Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the story of a former constituent whose anions in Iraq are a testament to our nation's armed forces. Justin Fletcher, a brave and courageous soldier in the U.S. Army, selflessly put himself in the line of fire to defend America's security interests and ensure a free Iraq. It is a privilege to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of this fine young man before this body of Congress and this Nation. Justin was flying an observation run over Tal Afar, the Iraqi city sixty miles from the Syrian border, with his commander Stephen Suhr when they were shot down by a hand-held rocket launcher forcing them to make a crash landing. The two soldiers quickly got out of the crashed Kiowa Warrior observation helicopter, found their guns and removed themselves from the line of fire. After discovering their ammunition was at the crash site, Justin provided cover while Stephen recovered the ammunition. The two soldiers were able to make their way to a U.S. Stryker vehicle where they were stranded for over two and a half hours fighting off insurgents. During the encounter, Justin suffered a broken back, a broken tooth, and a laceration on his face. He received the Purple Heart for those wounds he sustained during combat. Mr. Speaker, Justin Fletcher is a dedicated soldier who has taken time away from his family and friends to put himself in harms way to defend America and preserve the ideals of freedom. It is a privilege to recognize his courage and conviction here today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you for your service Justin, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Celia Dunham, a talented and dedicated teacher who has been nominated for the Colorado State Board of Education's 2005 Teacher of the Year award. Celia has demonstrated a strong passion and devotion to educating our youth in one of our most important occupations for 31 years. It is a privilege to stand here today before this body of Congress and this Nation and honor her impeccable record of service. Celia's initial decision to become a teacher came from her experience with a pilot program teaching inner city kids in college. It was here that she learned the important difference that teachers make everyday in the lives of their students--a mantra that continues to influence her teaching today. Celia is a firm advocate of engaging students, parents and teachers in a partnership to allow students to achieve their full potential. To attain that goal, she has worked to create caring, respectful environments that encourage kids to take responsibility for their own learning. Her position as a role model for her students epitomizes the positive attitude about education that is necessary for a successful teacher. Over the course of Celia's work in Steamboat Springs, she has been heavily involved with planning place-based education that builds student appreciation for the culture and heritage of their community. She also contributed significantly to the development of a K through 12 standards-based curriculum that concentrates on individual, on-going assessments that meets academic goals early in a student's career to make them successful in the future. The program is a proven success as the Colorado Student Assessment Program scores for Celia's school are consistently above the state average, and the school has been recognized twice as a Colorado School of Excellence. Mr. Speaker, Celia Dunham is an intelligent, caring and devoted teacher who always puts her students first. Her commitment to the teaching profession is unremitting and it would be a great honor for Colorado to be blessed with her continued leadership as Colorado's 2005 Teacher of the Year. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation today and recognize her longstanding dedication to the teaching profession. Thank you for your service Celia, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Shirley Bowen as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement from Colorado Mountain College. Shirley has served the college for almost four decades and her leadership has made a significant difference in the development of Colorado state policy, testing procedure, and state-wide curriculum. It is my pleasure to congratulate Shirley before this body of Congress and this Nation on a job well done. Shirley began at Colorado Mountain College as a secretary and was later promoted to director of the college's Carbondale operations before she became the associate dean of Developmental Education and Special Programs in 1991. In that role, she has been instrumental in facilitating developmental education program that transforms the lives of students everyday. Shirley is known for her excellent managerial skills and has lead her peers and colleagues by example. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to bring Shirley Bowen to the attention of my colleagues before this venerable body. I would like to join all the Colorado Mountain College faculty, students, and administration in wishing Shirley luck in a happy and productive retirement. Administrators like Shirley who embody the passion of teaching our nation's youth are an invaluable asset to this community and I am sure that everyone at Colorado Mountain College will miss her. Congratulations, Shirley, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the passing of a kind and caring woman from my district. Lotte Bresnitz, a longtime community activist and dedicated nurse recently passed away at the age of eighty- five in Aspen, Colorado. She was a kind and generous soul and it is a privilege to recognize her life and service before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Lotte was born in