Scott Tipton

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. It truly is. I believe that I grew up with--and perhaps you did, too. My parents raised me with phrases like ``Yankee ingenuity,'' ``American know-how.'' And I think that when we look at the entire mesh of what's been coming out of Washington, frankly, over the course of the last 10 years, we have seen an overreach of government, which has stifled American creativity. I'm a small business man, not a career politician. I've actually gotten my hands dirty. I've created a business from the ground up. I have risked. We've had to work hard. But one thing I've learned being a small business man is you have to be nimble. You have to be creative in terms of addressing the problems. One of the real challenges that we face is there seems to be a mentality in Washington, D.C., that once a program starts, it never ends. We will build on it. We will expand it. We will create redundancies, and we will build out that bureaucracy. In the private sector, we do things a little bit differently. Periodically, we audit. We take a look to see what we are doing and is it achieving the goals that we are trying to achieve. If not, we eliminate it. We start to approach it from a different fashion to be able to make it work. I think it's that sort of creativity, that sort of nimbleness, which Washington lacks, and it's what the American people are truly crying for. They want to see us be innovative. If it isn't working, don't do it. Ronald Reagan made the comment, he said the nearest thing to eternal life on Earth is a government program. Nothing has ever been said that is probably more true here on Earth.

Mr. TIPTON. You know, it really is. We just finished a tour of the Third Congressional District of Colorado. Our district is about the size of the State of Florida, the fifth largest congressional district in the United States which is not an entire State, a massive land area, a lot of diversity in terms of the economies. Incredibly interesting to me as we traveled throughout that Third Congressional District over this past week, we put on probably a little better than 1,500 miles. Better than 30-plus meetings throughout that district. The frustration level of the American people, the people in my district, their understanding of the challenges that we face as a nation is truly remarkable. The American people get it. And what they want to see out of Washington is that Washington truly gets it. As we're looking at your chart right now and we go to the revenues that are coming in, the spending which is going out, we're looking at a $1.5 trillion deficit that we are facing. That's going to be going on top of a debt in this country of $14.3 trillion, an unsustainable glide path that is going to take us to economic ruin. As I traveled through my district, we found people that understood that it's important to be able to build for the future. We challenged them, and they rose to that challenge when we brought it down to taking a picture out of their own wallet and looking at their child or their grandchild. Many of us, myself and perhaps you as well, were raised with that concept of the American Dream. We always believed that we would have it better than our parents and our grandparents before them. The challenge which lies before us is to deliver that American Dream to our children and to our grandchildren. I was in a conversation with a man from Craig, Colorado, born in 1924. In this conversation he recounted his life. He talked about living through the Great Depression; obviously, World War II. And we were talking about the economic circumstances of our time. And he said, Scott, this is the challenge of your generation. The question yet to be answered is: Will we rise to meet that challenge? We've seen the government--and I think none of us can question the intent has always been good. And I would challenge anyone who will demonize others for their intent, because I think no matter whatever program, there was a thought behind it. But the problem is, as Americans, when we pull that checkbook out of our hip pocket, we know there's only so much money. And if we exceed that amount, there are going to be consequences that have to be paid. That's the reality that the American people expect us to truly deal with here in Washington. And they know that there are going to be some sacrifices. But those sacrifices are going to be from the standpoint that we have overspent. We're going to have to cut back. We have to be looking to the future. We have to be standing for our children, for our grandchildren, to deliver that dream that we have always believed as the American promise.

Mr. TIPTON. I think that, first of all, just to set the plate, and I know that you will join with me on this, we have an obligation to our senior citizens that are receiving Social Security, to those who are about to receive it. And we also have another obligation, again, to our children and our grandchildren. And we need to be able to have that conversation in terms of how are we going to make sure that their opportunities are going to be the equivalent or even better than what our current senior citizens are receiving. You show a pattern right now in terms of average revenues in relation to expenditures, particularly as baby boomers come on line. That is going to be something that we are going to have to deal with as a Congress, and I think it's something certainly that they're expecting leadership out of Washington. We are compassionate people. We will stand up for our senior citizens. It's a pledge that I made that I will keep for our senior citizens that are receiving Social Security. But I'm also making a pledge to our children and our grandchildren. We are going to be looking at ways to be able to address this so that their future can be as bright and they're going to be looking at a better America as well.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Repealing the 1099 requirement is a good start, and our focus must remain on restoring a stable climate in our economy so it will not be rife with uncertainty and overregulation so small business, the backbone of our economy, can do what it does best: create jobs and grow our economy. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade for the Small Business Committee, I will take action. The fact that the Federal regulation targets on small businesses more than on any other sector is not acceptable. It's time we change the way that regulation is enacted and increase congressional oversight.

