo's neighborhoods, and I would like to join my colleagues in recognizing Mike's years of service before this body of Congress and this nation. Fifty years ago, Mike began carrying first class mail stamped with three cents of postage. Faithfully throughout his career, he has battled the natural elements of weather and the physical elements of prostate cancer and knee problems, but neither prevented him from delivering over ten million pieces of mail. During his career, he has driven over a million miles on the job, putting him among the rare company at the postal service called the ``Million-Mile Club.'' In addition to his commitment to the United States Postal Service, he is a family man who enjoys spending time in the outdoors doing yard work and riding his bike. Mr. Speaker, Mike Anselmo has shown tremendous loyalty to his Pueblo, Colorado community. His fellow citizens have come to rely on him to deliver their mail and to provide a familiar face. I thank Mike for his hard work and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today and pay tribute to Judy Palmer of Basalt, Colorado. Judy has spent many decades of her life dedicated and committed to the education of our youth. As she retires from teaching, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize her remarkable career before this body of Congress and this nation today. Judy has spent nearly thirty years teaching our children. She began teaching in Basalt in 1975, and although she has taught many different age ranges including elementary and middle school students, her passion is teaching sixth grade. Over the past two years, she has split time teaching a class of gifted and talented students and another class of at-risk students. She relishes the opportunity to encourage students to aquire a love of learning. As a testament to her dedication to educating our youth, the Basalt Town Council honored her as the area's ``Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year.'' This award speaks to her ability to connect with the kids because students nominated the potential honorees. Mr. Speaker, Judy Palmer has been a positive influence on many students throughout her career. I commend her work as a teacher and let it be known that the community will sorely miss her work. She has been very successful in the past and I wish her continued success in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to rise and pay tribute to the hardworking staff at Child and Migrant Services in Palisade, Colorado. For the last fifty years this organization has provided valuable service to the migrant workers in Palisade, and I would like to take this opportunity to join my colleagues and recognize their work before this body of Congress and this nation. Child and Migrant Services started as the dream of three friends with a desire to help the migrant workers that come to the United States from countries in Central and South America. They started off by giving meals and donated clothes to the migrants. In 1940, the founders expanded their services and started a thrift shop out of a mobile home trailer. This thrift shop provided a more structured venture, which eventually led to their incorporation in 1954. Child and Migrant Services has grown much over its fifty years of existence. They have expanded their services to include a program to address basic needs, maintain nutrition, and provide job assistance programs, education and recreation opportunities. They also have programs that provide for emergency care, counsel migrant workers, and help to find suitable and affordable housing. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Child and Migrant Services and its staff provide a valuable service to the Palisade Community. Their work helps migrant workers build a solid foundation in their new surroundings. I thank them for their tremendous work and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the selfless service of Tom Dennis of Grand Junction, Colorado. For more than seven years, Tom has shown incredible devotion to the betterment of his community by helping to feed the hungry. It is my privilege to recognize his service before this body of Congress and this nation today. Tom began this noble mission in 1997 when he received word that a Los Angeles food bank was short on food. He figured the farming communities on Colorado's Western Slope could help, so he organized a donation of potatoes weighing three-thousand pounds from a farm in Delta, Colorado. This rewarding experience encouraged Tom to further involve himself. Building on that foundation, he founded a nonprofit venture called Go- el. The mission of Go-el is to provide bare necessities to the less fortunate, focusing on the less fortunate living on the Western Slope. The structure of Go-el is such that it reaches out to national organizations for donations, and then Go-el will distribute these donations to more specialized charities in the area. Over the time Go-el has existed, the organization has distributed three-million pounds of donated products. As a testament to his service, the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club recently recognized Tom's leadership, by honoring him with their 2004 Citizen of the Year award. Mr. Speaker, Tom Dennis is truly an outstanding citizen dedicated to his fellow citizens in his community. His leadership and selflessness are assets to his Grand Junction community and to those in need. I wish to thank Tom for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and memory of Jamie Hassler of Grand Junction, Colorado. After a courageous battle with cancer, Jamie passed away at the young age of fourteen. I personally knew Jamie, and I was enthralled with his contagious optimism and outgoing demeanor. As his family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Jamie's amazing life before this body of Congress and this nation today. Jamie was born in 1989 in San Jose, California, and soon thereafter, his family moved to Grand Junction where he spent most of his life. Diagnosed with cancer at an early age, Jamie had to overcome many obstacles in his young life. However, he eagerly tackled those challenges head on, and was never discouraged. Jamie had a great love for the outdoors, and jumped at any opportunity to go camping or fishing. He took comfort in listening to music. One of his dreams was to fly in a helicopter, and with the help of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, that dream became a reality. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to the memory of Jamie Hassler before this body of Congress and this nation. His passion for life serves as an inspiration to us all, and I am comforted in knowing his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the Grand Junction community. I wish to offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and pay tribute to the Rebekahs of Olathe, Colorado for their group's dedication to building a more civil community through strong companionship. Recently, the chapter celebrated one-hundred years of fellowship and service to the community. As they mark this impressive milestone, I would like to recognize their outstanding commitment to promoting the community before this body of Congress and this nation today. The Rebekahs started nationally in 1851 to encourage loyal relationships with God, while simultaneously building strong relationships in the community. The Rebekah chapter in Olathe was chartered in 1904 by a petition of twenty-seven of the original thirty- two charter members. They created a loyal group that provides companionship for each other as members. Additionally, they created a body committed to a better citizenship by teaching strong moral character. Since 1913, the Rebekahs have been meeting twice a month in the same building of the Olathe Community Center. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the staying power and service to others the Rebekahs have demonstrated over the years. Their commitment to a strong community is apparent through their kind work and I congratulate the Rebekahs on their anniversary.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Jim Caffray and thank him for his work as Archives Technician with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). His years of commitment and dedication as a public servant are certainly commendable and worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today. I, along with my fellow Americans am grateful for all that he has accomplished during his years of service. Jim Caffray served in the Navy during the Vietnam era and later continued his service to this nation when he became an Intermittent Archives Aid in June of 1992. He was hired full time in the civilian division of the NPRC in February of 1993. Jim was reassigned to Military Personnel Records in April of 1995. As an Archives Technician, Jim has served over 25,000 veterans by responding to requests for records. As an Expert Technician, Jim supports Archives Technicians on his team with his historical knowledge, while responding to the most complex inquiries received by the Center. During my tenure in the United States Congress, Jim provided exceptional service to constituents of the 3rd Congressional District of Colorado. Jim worked hard to ensure that inquiries on behalf of my constituents submitted to NPRC were addressed in a timely and thorough manner. Jim routinely demonstrated a willingness to assist beyond the standard response, showing a genuine concern for the constituent while upholding the policies of the National Personnel Records Center. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Jim has been an invaluable resource to the National Personnel Records Center. It is my honor to recognize his service and dedication before this body of Congress and this nation. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated public servants like Jim Caffray. On behalf of the citizens that have benefited from the hard work and commitment he has given to the National Personnel Records Center and constituents it serves, I extend my appreciation for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and pay tribute to Herb and Ara Weimer of Westcliffe, Colorado. Herb and Ara are valuable members of their community, and volunteer their time and efforts towards bettering their community. In recognition of their service, the Custer County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized them by naming them the 2004 Citizens of the Year for their efforts in the community and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize their efforts before this body of Congress and this nation today. As members of the Custer County community, the Weimers feel a responsibility to actively volunteer in their community. They have a passion for history and desire to contribute to the preservation of the rich history of their community and gather information to educate future generations about their predecessors. With this interest in history, Herb is the president and Ara is a board member of the Custer County Historical and Genealogical Society. Their positions enable them to coordinate the programs the society puts on each month. They also pursue their interest in history by helping with the annual History and Horses Tour for the Friends of the Library. They are active in volunteering to help those in need, aiding senior citizens, bringing meals on wheels and providing transportation. They have worked with a group to restore the Willow's School and Beckwith Ranch, and remain active members in Valley Bible Church. Mr. Speaker, Herb and Ara Weimer have shown outstanding dedication to their community, and I am honored to recognize their service before this body of Congress and this nation. The Weimers' humble nature in their pursuits to volunteer and help fellow citizens contributes in the building of a strong community. I congratulate them on receiving the Citizen of the Year Award and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Lions Club Chapter of Clifton, Colorado on their sixty- fifth anniversary. Over the years, this organization has provided an invaluable service to the community, both socially and philanthropically. It is my privilege to acknowledge their service and achievements before this body of Congress and this nation today. The Lions Club is an international organization that has existed since 1917. The Clifton chapter was chartered in 1939 with the purpose of creating a social group to serve the community. The primary function of the Lions Club is to focus on preventing and fighting blindness and helping people with visual impairments improve their quality of life. They also work more generally to improve the community in any way they can. The chapter is active in the community by holding events that attempt to raise the morale in the community by bringing people together at carnivals or pancake breakfasts, while at the same time raising money for their causes. Mr. Speaker, the Clifton Lions Club has dutifully served the Clifton community for sixty-five years. Their hard work and dedication makes the community stronger. I congratulate the Clifton Lions Club on their anniversary and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Chairman, during today's consideration of H.R. 3574, a bill introduced by Representative Baker, I mistakenly voted ``no'' on one of the amendments to this legislation. Representative Kanjorski introduced a substitute amendment to H.R. 3574, (rollcall No. 396). I voted in favor of Representative Kanjorski's amendment. Please let the Record reflect that I intended to vote against that amendment.