Nuremberg, Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1938, where she made her home in Cincinnati. She studied to become a registered nurse, and during her studies met and eventually married Kurt Bresnitz. After Kurt was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, the couple moved to Denver where Lotte took a job as the head nurse in the emergency room at Rose Memorial Hospital. In 1950, while Lotte and Kurt were on vacation in Aspen, they fell in love with the town and decided to relocate. Lotte worked as the head nurse at the Aspen Hospital and Kurt opened a Jewelry Store. After the birth of their two children, John and Carol, Lotte retired to become a full-time mother and continued to volunteer with organizations like the League of Women Voters, and the Senior Citizens Council. Mr. Speaker, Lotte Bresnitz was an endearing woman whose five decades of volunteer work throughout the Aspen community made her one of the most recognizable faces in the area. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation today to recognize her outstanding record of service. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family at this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Harry Ballard Harris, an outstanding gentleman and dedicated community member of Cisco, Utah. Harry has led a full life, including eighty years working as a cowboy and rancher and thirty years working for the State Highway Department of Utah. He recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday and it is a privilege to recognize his contributions to his community and his zest for life before this body of Congress and this Nation. Harry grew up in Elgin, Utah, and began working as a ranch hand driving cattle at the age of sixteen. He worked for the Utah State Highway Department for thirty years in a remote area where sanding was shoveled by hand and medical care was not readily accessible. As a result, Harris became both a part-time medic and deputy sheriff. In 1975 he was awarded the outstanding male employee for his service to the state. Harry also took river sediment samples for the Moab U.S. Geological Survey and received the John Campanius Holm award and the Thomas Jefferson award for providing weather information to the National Weather Service for more than thirty-seven years. He also served his community as an election judge and part-time school board member. Harry married Wava Robb in 1937 and together they ran a small service station and the post office, where they encountered many interesting people from all over the world. There is even a Johnny Cash song that was inspired by an adventure in Cisco when Harry helped him change a flat tire. After his wife's death in 1969, he married Ruth Maxine a few years later. Through their joint role working at the highway 128 service station they were named the 1986-1987 Tourism Ambassadors for the Canyonlands Travel Region. They promoted the area through colorful signs that talked of the scenic attractions of the area, recreational opportunities, locations of local churches and services to tourists and natives alike. Mr. Speaker, Harry Ballard Harris is an outstanding member of his local Utah community who has served his local government and the people of Utah with dedication and pride for several years and remains a constant fixture of the lives of the people around him. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his life and service. Thanks for all your hard work Harry and I look forward to congratulating you on your 100th birthday!

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to mourn the passing of Kay Williams from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Kay recently passed away at the age of ninety this past Monday. She was known for her strong, independent will, unique sense of humor and avid enthusiasm for sports. As her family and friends mourn this loss, I believe it is appropriate to remember Kay and pay tribute to her memory before this body of Congress and Nation today. Kay was born in Ontario, Canada, and educated in Windsor, Toronto and Florence, Italy. Her family often spent the winter months of the year in Naples, Florida, fishing for mangrove snapper, grouper and pompano. During one of these trips, Kay met her husband Hank whom she married in 1941. As a wedding gift, Hank purchased a ranch in Canyon Creek, Colorado where they settled and operated a dairy cattle operation dubbed the H- Lazy-K. What initially started as a cattle ranch expanded into other areas including a successful guest ranch. Kay operated her Rock-n-Pines Guest Ranch until her death. Kay was a sports enthusiast who took pleasure in golfing, fishing, and bowling, and was a devoted Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan. In her spare time, she also enjoyed traveling, reading, knitting, and arranging flowers. Kay had a generous heart and told endearing stories to everyone she knew. She bettered the lives of those around her, and played host to many patrons of the guest ranch over the years. Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Kay Williams, though take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is overshadowed only by the legacy of kindness and generosity that Kay has left with us. I know that many throughout our state who had the chance to benefit from the opportunity of meeting Kay will miss her kind heart and generous spirit. