Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have recently become aware that the Army is considering expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Area in Colorado. I have two concerns about this expansion plan.

First, the Army hasn't been responsive to my questions about their plans. Second, I am troubled that the Army may use eminent domain or unfriendly condemnation to acquire property in that area.

You are probably aware that I offered an amendment for today's debate that would help the farmers and ranchers in my area get information about this and would limit the powers of eminent domain, but the Rules Committee did not make that amendment in order and we can't debate it.

But I would appreciate, Mr. Chairman, your assistance in getting information on this proposal by the Army.

I am very disappointed in the lack of response, and I hope the chairman can use the power of your committee to assist me and the rest of the Colorado delegation in this matter. Remarkably, when my office called the Army on this, they said it was ``an academic discussion.'' Thus, they refused to provide any details at all.

Mr. Chairman, I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman for your commitment to work on this issue, and I look forward to working with you.

Amendment No. 9 Offered by Ms. Hooley

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Mai Tran and Mr. Bruce Hottman of Information Technology Experts in Fort Collins, Colorado on being named Small Business Persons of the Year by the Small Business Administration.

Over the course of its 10-year history, ITX has consistently been recognized as one of Colorado's foremost small businesses. As a leading provider of full-service Information Technology support in Northern Colorado, ITX has earned the confidence of numerous corporate, non- profit, and governmental organizations. The leadership and expertise demonstrated by Mr. Tran and Mr. Hottman have resulted in the tremendous expansion and growth of ITX. In only 6 years, ITX has more than tripled the size of its workforce to 95 individuals.

Mr. Speaker, the remarkable economic success realized by ITX pales in comparison to the extraordinary generosity and commitment to the community embodied by members of the ITX family. Following the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster, ITX generously contributed funds to aid Chennai victims and was subsequently honored by the City of Fort Collins with a key to the city. Additionally, ITX has been lauded for providing much- needed computer equipment to the Asian Chamber of Commerce and discounted IT services to over a dozen Northern Colorado non-profit organizations.

As a member of the Governor's Minority Business Advisory Council, Mai Tran is a recognized leader in the small business community and is active in addressing issues that affect minority businesses across the State. He personifies his own belief that through skill, hard work, and determination, minority businesses strengthen Colorado's economy.

At the age of 16, Mr. Tran fled to the United States after South Vietnam fell to communism. Through a great deal of determination and hard work, Mr. Tran overcame his lack of English skills and went on to earn a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Colorado State University. Today, as President and CEO of ITX, Mr. Tran's dedication and commitment to others serves as an inspiration to his employees and his community.

As co-founder and Executive Vice President of ITX, Mr. Hottman's wealth of experience and expertise in the field of information technology have ensured the success of ITX and its continued contributions to the community. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in computer information systems, Mr. Hottman worked at United Banks and the United States Department of Agriculture before joining the Western Area Power Administration as Project Leader. While at WAPA, Mr. Hottman and Mr. Tran worked together as a high performing team of lT professionals, and in 1996 they decided to form their own IT services provider. Like Mr. Tran, Mr. Hottman's involvement in the Fort Collins Foothills Rotary Club and other community organizations has inspired and encouraged the employees of ITX to become active members of their community.

I am proud to represent individuals with such a remarkable entrepreneurial and compassionate spirit. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments and selfless dedication of Mr. Mai Tran and Mr. Bruce Hottman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the patriotism and self sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Richard A. Boettcher of Greeley, Colorado because of his service to our country during World War II.

Boettcher was drafted into the U.S. Army his senior year of high school in 1945 and sent to Ft. Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas for basic training. At first, his training focused on fighting the Germans in Europe, but when the European war ended, he was transferred to Camp Maxey, Texas. This camp trained soldiers to fight the Japanese in house-to-house combat in anticipation of a ground invasion of Japan.

After his training was completed, he was shipped to the Pacific with the intent to join up in Okinawa with an infantry division known as ``Timber Wolf.'' This group had fought in Europe and had been sent to Okinawa to invade Japan. Yet shortly before Boettcher arrived, President Harry Truman ordered the dropping of two atomic bombs, and Japan surrendered shortly thereafter.

Instead of fighting his way into Japan, Boettcher became part of the occupation force. He worked in an office position and was responsible for preparing payroll for over 500 military personnel using a small Royal typewriter. In rank he started as a Private 1st Class and rose to Staff Sergeant in less than one year. He returned home to Lincoln, Nebraska in October of 1946.

Boettcher attended the University of Nebraska for two years and then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado to complete his education. He continued to serve his country as a member of the Colorado Nation Guard and received a commission in 1953.