Mr. TIPTON. I thank the gentleman from Missouri. Mr. Speaker, regulations cost the American people $1.75 trillion annually. And just last year, the Obama administration unleashed 46 new regulations that will place an additional $26.5 billion drain on the American economy. Of those 46 new regulations, 10 came from the EPA, including job- killing regulations of carbon emissions and increased CAFE standards. The cost of these new EPA regulations alone total $23 billion annually. These EPA regulations run counter to the free market principles and directly impact rural communities, small businesses, and families in my district. We simply cannot continue down the path of creating unnecessary regulatory traps that drain our economy and do little more than penalize small businesses and discourage job creation. To be clear, not all regulations are unwarranted. Commonsense rules play an important role in our economy and in keeping the American people safe. However, common sense has been lost in the regulatory process that has become politicized and wrought with bureaucracy and overlap. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the negative impacts that unnecessary regulations and excessive government involvement can have on entrepreneurs. Just yesterday, I participated in a hearing with the Small Business Committee where we focused on one such example of the job-killing government interference of the 1099 reporting requirement included in the President's health care law.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, It is my sincere privilege to rise and pay tribute to the lifetime achievements of Robert H. Rawlings, a man whose personal compass has guided him to business success, philanthropic accomplishment, and given him a deep conviction for civic duty. For all of this Mr. Rawlings will be the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Rocky Mountain Council and The Boy Scouts of America. In receipt of this prestigious honor, Robert Rawlings joins an exclusive fraternity whose roster includes Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and President Gerald Ford. This Las Animas, Colorado, native is most prominently known for his successful ownership and editing of The Pueblo Chieftain, Southern Colorado's most circulated publication. This alone merits recognition, but Mr. Rawlings' accomplishments are far more reaching than simply owning and editing a newspaper. Mr. Rawlings admirably served his country in World War II as a member of the Navy in the South Pacific. Then he endeavored to become the newsman he is today. As his newspaper career began to flourish, so did Mr. Rawlings ability to give back to Southern Colorado. The size and scope of his community involvement has been immense; ranging from the financing and leadership behind the Robert H. Rawlings Outdoors Sports Complex to co-founding of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Rawlings has also made notable contributions as president of the Colorado Press Association, Colorado Associated Press, Colorado Bar Press; he has been involved with the Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library, served as chairman of The Pueblo Medal of Honor Committee, and has worked to establish a water district to help preserve Arkansas Valley water. This may sound like an incredible list of accomplishments, but it only scratches the surface of what Robert H. Rawlings has been able to do for Southern Colorado, and our nation. Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of man more deserving of this esteemed honor than Mr. Robert H. Rawlings.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And, indeed it was. Thank you so much for your hospitality. That was exceptional. Members, in 1976, I had the honor and pleasure of serving as the youngest delegate to the Republican National Convention. At that convention, I listened to Ronald Reagan tell us, ``Go out and communicate to the world that we may be fewer in numbers than we have ever been, but we carry the message that they are waiting for.'' His words inspired me to the realization that ours is a Nation of ascendancy, and filled me with hope for the future. Like then, the future of our country now depends upon our present actions and our ability to deliver a powerful message. Our message is, and must be, clear. We cannot continue down a path of reckless spending that satisfies government excess while enslaving future generations to insurmountable debt. It is time that we roll up our sleeves. For while many may have never met a government program that they do not like, it is time that we get to work cutting spending. We must embrace Reagan's prudence and heed his warning that government always finds a need for whatever money it gets, and remember that it is our responsibility to tend that fragile flame of liberty so that our children and grandchildren may know brighter days.