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker it is with a sad heart that I rise to mourn the passing of Ronald Walden from Durango, CO. Ronald was a dedicated teacher and talented baseball coach and recruiter. It is my privilege to recognize and pay tribute to his service to the Durango community and the state of Colorado before this body of Congress and this Nation. At age 15, Ronald was the youngest person ever certified to coach Little League Baseball. Ronald's interest in the sport grew, and when he graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Eastern Illinois University, he began coaching baseball and teaching at Durango High School. He amassed an impressive record of accomplishments as a coach, which included over 200 victories. Ronald also served as a scout for several Major League Baseball teams, and additionally worked with the University of Arizona, and Arizona State coaches to recruit quality players. His love for the Durango area, and the kids that he coached was evident with his volunteering in the community. Ronald wrote the grant for the Drivers Simulator and Range for Charleston High School, and authored a new health, saftey and driver education program for Durango that was used as a model for other state programs. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Walden was a dedicated coach who put his heart and soul into his love for baseball and bettering his Durango community. The student body and faculty of Durango High School will surely miss his guidance and enthusiasm for life and the sport of baseball. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dennis Maes, the Chief Judge of the Pueblo, Colorado, District Court. Dennis is a man of strong convictions whose upbringing and sense of dignity permeates his courtroom and ensures that the citizens of Pueblo receive fair consideration in the cases brought before his court. It is my privilege in recognizing Judge Maes' outstanding record of service before this body of Congress and this Nation. Judge Maes was born in Trinidad and grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado where he was the eldest of eleven children. His father Leo Maes served five terms as Mayor of Walsenburg and championed issues affecting the Hispanic community. Dennis' parents taught him the value of a good education and instilled in him the idea that a community can only be as viable and credible as its citizens. Judge Maes graduated from Colorado State University at Pueblo in 1967 and immediately accepted a teaching position with Gardner Middle School. Dennis was driven to continue his education and attended the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder, Colorado. During his studies, Judge Maes was involved in the movement to bring equal rights to Hispanic Americans and advancing the civil rights agenda. After completing his law degree Dennis, returned to Pueblo working in the Pueblo County Legal Services, and the public defender's office before his appointment as Chief Judge of Colorado's 10th Judicial District by Governor Roy Romer in 1995. Mr. Speaker, Dennis Maes is a dedicated judge who has made fairness and moral conviction the center of his life. The citizens of the Pueblo community have been blessed by his leadership for twenty-two years and I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his impeccable record of service. Thank you for your service Dennis 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 Bill Dorn from Sterling, Colorado. Bill has been serving his country overseas for over ten years, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous efforts before this body of Congress and this Nation. Bill returned to Sterling after serving in the Navy in 1963, and soon thereafter began a construction business with his brothers. In 1974, he started his own business and was recognized for his architectural plans of two hotels with the Golden Crown award given by the Best Western Company to 35 of 2500 entrants every year. In 1989, Bill moved to Wiesbaden, Germany and began working for the US Army with the Community's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund. Bill has been widely recognized for his contributions to the Wiesbaden community by the Chief of US Veterans Affairs, the US Military Chief of Staff, the US Army Team of Excellence, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Great Escape Community Club. In addition, the Army Corps of Excellence and the US Army Europe (USAREUR) have recognized The Wiesbaden community for four consecutive years. Each year, Bill's contributions were specifically mentioned in the organizations reports. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Bill Dorn for his exceptional service to the US Army personnel serving in Germany. He has been widely recognized for his unwavering ability to get the job done, and the excellence with which he performs his duties. It is with great pleasure that I recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, Bill, for your hard work and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to Jim and Dee Prelesnik, two patriotic Americans from Pueblo, Colorado. The couple are ardent supporters of our troops, and country, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their tremendous display of patriotism before this body of Congress and this Nation. After September 11, 2001, the American people rallied to support their fellow citizens by hanging American flags outside their homes and on their vehicles, writing letters to the troops, and wearing red, white and blue. While driving through Pueblo, I noticed one house in particular: The house of Jim and Dee Prelesnik. I was awed by their impressive display of flags and was at once struck by their unwavering patriotism and support of our troops. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Jim and Dee for their exemplary display of love of country. They stood with their heads held high in one of our nations darkest hours, and support our troops at home and abroad. It is with great pleasure that I recognize them today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you both. I will always remember your displays and words of support and optimism.