After owning a business for 46 years, Boettcher retired in Greeley, Colorado with his wife Irene of 58 years. Boettcher has three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mr. Boettcher and the other men and women who have given so much for our freedom. Like so many other members of his generation, Mr. Boettcher set aside his ambitions in service to our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing my heartfelt gratitude, sincere appreciation, and utmost respect for the patriotic service of Mr. Richard A. Boettcher.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to proceed at this time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Nancy Temple. She was born September 20, 1959 to Milton and Pearl Tormohlen in Fort Morgan, Colorado. She was the only girl in a family of three and she was a delight to her family, especially her father.

Nancy was a tenacious spirit who had great love for the Lord. She was a dedicated member of her church and displayed a strong faith in the Lord and a strong commitment to her family. Nancy's commitment to family was manifested in everything she did. She was especially fond of children and treated all of them as if they were her own, and they all adored her.

Nancy taught Sunday school in her church and helped out in 4-H clubs and organized the After Prom and the After Graduation parties. She was a key leader in the booster club for both sports and academics at Fort Morgan High School. She worked at Pioneer Elementary School for almost 15 years, and was a leader in the teen parenting program. She received a scholarship to attend college for her involvement in the teen parenting program.

Her passion for life was often manifested in music. Nancy loved musicals, dancing and singing and she played the flute.

Nancy's activity in the community began during her time in Fort Morgan High School where she participated in the Morgan High Singers and the pom-pom squad. She also played volleyball, softball and later she continued to play in the city leagues.

She graduated from high school in 1977 with her classmate Keith Temple who would later become her loving husband. Keith Temple met Nancy Tormohlem while she was waiting tables at the Mouse's House in Brush, Colorado, and their first date was dinner at her brother's home. Keith and Nancy married on April 7, 1979. They would have been married for 27 years this year.

She loved all children and she was blessed to have two of her own. Tiffiny was born on June 10, 1983, and Becki was born November 5, 1985. She gained a son-in-law when Tiffiny married Matt Wulf, and on January 6, 2003, her grandson, Eric Alan Wulf was born. She was very close to her daughters and son-in-law and had a very special relationship with her little grandson. She brought a light into his life that will shine well beyond her time with him.

Nancy passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2006. After she passed, members of the community recognized her commitment and honored her for it. Previously, in 2003, Nancy was one of the first recipients of the community's Crystal Apple Award. One of her students commented that she was ``my second mom.'' Another young man serving in the Navy said ``Nancy was the only one who kept in contact with me while I was out to sea.''

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Nancy Temple's dedication to her community and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the legacy she left behind. She touched the lives of many with her caring spirit. The world was a better place for having known her. We will miss her dearly. We will always remember her zest for life, her loving heart and her inner and outer beauty. May God bless and comfort those who mourn her passing.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavailable on the evening of Tuesday, March 28, 2006, and as a result, was not able to cast my vote on rollcall vote 69. The matter under consideration was passage of the Milk Regulatory Equity Act, S. 2120.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have recorded my vote on rollcall vote 69 as ``yea'' in support of passage for S. 2120, the Milk Regulatory Equity Act.

Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

My amendment ensures that all home school students will be considered as eligible applicants for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The Robert Byrd Honors Scholarship Program recognizes high school seniors who show the promise of continued excellence in post- secondary education.

Currently, only those students who were graduates of a public or private school are eligible for this prestigious scholarship. Students graduating from alternative programs such as home schools are ineligible for this scholarship. All graduates should be able to compete for this scholarship regardless of what type of secondary program the student has completed.

Studies show that home school students are excellent students. In recent independent studies, home-schooled students consistently scored, on average, in the 80th percentile on standard achievement tests. And yet these excellent students are regularly denied the opportunity to compete for the Byrd scholarship.

During Senate consideration of the higher education bill several months ago, this matter was brought to the attention of Senator Byrd from West Virginia. The Senate acted, with Senator Byrd's support, approving an amendment to the Byrd scholarship that would make home school graduates eligible to apply for this important scholarship program.

This amendment I offer today ensures that under the House's new Robert Byrd Scholarship proposal, managing agents may not discriminate against students based upon the type of program in which the student completed his or her secondary education, including a public school, private school or home school.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a true American hero, Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse. Lance Corporal Hinkhouse is a United States Marine from the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment based out of Twenty-Nine Palms, California. Kade is from Burlington, Colorado,

At a young age, Kade was impacted by the devastating terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Because of his pride in our country and determination to protect America's values, Kade signed up for the Marine Corp just prior to graduating from high school.