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Daniel John Dennehy, of Del Norte, Colorado, who recently passed away. Daniel was a career sailor in the U.S. Navy, an avid outdoorsman and expert knife maker. A distinguished member of the United States armed forces, he joined the Navy at a young age and served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He retired from active duty in 1970 as a chief petty officer. Daniel was known worldwide for his expert knowledge in the art of knife-making, and for his highly coveted ``Dan-D'' knives. During World War II, he crafted and sold knives to Marines as they went into battle. Later in life he started his own knife-making company, Dan-D knives. Dennehy's knives are recognized globally as top of the line outdoor and tactical knives. They have been included in national outdoor and sporting publications and notable public figures such as Clint Eastwood, Barry Goldwater and Steve Miller count themselves as Dan-D knife owners. Most importantly, his knives have been at the front lines of every conflict since World War II. Elite units to include Navy SEALS, Marine Force Recon and Army Special Forces rely on Dan-D knives for their durability and high quality construction. Daniel was an accomplished writer, an avid reader, hunter, fisher and competitive marksman. He was a regular contributor to numerous publications, writing editorials about various topics including politics and government. He was a lifelong learner and obsessive reader. Daniel was an accomplished marksman, and in the 1970's lent his time as a volunteer deputy sheriff for the Rio Grande Sheriff's Office. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Daniel's significant contributions to his community and his trade, and thank him and his family for his military service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a considerable privilege for me to rise and pay honor to the career of Mr. Linwood Warwick. Aside from being a loving husband, and a caring father of six children, Mr. Warwick was a dedicated musical educator who mentored and inspired his students for nearly a half-century. Lin Warwick is a native of Colorado's San Luis Valley, an area in which he had a profound impact teaching music for forty-seven years at Alamosa, Centauri and Sangre de Cristo Schools. His quality as a musical instructor is illustrated by the countless trophies his bands have been awarded throughout the years. 36 marching trophies in all. The state of Colorado recently inducted Warwick into the Colorado Music Educators Association Hall of Fame as a token of appreciation for his enduring legacy as an excellent music educator in the San Luis Valley. Though Mr. Warwick has retired from teaching music, his passion for the art still burns strong as he still participates as a member in multiple bands. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor for me to stand and acknowledge the career of Mr. Linwood Warwick. A man who chose to give so much back to the community he was raised in; the school districts in the San Luis Valley will ever be indebted to an educator who strived to bring the most out of everyone he worked with.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure as a Colorado Congressman to rise and give tribute to a man whose vision for the future is only surpassed by the passion he has for his community. Pueblo resident John Verna has selflessly used his own success to enhance the city he resides in, and for his decades of commitment to Southern Colorado he has been recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year. Mr. Verna is a successful entrepreneur, and a business man with a fruitful career that has involved many pursuits. John Verna owned and operated a landscaping company for more than thirty years, and was a major factor in the development of Lake Pueblo. Even more impressive than Mr. Verna's accomplished record in business is his ability to help the city of Pueblo, Colorado. He has served on the Pueblo Community College Foundation, the Youth Track Academy Advisory Commission, Pueblo City Council and the Pueblo Medal of Honor Foundation. Mr. Verna had such an effect on the Medal of Honor Foundation, that he brought the national convention to Pueblo in 2000. John was also very influential in leading the way for the new Pueblo Convention Center. John Verna's hard work and devotion has helped and improved his community in countless ways. Mr. Verna is a pillar within his community, and for his endless efforts he has been duly recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to stand and recognize the accomplishments of Mr. John Verna. He is a wonderful example to all citizens of our country, and I congratulate him on his achievement as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and privilege of mine to rise and pay tribute to a lady who represents dignity, relentless perseverance and the pioneer spirit. Mrs. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers is an inspirational woman who can lay claim to being many different things at once. Most importantly she is the loving mother and grandmother of three wonderful daughters and many grandchildren. Aside from being the matriarch of her family, she is also a passionate philanthropist, a talented business woman and a dedicated rancher. Mrs. Anschutz-Rodgers was born on the Kansas countryside, and those rural roots have never left her sense of being. She went on to graduate from the University of Kansas. She then moved to Arkansas before putting permanent roots in Denver with the rest of her family. It was not long before Anschutz-Rodgers results driven attitude began making great contributions to Denver and to Colorado. She has been a staple on the Anschutz Family Foundation since its inception in 1982, and is now the chairwoman and president. The Anschutz Family Foundation has been instrumental in aiding urban and rural charities and organizations across the State of Colorado. Mrs. Anschutz-Rodgers also owns and operates an impressive cattle ranch on Colorado's western slope. She is a reputable cattlewoman, and a champion of ranching causes throughout Colorado and the western United States. Sue has developed a remarkable ability to translate her own personal success as a philanthropist and business minded cattlewoman into benefitting Colorado and the way of life she