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson and thank her for her tireless efforts serving the people of Colorado as a three-term member of the Colorado State Senate. Norma will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader of her community. As she continues to serve the citizens of District 22, let it be known that she has made a great commitment to the Colorado General Assembly and the State of Colorado. Norma began her public service career when she was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives in 1986, and has been a champion of education, transportation, crime and tax reform issues in the General Assembly. She served as the Chair of the Education, Transportation and Energy, and Audit Committees and previously as the Vice-Chair of Long-Term Health Care Task Force, and Higher Education Planning Committees. After serving ten years in the State House, Norma continued her service to Colorado when she was elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1998. As a State Senator, Norma currently leads her party as the Senate Majority Leader. She serves on the Finance and Legislative Audit Committees and is the former chair of the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. Norma's major accomplishments include such important laws as the School Finance Act of 1994, the Third Grade Literacy Act and the creation of the Colorado Department of Transportation. Norma is a dedicated legislator whose leadership has been awarded with the honor of being the first woman to hold the position of Majority Leader in both the state House and state Senate. Over the course of her tenure she has been the recipient of more than sixty-five recognitions and awards including the Denver Women's Commission, the Colorado Women's Chamber Senator of the Year, and the Colorado School of Mines Medal. In addition to her service to the General Assembly, Norma is also a member of the Great Outdoors Colorado Board, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Higher Education, the American Cancer Society and several other community organizations. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Norma Anderson has ceaselessly dedicated her time and efforts to serving her country and the people of Colorado as a Colorado State Senator. 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 Norma and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to recognize the passing of Bernard Kerst, a great man from my district. Bernard spent most of his 87 years living in Yuma, Colorado, and during that time he made a significant impact on the life of countless individuals and his county. I am honored today to bring his contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this Nation. Bernard Kerst was born on July 9, 1917. When the Great Depression swept the country, he left high school and got a job to support himself and his family. He started a trucking business in his twenties and then built Victory Ships in Oregon during World War II. Afterward, he moved back to eastern Colorado, married DeVonna Gregory, and began farming and ranching. Being an avid conservationist, Bernard served on the board of the East Yuma County Soil Conservation District and was awarded the Bullshippers award from the Farm and Ranch Association for his outstanding service and leadership. Bernard was a dedicated family man, raised two children, Carolyn and Dan, had many grandchildren and was able to know his first great grandchild, Isabel Carolyn. Due to health problems, Bernard and DeVonna moved to Arizona. After DeVonna passed away in 1999, Bernard moved back to Colorado to be close to his family living in Glenwood Springs. Mr. Speaker, Bernard Kerst was a dedicated man who worked hard, supported his community and loved his family, and I am honored to pay tribute to him before this body of Congress today. I had the pleasure of knowing Bernard and worked with members of his family during my time in office, and I will miss his kind heart and wisdom. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay tribute to the passing of a great man from my district. John Stavast, a native of Denver, Colorado, recently passed away at the age of 78. Colonel Stavast dedicated 33 years of his life the armed services, in both the Army and Air Force. I am honored today to bring his contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this Nation. John joined the Army in 1944 and served in Europe during World War II as a gunner on B-17s. He was discharged in 1946 and enlisted again in 1949 earning his pilots wings. John trained Japanese Self Defense Force pilots in the USAF Air Training Command. While flying over North Vietnam in 1967, Colonel Stavast and his crewmate were shot down near Hanoi. Both men safely ejected and were taken prisoner. He endured torture for seven full days after his capture and remained a POW until 1972. During his time in the POW camp, the colonel, as the senior ranking officer, was responsible for over 200 American POW's at the prison near the Chinese border. Colonel Stavast suffered numerous injuries during his imprisonment including broken bones in his back, arms and legs, and a skull fracture. He had over 6,000 flying hours when retired from the Air Force in 1980, and was awarded many medals for his service. These include three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star for Valor, and six Air Medals. After his retirement he was a member of the Military Officers Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion, and others. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Mr. Speaker, John Stavast was a dedicated patriot that selflessly served his community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to his memory. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Al and Joanna Lacy, a retired Baptist minister and his wife who have authored numerous educational books for children. The research and historical background that Al and Joanna present in these books have helped educate kids about American history and simultaneously encourages them to read. Today I have the privilege of recognizing their service before this body of Congress and this Nation. After retiring from thirty-two years of traveling as a pastor, Al decided he wanted to write novels. Al first started with Western themes and expanded into narratives that covered religious experiences, the Civil War, the gold rush era, immigration through Ellis Island, and the lives of orphan street children. Joanna also contributed to her husband's work with her extensive background in nursing. They have spent countless hours traveling, researching, and talking with people to learn more about the local cultures and customs for the settings in their books, which makes them a source of education and excitement for young readers. Together they have made the best seller list numerous times in publishing over 102 works. Mr. Speaker, Al and Joanna Lacy have contributed much toward the education and learning of numerous children all across the country, giving parents a reliable source of entertainment for their kids. I am honored to recognize the accomplishments of Al and Joanna before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, Al and Joanna for all your hard work, and I wish you both all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Jack Quinn, the Director of the Housing Authority for the City of Pueblo, Colorado who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others in need. It is a privilege to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his outstanding record of service to the Pueblo community today. Jack grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in Chemistry, but his life took a different path when he took a volunteer job with the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo. After teaching grade school Jack found his passion working with the Pueblo Housing Authority where he has served with distinction for thirty-six years. Today, he and his sixty-five person staff manage 2,500 housing units in the city. They are responsible for renovating several Pueblo properties and turning them into affordable housing for low-income families, preserving historical landmarks in the process. In addition to his work with the Housing Authority, Jack spends his spare time serving on local boards such as the United Way, the Packard Foundation and the Boys Club. Mr. Speaker, Jack Quinn is a dedicated member of his community who has made a difference in the lives of his fellow citizens. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his exemplary record of service. Thanks for all your hard work Jack, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ken Reyher, colorful storyteller, author, and performer from Olathe, Colorado who educates his fellow citizens about the history of the America's beginnings in the West. Ken is an excellent teacher who stimulates his listeners interest in our Nation's history, and it is my privilege in recognizing his service and passion for history before this body of Congress and this Nation. Ken is an avid historian, and former schoolteacher who reenacts the Western lifestyle by hiking the old trapper trails in authentic clothing from the 1830's. He shares his experiences and understanding of Western Colorado in a couple of performances every month, including using his own cowboy poetry and costumes. Additionally, Ken has published several books and magazine articles on the subject. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Southeast Colorado as a kid, Ken has always had a passion for the West and believes that it is important that history is passed on from generation to generation. Mr. Speaker, Ken Reyher is a man who has developed his passion into a wonderful learning tool for children and adults of all ages that yearn to discover the mysteries of the American West. I am honored to recognize such a dedicated teacher and storyteller before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thanks for your passion and your service to Colorado, Ken, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Rick Hanson, a strong-willed individual who has persevered through near insurmountable physical challenges and provides inspiration to his fellow citizens. I am proud to stand here with my colleagues before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his triumph of will, and strength of conviction. During Rick's early teens, it was discovered he had a brain tumor. Rick's condition continued to worsen, and doctors and family members feared he would not pull through. Eventually, Rick was diagnosed with a rare condition of adrenal insufficiency, and his hormone and hydrocortisone treatments have helped him finally turn the corner. After twenty-five years of illness, at age forty-three, Rick on the road to recovery, is taking therapeutic horseback riding lessons, a pastime that he enjoyed as a child growing up in Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, Rick Hanson's unrelenting will and sheer determination has helped him to stave off illness in the face of the gravest of circumstances. His story of improvement is an inspiration to us all, and I am honored by the opportunity to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend J.D. Lunsford from my district as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement from the plumbing and heating business. Lunsford