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Matt Glasgow and thank him for his work as Public Affairs Director for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest. His years of commitment and dedication as a public servant are certainly commendable and worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today. I, along with my fellow Americans am grateful for all that he has accomplished during his years of service. Matt has dutifully served this nation with twenty years of military service in the Army. He carried out three tours in Vietnam, and was awarded numerous accolades including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; the Army Commendation Medal; and the Bronze Star for his courageous efforts. Matt served the Department of the Army as a Master Sergeant in the public affairs arena before transferring to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Public Affairs Director in 1987. As the current Public Affairs Director for Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest, he serves as the primary contact on constituent issues. He responds quickly in an effort to provide assistance, works diligently to foster and maintain positive working relationships to improve services, and he is an effective and responsive communicator with the people he serves. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Matt Glasgow has been an invaluable resource to the organization. It is my honor to recognize his service and dedication before this body of Congress and this nation. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated public servants like Matt. On behalf of the citizens that have benefited from the hard work and commitment he has given to the U.S. Forest Service and the constituents it serves, I extend my appreciation for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Catherine Robertson and thank her for her work as the Grand Junction Field Office Manager with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Her years of commitment and dedication as a public servant are certainly commendable and worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this Nation today. I, along with my fellow Americans am grateful for all that she has accomplished during her years of service. Catherine began her distinguished career with the BLM as a Community Planner student intern for the Pacific Continental Shelf office in 1980. After a transfer to the Washington office as part of a management development program she moved again in 1984 to the Colorado State Office where she became the Oil and Gas Program Coordinator and later the Fluid Minerals Branch Chief. Her diligent work ethic enabled her to assume the post of Clear Lake Resource Area Manager in the Ukiah District, California. Catherine received her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California State University and her master's degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of California, Los Angeles. During my tenure in the United States Congress, Catherine provided exceptional service to constituents of the 3rd Congressional District of Colorado. Catherine worked hard to ensure that inquiries on behalf of my constituents submitted to Bureau of Land Management were addressed in a timely manner and thorough in their content. Catherine routinely demonstrated a willingness to assist beyond the standard response, demonstrating a genuine concern for the constituent while upholding the policies of the Bureau of Land Management. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Catherine Robertson has been an invaluable resource to the organization and it is my honor to recognize her service and dedication before this body of Congress and this Nation. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with devoted public servants like Catherine Robertson. On behalf of the citizens that have benefited from the hard work and commitment she has given to the Bureau of Land Management and constituents it serves, I extend my appreciation for her years of enthusiastic service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and passing of Colonel Michael Palatas of Pueblo, Colorado. Michael was one of Colorado's most decorated veterans and as his family mourns his passing, I think it is appropriate to remember his life of dedicated service before this body of Congress and this nation. Michael bravely answered his nation's call to service in 1941, when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Second Lieutenant, he fought battles in the Pacific theater during World War II. During the Korean War he served as a platoon leader in five major battles. A few years later, Michael served as a commanding officer for the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines and later an executive officer for the 9th Marine Regiment in the Vietnam War. In recognition of his valiant actions on the battlefield, Michael received several awards from the military, including: a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, six Presidential Unit Citations, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. After thirty-four years of dedicated service, he and his family settled on his ranch in Lake George, Colorado. Later, they moved to Colorado Springs and eventually to Rye, Colorado. Outside his military life, he actively participated in his church. Mr. Speaker, Michael Palatas was a pillar of his community and he will be sorely missed. His pride for his nation was demonstrated in the many years he spent in active duty for our nation's military. At this difficult time of bereavement, I express my deepest regrets and sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Palatas.