loves. Anschutz-Rodgers has actively supported and become closely involved in a multitude of beneficial organizations. She was an original member of the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Land Trust and actively serves the National Western Stock Show. In keeping with her rural background she has been instrumental in bringing about Colorado Philanthropy Days, which brings non-profit organizations to the rural regions of Colorado. She is also on the board of Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Cortez, CO; which strives to preserve the Native American culture in the Southwest part of our state. Anschutz- Rodgers is also quite active in The National Stroke Association, The Boy Scouts of America and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers has been a pillar in the Colorado Community, and has relentlessly given herself to countless causes that benefit an untold amount of people. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers is the embodiment of the age old adage that to whom much is given, much is expected. Actions speak louder than words, and her actions reveal a woman who is dedicated to improving the world she lives in.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alex Walker IV, of Salida, Colorado. The Colorado District Attorneys Council named him Investigator of the Year for his outstanding track record and tenacious work ethic. A native of Salida, Alex has progressively worked his way up through the law enforcement field. He served as a corrections officer at the Buena Vista prison for two years before becoming a detective at the Salida Police Department. After four years of detective work, Alex went to work for the 11th Judicial District Attorney's office as an investigator. Superiors and coworkers quickly recognized Alex's high level of integrity and determined approach to tackling tough cases. One murder case required Alex to document 60 miles of disjointed and rambling crime scene to prep a case for trial, a task few others wanted to take on. Another case looked hopeless after three failed searches for a missing murder weapon. After other members of his team thought it was a lost cause, Alex was able to turn up with the weapon and close the case for good. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Alex Walker's committed approach to law enforcement. I would like to thank him for his service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Ruth Humphreys Brown of Aspen, Colorado. She passed away on December 30, 2010, at the age of 90. Ruth was an important contributor in her community. Mrs. Brown grew up in Denver and received an education from the Kent School, Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and Finch College in New York. After graduation, she served in World War II as a Women's Air Force Service Pilot and received the Congressional Gold Medal for her wartime efforts. Following the war, she returned to her home in Colorado to start a family and small business. Brown married her husband, DRC Brown, and the two settled in Carbondale, Colorado, where they lived on a ranch for more than three decades. Brown was a leader in her community and a constant contributor to the public good. She helped start the Tri County Medical Center, The Brown Ice Palace, the Aspen Recovery Unit, a blind skiing program, and the first Outward Bound program in the United States. In 1959, Mrs. Brown started a foundation in her name to benefit non-profits in Colorado. The city of Aspen has honored her by inducting Mrs. Brown into the Aspen Hall of Fame. Ruthie's Run, on Aspen, bears her name for her efforts in the skiing community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor a great American and committed citizen, wife and mother. Ruth Humphreys Brown deserves the recognition of this body for her service to her community and her country.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Martha Elizabeth Werner Hazard, of Monte Vista, Colorado. Martha passed away this January, and she will be remembered for her passion for teaching and her service to her community. A native of Moffat, Colorado, Martha graduated from Moffat High School and attended Western State College, eventually graduating from Adams State College, and embarking on a 35-year teaching career. Starting out in a one-room school house in Crested Butte, she eventually moved to Saguache to teach the first grade for the rest of her career. Even after her retirement in 1989, she spent a decade on the Saguache School Board serving her community. Martha was involved in all aspects of her hometown. She was a Girl Scout leader, pep club sponsor, and leader in her school and church. She was also responsible for feeding hired help, in addition to her large family at Hazard family ranch. Martha loved the outdoors, reading, and helping others, in addition to spending as much time as possible with her family. Mr. Speaker, Martha will be deeply missed by her family and her community, but her contributions will not be forgotten. I would like to thank her for her dedication to educating our youth and for her service to her community.