Brothers Mechanical Contractors of Grand Junction, Colorado, stands as a tribute to its founder and his 35 years of dedication to his community. It is my pleasure to congratulate J.D. before this body of Congress and this Nation on a job well done. A devout member of the First Assembly of God Church, J.D. began his family business with a skill and a prayer. After almost a decade as an employee for another mechanical contractor, J.D. received his master plumber's license and began looking for an opportunity to go out on his own in the plumbing and heating business. With only $2,000 saved for supplies and materials, J.D. founded Lunsford Brothers Mechanical Contractors. J.D. immediately went to work on a 42-unit condominium in the Colorado Mountains shortly before the beginning of the ski season, coming through in the clutch and firmly establishing a reputation for solid workmanship. Growing Lunsford Brothers into a successful business is the realization of a powerful dream and the beginning of a family tradition of service to the Grand Junction community. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to bring J.D. Lunsford to the attention of my colleagues before this venerable body. I would like to join Lunsford Brothers' 45 employees in wishing J.D. luck in what hopes to be a happy and productive retirement. Small businesses like Lunsford Brothers are the backbone of our Nation and encompass the spirit of American enterprise. Congratulations, J.D., and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Andy Fautheree, a dedicated Veterans Service officer from Archuleta County, Colorado. He has made a difference in the lives of Colorado veterans and I have the privilege of standing before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his impeccable record of service. Andy began working for the veterans service three years ago, and in that short time has made numerous strides in improving the lives of veterans in Archuleta County. He has increased the number of enrolled veterans receiving compensation and pension claims from 750 to 1,300 and has streamlined many of the procedural hassles of paperwork by entering the data in computer programs that are now utilized throughout the state. Andy helps veterans to go after lost medals, acquire life and health insurance, education benefits, and income-based pensions. For his efforts Andy received the 2004 Outstanding Veterans Service Officer award from the Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs for his outstanding commitment and improved service to the veterans of Archuleta County. Mr. Speaker, Andy Fautheree has shown an amazing dedication in helping Colorado's veterans. He has improved the lives of members of his community and I am honored to recognize his accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation today. Keep up the good work Andy, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a tremendous public servant from my hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado. Kristi Knowles was recently nominated as Grand Junction, Colorado's ``Officer of the Year''; it is my honor to call her heroic service to the attention of this body of Congress and this Nation. Kristi began her service to the City of Grand Junction in July of 1999, signing on as a telecommunicator with the Regional Communication Center. She rose quickly through the ranks eventually earning a position as a sworn police officer in the Grand Junction Police Department's Patrol Section. Since assuming this role, Kristi has continually exhibited a unique commitment to the job and people she is sworn to protect and defend. Overtime, Kristi has distinguished herself in cases involving domestic violence. Kristi always goes above and beyond the call of duty by comforting victims of domestic violence and ensuring they have access to community resources. Kristi even went so far as to reach out to the staff at the Latimer House to ensure that she was doing everything she could to help the victim. Community policing is truly a community effort, and Kristi Knowles has certainly done her part. She is a shining example to officers throughout the nation of the passion and concern, which is so vital to accomplishing the mission given to our law enforcement officials each day. It is my honor to congratulate Kristi before my colleagues in the Congress. Her recognition is well-deserved, and I wish her nothing but the best as she continues to serve the Grand Junction community. Thank you for your service, Kristi!

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Kris Gardner, a skillful business manager and dedicated member of her Glenwood Springs, Colorado community. Kris has devoted over thirty years to Alpine Bank and I am proud to stand here with my colleagues before this body of Congress and this Nation today to recognize her many years of service. The first female bank president of Alpine Bank, Kris' talent and dedication has made much of Alpine Bank's success possible through the years. Over the course of her career she has been named Businesswoman of the Year and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce from 1980 through 1983. She has served on the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce, is the past director of the Colorado Bankers Association, and is an appointee of Colorado Governor Bill Owens as a member of the Fire and Police Pension Association. Kris is a strong role model for her peers and colleagues, leading by example in her community. Mr. Speaker, Kris Gardner has persistently worked to better her community through service and hard work for over 30 years with Alpine Bank. I am honored to recognize her contributions to the town of Glenwood Springs before this body of Congress and this