Last year, LCpl. Hinkhouse was sent to the Middle East to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On October 9, 2005, LCpl. Hinkhouse was severely injured while on his mission at Ar Ramadi, Iraq. After being stationed there for only one month, he and 12 others traveling in a small convoy were hit on the right side with an improvised explosive device. Kade's vehicle was in the middle. The explosion killed the Marine sitting next to him, and 4 other soldiers were injured.

LCpl. Hinkhouse sustained the worst of the injuries including a traumatic brain injury, shrapnel in his shoulder, an open leg wound, and two collapsed lungs. He and the other 4 injured Marines were taken to the Baghdad hospital, where the medical staff stabilized Kade and amputated his right leg at the knee. The next day, Kade was flown to a military hospital in Germany.

His head trauma was very severe because of severe bruising and swelling. The doctors had to remove a portion of the right side of his skull to alleviate the swelling around Kade's brain. He stayed in Germany until Thursday, October 13, 2005, and then he was flown to Bethesda, Maryland. LCpl. Hinkhouse is now at Walter Reed Hospital receiving therapy and recovering.

Mr. Speaker, we are so fortunate to live in a country served by Marines like LCpl. Hinkhouse; I am grateful for the courage of our servicemen and women. We can maintain the blessings of our freedoms only because we have citizens like Kade who are willing to defend them.

I am proud to honor Kade for his courage and sacrifice on behalf of all Americans. I applaud Kade for his courage and selfless dedication to duty. Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse is the embodiment of the values that makes America the great Nation it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to B.S. ``Bud'' VanBerg for his impressive contributions to Colorado agriculture. Bud grew up in Nebraska where he learned to work hard, ride horses, chase cows, drive racehorse vans across the country, and talk fast. After graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in agricultural business, he returned to the family business where he centered his interests on auctioneering and the sale barn.

Bud was sent to Sterling in 1957 to manage the sale barn purchased by his father. He commuted between Columbus, Nebraska and Sterling, Colorado until 1964, when the Sterling sale barn became a separate entity. He and his wife, Arlene, were active partners and worked together to establish a fair and honest business with a good reputation that earned a respected place in the community.

Together, they raised four daughters: Debbie, Becky, Deanie and Cindy, and they became actively involved with youth groups and organizations in the community. Bud was known as the consummate volunteer, frequently giving his time and talents to help others, particularly young people. Bud touched the lives of many through his volunteer work, by doing numerous benefit auctions, 4-H livestock sales, and other acts of community service. Bud loved people, he loved life, but most of all he loved his family.

Bud also had a tremendous effect on the lives of eight prominent auctioneers in the region. Teaching, encouraging, giving, trusting and finally letting go, he gave his students the courage to move into the career of their choice.

Bud was named the Logan County Citizen of the year in 1988 and was a member of the Colorado Auctioneer Hall of Fame. Bud's lifelong contributions to agriculture earned him induction in the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in February of 2006. Bud led by example and his enthusiastic community involvement demonstrated his passion for making a positive impact on the world around him.

We have been saddened by the recent loss of this man who gave so much to his community and his state for so many years I am proud to honor Bud VanBerg for his devotion and service.

Offered By: Mrs. Musgrave

Amendment No. 25: In chapter 4 of title II, in the item

relating to ``Federal Emergency Management Agency-

Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery'', after the

dollar amount on Page 58, line 18, insert the following:

``(reduced by $5 million)''.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Mr. James Robert Sherman, winner of the Eugene Casson Crittenden Award.

The Eugene Casson Crittenden Award was first presented in 1967 recognizing superior achievement by permanent employees of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, also known as NIST. James Sherman is a recipient of this award for performing services that had a significant impact on technical programs beyond his own office, going above and beyond the call of duty.

James Sherman, ``Jim'' to family and friends, grew up on a small family farm and he worked hard each day with his father and brothers. He learned the value of a good work ethic early on. Married to his wife Betty, and soon to be a father, Jim began work at the Colorado Research Corporation as a machine sheet metal welder. Among many important technological milestones at CRC, Jim helped to build parts for the analog computer as well as special components for Boeing.

On October 20, 1965, Jim Sherman became an employee for the National Bureau of Standards, known as the NBS, which would later be called NIST. Jim joined the NIST team in the Boulder Laboratories as part of the technical community and the Engineering, Maintenance, and Support Services Division, EMSS, as a laboratory mechanic. In 28 years in this position, Jim worked diligently on sheet metal work for the first atomic clock and on a device used to measure the ozone layer. Jim worked to acquire more warning time for the tornado warning system and in doing so provided research which aided in the development of the Doppler radar system as we know it today. In 1995 the shops in Boulder came to a close, and Jim gladly accepted his new position as Shop Planner.