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Detective Ted Valerio of Montrose, Colorado. The Montrose Police Department recently awarded him the Employee of the Year for 2010, as well as a Merit Citation. Detective Valerio was hired on April 30, 2001. Since then, his superiors and coworkers have recognized him as a respected individual of exceptional character and integrity. Detective Valerio has taken the lead and solved a number of important felony cases in the past decade and continues to prove himself an asset on the force. Aside from his responsibilities as a detective, he administers pre-hire polygraph exams for all police department employees--he is the second polygraph examiner to ever work in the Montrose Police Department. Detective Valerio also serves on the Montrose Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT), which carries a great risk of personal injury. Mr. Speaker, Detective Valerio is consummate law enforcement professional and I am proud to congratulate him on his recent awards. I would also like to thank him and the countless other officers who continue to serve their communities.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege as the representative of Colorado's 3rd district to rise and pay tribute to the inspirational life of Mrs. Marianna Raftopoulos. Mrs. Raftopoulos was a woman with a deep sense of civic conviction, a loving wife and mother of three. Marianna Raftopoulos was raised on a sheep ranch in Western Colorado, and the spirit of the west remained with her for the duration of her exemplary life. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Marianna pursued many passions. Most notably were her efforts to improve Moffat County, and the Colorado Republican Party. She was a champion of many causes including chairwoman of the Republican Central Committee, The Moffat Tunnel Commission, The Moffat County Economic Development Partnership, and served as a Moffat County commissioner and chairwoman of Colorado Wildlife Commission. With the passing of Marianna Raftopoulos, Western Colorado has lost an inspiring leader, and our nation has lost a great patriot. Mr. Speaker, it has been a true honor to stand in tribute and pay respect to the life of Mrs. Marianna Raftopoulos. She was a great leader, who is still greatly missed.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Center for American Values (CAV) based in Pueblo, Colorado. They recently opened their doors with a mission to preserve fundamental American ideals including honor, integrity and patriotism. The organization is committed to ensuring that the values this nation was founded on are passed down to future generations. The Center for American Values launch late last year was inspired by a few devoted individuals who seek to recognize citizens who have taken great risks in the name of protecting America's freedom. CAV's mission statement is concise: ``A nonpartisan organization committed to recognizing the need to honor the extreme sacrifices made to help sustain America's values. We strive to ensure these extraordinary actions are preserved . . . forever.'' CAV emphasizes Medal of Honor recipients and other military heroes, and fittingly so--Pueblo is the home of four Medal of Honor recipients. Cofounders Drew Dix, a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor winner, and Dr. Adolph Padula, who produced a documentary on Medal of Honor recipients, saw CAV as an opportunity to ensure that American citizens do not forget what makes our nation unique and exceptional. Both men also note that CAV honors heroes from all segments of society. For instance, the organization stresses remembrance of those who have taken economic risks when starting a new business. Regardless of their background, risk-takers continue to propel our country forward. Currently, The Center for American Values is directed by Tom Allee, with support from its corporate officers Brad Padula and Drew Dix, and board members Sue Smith and Bob Root. CAV is lined with over 140 pictures of Medal of Honor recipients and the building that the organization occupies has been fully renovated from its previous crumbling state. Through community outreach, educational opportunities, and frequent conferences and partnerships with charitable organizations, the CAV will continue to carry out its mission statement for years to come. Ultimately, CAV hopes to influence societal values on a national stage. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand here today to recognize The Center for American Values. Their commitment to the public good and preservation of fundamental American ideals is a great service to the citizens of Pueblo and the nation at large.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Watt of Montrose, Colorado. She has an exemplary record of public service to her community and has given countless hours of service to her hometown. Mary began her remarkable career in public service in 1973, starting as an executive assistant to the city manager of Montrose. In 1979, she was promoted to city clerk and treasurer, where she handled a variety of issues, including budget preparation, administration of municipal elections, and interpretation of municipal and city ordinances. In 1993, Mary was given the post of administrative services director and city clerk. In this capacity she was recognized as a top public administrator, receiving the Manager's Award for Excellence in 1996, which cited her ability to balance her professional duties while remaining intensely involved in community service. Mary has quickly climbed the professional ladder in the past decade, rising from administrative services director in 2004, to interim city manager in 2005. In August 2005, the Montrose City Council appointed her as full- time City Manager, where she currently serves as CEO of Montrose, Colorado. Mary is capable of lending her managerial and organizational skills in to a variety of roles--she is truly multitalented. For instance, she served on the Montrose Chamber of Commerce, where she eventually led the organization as president. Her outreach and influence extends far beyond her professional life, too. Since 1980, she has been an active member of the Altrusa Club, a community service organization in Montrose. She has selflessly helped guide the club in multiple roles, most notably as president in 1986. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mary's track record as a reliable public leader. She has given decades of her life in pursuit of improving local government and her community.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 24, I was with a Medal of Honor winner. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Fort Lewis College, of Durango, Colorado, on January 25, 1911. Fort Lewis College has continually provided a world-class liberal arts education for students of 47 States and is consistently recognized as a top university in the United States. On January 25, 1911, Governor John Shafroth signed a bill creating an agricultural high school open to all students and offering a free education to Native Americans. The school received $60,000 in funding for its first year from the State of Colorado. Since then, Fort Lewis College has proven itself able to adapt to the educational needs of its time. The school has progressed from agricultural high school to a junior college in 1927 and eventually a four year liberal arts college. The school has survived numerous attempts to shut it down, and in 1948 became an independent educational institution under the Colorado State Board of Agriculture. In 1956, Fort Lewis College, then Fort Lewis A&M, officially moved to its present location in Durango, Colorado. Fort Lewis College offers a demanding, stimulating college experience, fostering a culture of learning that values community outreach and a strong liberal arts education. Fort Lewis College boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including five Colorado Professor of the Year awards--only the U.S. Air Force Academy has a higher number of professors with the same distinction in Colorado. Of four year institutions, Fort Lewis College awards the highest number of bachelor's degrees to Native Americans. Eleven NCAA Division II varsity teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the college offers ninety unique academic programs and seventy student organizations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Fort Lewis College, my alma mater, for turning 100, and wish the institution another 100 years of academic success.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Lee Dill of Pueblo, Colorado, for his service to his community and his immense contribution to local, State, and Federal Government. Dave was born in Lamar, Missouri, and moved around the State until he graduated from high school in Springfield. After his diploma, Dave served in the Navy and trained to be a hospital corpsman. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he went back to night school at Drury College in Springfield to earn his bachelor's in history while he simultaneously worked full-time and started a family. He has spent a career rising through the ranks of the operations management field in various States and in 1994 was promoted to vice president of operations at Artistic Greetings, in Elmira, New York. By 1997, Dave and his family decided they needed to move back home to Pueblo, Colorado. Dave has always been intensely interested in government and has dedicated much of his life to fostering strong civic ties between citizens and elected officials. While living in Colorado Springs as a young man, Dave's employer suggested he meet his Congressman and other office holders. Since then, Dill has felt a need to serve others and motivate them to care about their elected representatives. Dill has risen through the ranks of the Republican Party, starting as a volunteer on local races and eventually becoming a valuable electoral asset working on statewide and congressional campaigns. In 2007, he saw an opportunity to advance the political dialogue in the diverse Pueblo community and ran successfully for two terms as Republican County Chairman. During his tenure, he revolutionized the Pueblo County Republican Party by revamping fundraising efforts and increasing outreach through social media. He was also responsible for inviting Dana Perino as the keynote speaker at Pueblo County's 2010 Lincoln Day dinner. He has decided to retire from his unpaid, yet full-time, position as county chair. Mr. Speaker, through the efforts of citizens like David Dill, America is able to foster a positive, representative democracy. I would like to thank Mr. Dill for his respectfulness, passion, and excitement in electoral politics, as well as for his countless hours of community service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Charlie and Judy McNeil of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, for a lifetime of contributions to their local community and continued leadership in the non-profit sector. The couple was recently named Man and Woman of the Year by their local newspaper. Charlie McNeil has an impressive professional career, as well as a distinguished track record in community service and leadership. Mr. McNeil is an engineer by trade, a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, and received the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Medal from his alma mater. After a career managing mines and working in corporate offices, Mr. McNeil became President and CEO of Kaiser Steel's Mineral Resources Division. In 1996, he founded NexGen Resources. After finishing in the private sector, McNeil served on National Coal Council after receiving a nomination from the