Honoring Dale Anderson
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, service, and dedication of Dale Anderson to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado. For eighteen years, Dale Anderson has served on my Congressional staff in many roles, each marked by…
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, service, and dedication of Dale Anderson to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado. For eighteen years, Dale Anderson has served on my Congressional staff in many roles, each marked by a distinguished pursuit of excellence and service to the Pikes Peak region with personal integrity, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Dale was born in Independence, Missouri where he was raised by devout Christian parents. After graduating from high school, Dale served in the United States Army for nine years where he developed his passion for the care of veterans. Following his time in the Army, Dale graduated from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Almost immediately after my election, Dale joined my staff as a Military and Veterans Affairs Laison. In that role, he advocated on behalf of countless veterans, active-duty military members, and their families, to numerous federal agencies. His work also included helping establish the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Colorado Springs. Dale went on to serve as the District Director where he was responsible for coordinating all events, outreach, and constituent services strategy for 5th Congressional District.
Dale was particularly adept at connecting with community leaders, mentoring the staffers under his command, building a team that reflected my values, effectively and compassionately serving our constituents, and faithfully representing me in the district. Keeping his finger on the pulse of the district and being proactive to meet the district's needs are some of Dale's many strong points, and one that he excellently performed throughout his time as District Director. In 2018, Dale became my Chief of Staff, bringing to D.C. his extensive experience and knowledge of the district to accurately and purposefully lead my combined staff in service of our constituents.
One of my early campaign promises was to establish a National Cemetery to provide a final resting place for our Nation's bravest heroes. The 10-year journey that culminated in establishing the Pikes Peak National Cemetery was at times arduous and difficult. Throughout the process, Dale was instrumental in building momentum, keeping morale high, and strategically crafting the plan which ultimately insured that the Pikes Peak region was able to honor our Nation's finest--including Dale's father, Mr. Gary Anderson.
Perhaps the most pivotal moment in recent memory for the 5th Congressional District came in 2023 when it was announced that U.S. Space Command was to be permanently based in Colorado Springs. This basing decision was the culmination of years of work, much of it led by Dale Anderson. Dale was vital in organizing a combined and unified advocacy campaign which reinforced the principle that any basing decision should be made only with national security in mind. In addition, Dale ensured that my office was proactive in speaking out about the importance of U.S. Space Command being based in Colorado Springs, as well as utilizing media outlets, legislative measures and processes, and high-profile meetings. These steps ensured that national security and the 5th Congressional District were kept at the forefront of every piece of the decision-making process.
The Black Forest fire in 2013 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the Pikes Peak region. The fire killed 2 people, burned over 500 homes, and destroyed over 14,000 acres of land. While the destruction was immense, without the determination and persistence of Dale Anderson, I fear that the damage to life and property could have been worse. I directed Dale to call the National Inter-Agency Fire Center to coordinate getting the nearest firefighting planes in the air to help fight the fire. Dale immediately jumped into action, staying up through the night to ensure that our community was taken care of, and every resource was deployed to save as many lives as possible. Dale's actions that day and in the crucial days following proved that his connections, know-how, and persistence were invaluable assets in a time of crisis.
Many of these same qualities of his were also evident in how our office provided help in the wake of the destructive Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012.
Dale and his wife Jennie live in Colorado Springs and continue to put the 5th Congressional District before themselves in everything that they do. I would also like to thank Jennie, who gave her unwavering support for her husband, without which he could not have been as effective in his service to the district. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating, honoring, and celebrating the eighteen years of dedicated service by My Chief of Staff, Dale Anderson, to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado and to the Nation.