Since, Jim has been the one responsible for ensuring the town streets are clear of snow. Right from the start, Jim was given the responsibility for maintaining the snow removal equipment before the first snowfall of the season and he did this with much success. Of his own accord, Jim, using his own mastery of welding, would even recondition the blades of the snow plows saving the EMSS from the necessity of contracting outside help. Soon, Jim was given the responsibility of leading the snow crew and overseeing the operation. As he took on this leadership role he always conducted himself in a truly professional manner. On many occasions Jim could be found arriving much before a site opened and leaving far after the close of business. This can-do attitude left him with the reputation as the go- to guy.

As of October 20, 2005, James Robert Sherman worked for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for 40 years. His dedication, reliability, and work ethic through the years made Jim the ideal candidate for the Crittenden Award as well as a model citizen of the great State of Colorado. Not only has Jim worked hard for the State of Colorado with passion and drive, but he is also extremely well respected by his peers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Sherman, a man of great integrity, dedication, and commitment. Jim has worked tirelessly, time and time again, going above and beyond the call of his regular duties. As a Member of Congress I am proud to represent such a fine citizen of the 4th District of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the profound bravery and selfless patriotism of Mr. Roy Herbert Nix. Mr. Nix proudly served our Nation in U.S. Army during the tumultuous times of the Second World War. The sacrifices he made to ensure the liberty and freedom of future generations will never be forgotten.

Born in the mountains of Northern Georgia, Roy's family later moved to Colorado when he was five years old. In 1943, at the age of 19, Mr. Nix was drafted into the Army and was assigned to the 112th Infantry. From the farms and fields of Colorado, Mr. Nix soon found himself on the violent, battle-hardened shores of Normandy following the Allies' D-Day invasion of German-occupied France.

In August 1944, Mr. Nix was captured by German soldiers and became a prisoner of war. Mr. Nix and his fellow POWs were forced to march at night from Normandy to a camp outside Paris. They were then herded into boxcars and transported, under constant threat of strafing by Allied aircraft, deep inside German territory. Sixty men where piled into each boxcar in which they could neither stand, nor lie down. With the exception of two, ten-minute toilet breaks a day, the POWs were forced to remain in the squalid boxcars twenty-four hours a day for sixteen days.

For what undoubtedly seemed like an eternity, Mr. Nix was confined to a prisoner of war work camp at Moosburg, Germany, at Stalag 7-A. Humiliated and near starvation, Mr. Nix and his fellow prisoners were forced to fill bomb craters. Working in the nearby forests, the prisoners were forced to endure the extreme cold wearing nothing on their feet except rags.

For a time, he was put out on a farm to work. There, a young child named Sophie would come talk to him by the barn. In the gravity of the moment, even this young girl was scared, because she knew that Roy Nix's life could be taken at any time.

As the war drew to a close and their captors grew desperate, the prisoners at Moosburg were forced to march seventy-five kilometers into the frigid Alps. Finally, after months of captivity, Mr. Nix's day of liberation arrived.

At this time, his brother Fred who also served in Germany, remained with occupation forces. Later, the brothers found out they were in close proximity to each other while Roy was in German captivity.

Mr. Nix returned home to his wife Irene. Though they moved to North Carolina, they later moved back to Colorado to raise their children. Roy and Irene had twin sons Bruce and Gerald, who were born during his captivity. The young couple was also blessed with a beautiful daughter, Janet.

Mr. Nix has lived his life as a hardworking family man who is always the first to help those in need. He is a lifelong member of the local VFW and the local Baptist Church. His love of family and commitment to community confirm Mr. Nix's integrity and character.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mr. Nix and other men and women who have given so much for our freedom. Like so many other members of the ``Greatest Generation,'' Mr. Nix set aside his ambitions and risked his life for our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing my heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the patriotic service of Mr. Roy Herbert Nix.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Holtorf, Jr., for his impressive contributions to Colorado agriculture. John is a successful producer who is a leader in the use of innovative agricultural practices. He has compassion for the land and has been able to consistently demonstrate good stewardship. Additionally, John's willingness to involve local area youth in the daily ranch activities has had an extensive impact on numerous young lives.

John attended a one-room schoolhouse as a young person, and then went on to attend Colorado A&M College, now Colorado State University. He joined the U.S. Army and served from 1956-1957. Following his service, he returned home to the family ranch 14 miles north of Akron. In 1961, John became secretary-treasurer of Holtorf Incorporated and manager of the 8,000 acre Buffalo Springs Ranch. Under his management, pastures were reseeded and fenced to prevent overgrazing and the Hereford cow operation was converted to a crossbred Angus cows/Hereford bull operation. In 1994, John built a 3,000-head custom feedlot.