Secretary of Energy. Mr. McNeil has served as director of the Mining and Reclamation Council, National Coal Association, and the Colorado Mining Association. He also serves on the School of Mines board of governors, the Brigham Young University School of Business National Advisory Council, and is vice President of the Denver Area Boy Scouts. Judy McNeil's career is equally impressive, carving her own path in the non-profit sector and as a leader in her church. After a brief time in the retail sector, Mrs. McNeil worked for the North Dakota Wheat Commission. When the family moved to Colorado, she served at the Denver Area Public Affairs Council for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, and has been leader in her church for the past 35 years. Ms. McNeil is a strong proponent of the arts--she served four years at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Her work in the medical field has not gone unnoticed either. The Children's Diabetes Foundation tapped Mrs. McNeil to chair their Brass Ring Luncheon in 2008, and she is now the incoming president at the Children's Diabetes Foundation Guild. Charlie and Judy McNeil will surely continue their dedication to their community for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I feel it is fitting that this body recognizes Charlie and Judy McNeil for their lifetime of service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the life and service of Willie O. Steam, of Denver, Colorado. Patrolman Steam was killed in the line of duty in 1921 and was one of a few black police officers of his time. Patrolman Steam, employed under the administration of Chief H.R. Williams, was a Special Policeman who worked full-time as a night watchman at City Hall. The week prior to his murder Patrolman Steam enforced an ordinance that prohibited illegal dances. Steam's killer, Keil O'Neill, had been the offender of the ordinance and came to the dance hall where Mr. Steam was patrolling. O'Neill shot Patrolmen Steam once in the back and once in the head in retaliation. Mr. Steam never had a chance to remove his weapon from his holster, according to witness reports. According to Chief Williams, Steam was ``one of the most dependable and efficient men connected with the police department. He occupied a place on the force that was unique and getting another man to fill in the manner which Steam did, will be hard.'' For Steam's service to his community, the City of Denver paid his funeral expenses. Mr. Steam's sacrifice needs to be recognized and commended by this body. He was only 48 years old at the time of his death, leaving a wife behind. I rise today to offer thanks to Patrolman Steam and his family for their service to the city of Denver and the State of Colorado.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Matt Peters of Durango, Colorado, for his efforts in co-founding Unite Our World, a non-profit charity that provides medical assistance and builds schools for impoverished children abroad. Mr. Peters and his friend Riley King have always been entrepreneurially inclined and focused on giving back to society. After their high school graduations, both men started a few seasonal businesses to fund their travels abroad. When Mr. King had the opportunity to visit a school in Uganda in 2009, both of the young men decided to found Unite Our World. After being born into a country full of opportunity and wealth, both men felt they needed to give back to the world at large. Unite Our World's core mission is to advocate and provide assistance for children who do not have sufficient educational resources within their own countries. Recently, the organization expanded its mission and involved itself in the battle against the AIDS epidemic in Uganda. Mr. Peters currently serves as vice president of the non-profit. Mr. Speaker, America is lucky to have committed citizens such as Mr. Peters and Mr. King. I am proud to commend both these young men for their leadership and contribution to our world community.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a new United States citizen and an outstanding contributor to America's armed forces and her community, Marta Taylor of Montrose, Colorado. Ms. Taylor and her late husband began Operation Sweet Tooth in 2003, and organization which has delivered over 140 tons of supplies to troops abroad. Ms. Taylor moved to the United States in 1980 after spending most of her life in Poland under Soviet rule. Shortly after arriving, she met Landy Taylor and married him ten years later. The two started a family, eventually having seven boys. Ms. Taylor has always felt strongly about supporting U.S. troops--six of her sons are U.S. veterans. In 2003, as some of the first troops were preparing for deployment to Iraq, Ms. Taylor and her husband delivered 30 pizzas and offered thanks to the men and women about to serve at war. Once the couple realized the impact their recognition had on soldier morale, the two organized Operation Sweet Tooth two months later. Marta has involved herself in the packing of nearly every box since 2003. Since her husband's passing in 2007, Marta has solely fundraised and organized for Operation Sweet Tooth. Ms. Taylor's exceptional efforts for our uniformed service members are an inspiring example of selflessness. On December 21, 2010, Ms. Taylor received full U.S. citizenship after scoring 100 percent on her citizenship test. On January 3, 2011, Ms. Taylor attended the deployment of the Montrose National Guard as a VIP guest. For her almost decade-long efforts and continued generosity and service, Ms. Taylor deserves the commendation of this body.