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Lou Rollenhagen, and thank him for his dedication toward educating our youth in the Palisade, Colorado community. As the principal of Palisade High School, he has guided thousands of students toward their future aspirations. It is with great satisfaction and pride that I pay tribute to Lou for his many contributions to his community and state. Lou attended Michigan State University and then went on to Western State College, where he became certified as a teacher. He took his first job at Palisade High School teaching Life Science before going on to become the counselor, the assistant principal, and the head football, wrestling, and basketball coach. He has served as the Principal for over fifteen years and has succeeded in making many improvements for the school including the addition of advanced placement classes and upgrading the music and athletics programs. Mr. Speaker, Lou Rollenhagen maintains that the greatest reward in his job was knowing that his career has produced good teachers and students. He has demonstrated a love for public service that resonates in his compassionate and selfless service to the Palisade High School community. Lou's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. Thanks for all your hard work Lou, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Veronica Vasquez and thank her for her years of service she has given to the Colorado school system. At the end of this year she will retire after devoting thirty years of her life to educating students in Alamosa Colorado. As she celebrates her retirement, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize her distinguished career before this body of Congress and this nation today. Veronica decided on a career in teaching after thinking about pursuing a career as a reporter or a social worker. She began as a substitute teacher in the Alamosa School District before taking her first full time teaching position as a bilingual kindergarten through fourth grade teacher. She was employed at several of the elementary schools in Alamosa until she was offered a five-year position as a parent community liaison, where she worked with at risk families and students coordinating crisis prevention and intervention teams. After her five-year position she went back to teaching for three years before becoming Principal of Polston Primary School. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Veronica Vasquez before this body of Congress and this nation. Veronica's willingness to provide her time and experience to Alamosa's children is something truly special and worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation today. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of Margie Wilbur who recently passed away. Margie was a devoted mother, and a valuable citizen to her Meeker, Colorado community. As her family and community mourn her passing, I believe it is appropriate to recognize the life of this exceptional woman, and her many contributions to the community in which she lived. After attending college Margie became a nurse and served during World War II. On a 1944 trip, stopping through Meeker, Colorado, she met George Robert Wilber and were married a year later. After moving to Meeker and giving birth to three daughters, Margie went to work for the Rio Blanco County Clerks Office. In her twenty-eight years working for the courthouse, she was both a deputy county clerk and county vital statistician. Margie was a very active and devoted member of her community. During her life she was an active member of the St. James Church, and a past president of both the Meeker Woman's Club, and the Moffat District of the Federated Woman's Clubs. Margie served as president of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society. She worked tirelessly on the Meeker Community Concert Board, was a board chairman for the Last Frontier Group and a member the Meeker Library Board, as well as the Three Rivers Library System. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the life and memory of Margie Wilbur. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time of bereavement. Margie lived an extraordinary life and she will be sorely missed.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise and pay tribute today to Otero Judge Ralph Wadleigh of La Junta, Colorado. After sixteen years of dedicated service, Judge Wadleigh is retiring from the bench. I would like to join my colleagues in honoring Ralph's work before this body of Congress and this Nation. Although he will be remembered for his time spent overseeing the law as a county judge, he spent many years prior to his tenure on the bench as a faithful civil servant. He previously worked as the deputy district attorney, the city attorney, and the attorney representing the local school board. Recently he announced he would step down from full time service as an Otero County Judge, but Ralph still desires to remain an active civil servant. He has accepted a part-time position to serve as a senior judge for parts of southeastern Colorado. This position will provide him an opportunity to serve sixty days per year, where he will work as a substitute presiding judge for several counties throughout his area. Mr. Speaker, Ralph's dedication to justice and the people of Otero County certainly deserves recognition before this body of Congress and this nation. Over the years, he has shown he is a friend of justice, and I am grateful for his commitment to his fellow citizens. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I solemnly rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of Gordon Hill of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Recently, Gordon passed away at the age of eighty-seven. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to our country as an officer during World War II, and as an employee at the Bureau of Reclamation. As his family and friends mourn his passing I would like to recognize his life and accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation today. Gordon was born and spent much of his childhood in cities along Colorado's Front Range. After receiving a civil and irrigation engineering degree from Colorado A&M College, he went to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority. During the Second World War, he bravely answered his nation's call to serve and joined the United States Navy as an officer in the Civil Engineering Corps where he served in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, Gordon remained in the military as a member of the reserve corps. After the war, Gordon began his work for the United States Bureau of Reclamation until his retirement in 1973. During his years at the Bureau, he held positions as a project planner, a construction supervisor and contract administrator. Working and living in several different towns throughout Colorado, Gordon provided leadership on the Colorado-Big Thompson dam and Ruedi dam projects. Gordon had a very large and loving family including several children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Upon his retirement, he moved to Glenwood Springs, which provided opportunity to be close to much of his family and a nice environment for him to pursue his seasonal outdoor activities. These hobbies included: golf, hunting, skiing, gardening, fishing and swimming. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to share with you the legacy of Gordon Hill. His love for his family, his country, and the outdoors were all apparent, in his life and his deeds. He was a dedicated servant toward the betterment of this nation, and I ask my colleagues to join me in sending my condolences to Gordon's family and friends.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to the life and memory of John William Somrak of Gunnison, Colorado. ``Johnny,'' as he was affectionately known, recently passed away, and he will be remembered as a pillar of his community. As his family and community mourn his passing, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize his life before this body of Congress and this nation. Johnny was born and raised in Crested Butte, Colorado. After losing his father at a young age, he went to work for Colorado Fuel and Iron's Big Mine when he turned seventeen to help support his family. This responsibility taught him a strong work ethic early in his life. Harry's personal loss of his father to a mining accident inspired him to become active in workplace safety at the mine, and join a team to compete in Colorado's Industrial First Aid and Accident Prevention competitions. When the coalmines closed he went on to work as a Forest Service technician, a job that required him to be a man of many talents. He did everything from providing the necessary maintenance of campgrounds to acting as a supervisor for the summer work crews. A devoted family man, Johnny was married to Frances Starkovich, for over fifty years. In his free time, he enjoyed dancing with his wife and cultivating flowers in his garden. In addition to those passions, his love for skiing kept him active throughout the winter. Mr. Speaker, the Gunnison community will sorely miss John Somrak. He will be remembered as a dedicated worker and committed family man. I wish to express my deepest condolences to Johnny's family and friends in this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Karen Green, of Aspen, Colorado. Karen is a talented teacher that motivates students to study our nation's history. Her dedication to learning inspires students in many ways, and I am privileged to acknowledge her before this body of Congress and this nation today. Karen has been an educator for twenty-two years and has also taught in Glenwood Springs, and Cherry Creek in Denver. This year Karen was the only Colorado educator to be awarded the inaugural Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award. The newly established national award program was created by first lady Laura Bush and is co-sponsored by the Preserve America Foundation and Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. In addition to her award Karen was also complimented with a one thousand dollar donation to the High School, 20 history books, multimedia, copies of primary documents and some meaningful works of literature and philosophy in original form. Karen is obviously a phenomenal teacher as this is not the only award that she has received. Last year she was awarded the Most Inspirational Teacher Award and a ten thousand dollar donation from the Basalt community where she used to teach from 1993 to 2003. Most recently, she qualified for a weeklong seminar at Stanford University with Pulitzer- Prize winning historian David Kennedy. She was one of only thirty teachers invited. Mr. Speaker, Karen Green has devoted her career to expanding the minds of Colorado students and her colleagues. She is a dedicated teacher who demonstrates a strong passion for learning and I am honored to recognize her accomplishments before this distinguished body of Congress and this nation today. Congratulations on your award Karen, and thank you for your many years of service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Pueblo, Colorado. For many years, the church has been spiritually uniting members of the Pueblo community, and I am privileged to join my colleagues in recognizing its positive impact on the community before this body of Congress and this nation today. The Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church has been a place of worship and friendship for members of Pueblo for well over a century. The church's roots can be traced back into the 1870's, but the exact date of its inception is unknown as a result of a flood destroying the documentation. Many early members of the congregation can be identified as freed slaves, relocating in Pueblo to establish a new life with new opportunities. Now, many members of the community find comfort in the Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church. Recently, the church announced plans for a new building to house the church to better serve its members. Mr. Speaker, the Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church remains an important part of the lives for many community members. The church has a century old record of bringing people together and creating a strong community. I thank the leadership and the members of Eighth Street Missionary Baptist Church for their service to the community, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.