nation. Thanks for all your hard work, Kris, and I wish you and your family all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Palisade Lions Club stilt walkers who have walked in parades all over the country, to bring attention to the Colorado peach industry and the benevolent goals of the Colorado Lions Club. Their efforts continue to distinguish the heritage of Palisade, Colorado and a statue to commemorate the walkers was recently dedicated to the town on its centennial anniversary. It is my privilege in recognizing their accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation. The original five stilt walkers included Gene Taylor, Ray Denison, Bob Ames, and Hampton and Lyndon Granat. The stilts were functionally used to prune the higher sections of fruit trees, but after their first appearance in a parade in 1955 they became the symbol of the Lions Club International and the Colorado peach industry. Together the stilt walkers and their wives made their own costumes and traveled to parades in Chicago, New York City, and numerous local Colorado events, grabbing the attention of newspapers all across the country. Mr. Speaker, the original stilt walkers of the Palisade Lions Club have since passed away, but their memory lives on in the community and the peach industry as the town of Palisade celebrates its centennial this year. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize their unique heritage.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Marjorie Long, a retired teacher from Delta, Colorado who recently celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday. A lifelong teacher, Marjorie has compiled a long record of service and dedication to her fellow Coloradans. It is my privilege to recognize her service today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Marjorie taught her students more than just English and Mathematics, instilling in them a desire to do their very best. She was a commanding presence in the classroom whose lessons were the foundation of students that went on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, businessmen, and judges. Her students respected and admired her; several of them continue to demonstrate their respect by calling, writing and looking her up when they pass through the area. Upon retirement Marjorie took up cooking for the ranch hands that worked the family farm and became an active and distinguished member of the Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Speaker, Marjorie Long is a dedicated public servant who has bettered her community by enriching the lives of Colorado students. I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation today to recognize her many years of service and hard work. Thank you for your devotion to education Marjorie, and I wish you a happy ninety- ninth birthday.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Sue Shelton, a talented and respected teacher at Rocky Ford High School in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Sue has diligently worked to educate the region's youth for 21 years and is considered a strong leader in her community. It is a privilege to recognize her impeccable service before this body of Congress and this Nation. Teaching is a family tradition in Sue's family that has involved her mother, grandmother, and most recently, her sister. Sue teaches Language Arts and English at Rocky Ford High School, winning several awards for her excellence in teaching including honors by her fellow faculty members and the student body. Sue makes learning fun for her students and encourages patriotism in the classroom by implementing the Voice of Democracy essay contest into the curriculum. The contest requires students to keep research logs about patriotism and write speeches about what patriotism means to them before submitting their essays to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post that annually chooses a winner. Mr. Speaker, Sue is a devoted and compassionate teacher that has made learning an exciting and rewarding experience for her students. I am honored to recognize her commitment to teaching Colorado's children for 21 years before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you for your service Sue, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize to the Bovard Family and their distinguished tradition in the horse industry. Their dedication and success in the industry is due to the contributions of four generations of Bovard family members working on the farm. It is my privilege today in recognizing their achievements before this body of Congress and this Nation. The Bovard legacy began forty-three years ago when Larry Bovard went out to the race track to look for work after admiring his older brother's work as a horse trainer. He landed a job as a horse groomer for a horse racing tycoon and continued there until he moved onto other work before joining the army in 1969. Upon his return from service, Larry settled in Ridgeway, Colorado with his wife Roma, raising cattle. Roma's family had raised Percheron horses for years and in 1984, the Bovards got their chance to raise their own team. The Bovard family gave sleigh rides, wagon rides, and drove newlyweds about in stage coaches until they acquired ranch property of their own in Montrose. Currently the Bovards have 30 head of award-winning Percheron horses that placed in nine out of twelve class competitions at the National Western Stock Show. Mr. Speaker, the Bovard family has demonstrated a love for horses that has transcended four generations and their success today is due to the dedication that the entire family puts in day after day from dawn to dusk. I am honored to recognize their accomplishments before this body of Congress and this Nation.