John tested and incorporated many innovative management practices, including artificial insemination, estrus synchronization and rotational grazing. He has worked with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to reintroduce antelope to the area, and to select a suitable location for prairie chickens. He offered the spring-fed ponds at Buffalo Springs for local public fishing and established a trophy bass breeding and Canada Goose reserve. John and his brother Tom became the first U.S. certified natural and organic beef producers and feeders in the region.

John has been a positive influence on many young lives in the area by opening his home to the area youth by sharing his time and knowledge. He has taken young people under his wing and taught them responsibility, respect for the land, the value of hard work, and the ability to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm. He has helped them select, train, and prepare beef cattle for shows. He shared with them all the joy of living, learning and working in agriculture. He and his wife Lea raised 3 boys; Vincent, a Lieutenant Colonel serving in the U.S. Army; Victor, who owns his own consulting firm and Richard, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Colorado National Guard.

John's lifelong contributions to agriculture have earned him induction into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in February of 2006. He has helped sustain a way of life that honors the land while helping feed the world. I am proud to honor John Holtorf, Jr., for his devotion to Colorado agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and public service of Mr. Fred Anderson of Loveland, Colorado. Mr. Anderson, a fifth generation Coloradoan, has devoted his life to public service and the people of Colorado.

In 1966 Mr. Anderson began his dutiful service in the State Senate. During his 16 year tenure as a State Senator, he chaired the Natural Resources Committee and the Legislative Audit Committee. He also served as president of the Senate from 1974 to 1982. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Anderson was responsible for Colorado becoming the first state to set up an actuarially sound pension program for public employees. Moreover, Mr. Anderson was instrumental in the re- codification of Colorado Water Law. The expertise Mr. Anderson brought to this lengthy process was an invaluable asset to the people of Colorado.

Mr. Anderson's reputation as an effective leader and skilled legislator earned him national recognition. He served as president of the National Conference of State Legislators and also received a Presidential Appointment to the Advisory Commission for Inter- Governmental Relations.

Mr. Anderson's service to his community has not been limited to the political realm. He has unselfishly given of himself as a member of countless civic and philanthropic organizations. Mr. Anderson has served on the Governing Board of Lutheran Hospital and Homes Society and as chair of the United Way. He has also been actively involved in the Rotary Club, Farm Bureau, and Colorado Cattle Feeders.

Perhaps most importantly however, Mr. Anderson is a family man of tremendous character. He and his wife Anne have been married for over fifty-two years. He is the proud father of three sons and a daughter as well as a proud grandfather of seven.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruth Cole Dusenbury whose life was a shining example of responsible citizenship. Born in Maryland in 1929, Ruth's busy life led her to Holyoke, Colorado in 1974 where she became part owner of Speer Cushion Company and was an active participant in numerous professional organizations and civic groups.

Ruth was an energetic advocate for small business concerns. From 1976-1987 Ruth served in the local Business and Professional Women's Organization in all offices as well as District Chairman. She served as State Legislative Chairman for 2 years and she attended 3 national conventions as well as 6 state conventions. She was a member of a delegation of businesspeople from throughout the United States to the Republic of China in 1986. Mrs. Dusenbury participated in the State Leadership Initiative sponsored by then Secretary of State Natalie Meyers.

In 1993, Ruth was a member of the Statehouse Conference on Small Business and, in 1995, she was elected as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business in Washington DC. Ruth was an active member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, serving as a delgate to national meetings in 1996 and 1998.

Ruth also had a deep love of the arts. She was a board member of the Holyoke Community Arts Council for 30 years. She was a charter member of the Colorado Arts Consortium and participated in regional activities as well as at a national level with the National Association of Local Arts Agencies. Additionally, Ruth was President of the Colorado Arts Coalition for 2 years, an advocacy group for the arts.

The Republican Party also consumed a great deal of Ruth's time and energy. She was a campaign worker for Nixon/Agnew, Senator Hank Brown, Representative and Senator Wayne Allard, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Governor Bill Owens, and numerous state and local candidates. Ruth was the Republican chairman of Phillips County, Colorado and served as a delegate to the state conventions numerous years. She was an alternate to the Republican National Convention in 1984.

Ruth led by example and her enthusiastic community involvement demonstrated her passion for making a positive impact on the world around her. We have been saddened by the recent loss of this woman. She gave so much to her community and her state for so many years. Ruth Dusenbury was also well known as a loving wife and mother. She is leaving behind her loving husband Wally and two beautiful daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the public service and remarkable community involvement of Mrs. Sally Fox.

Born in Denver, CO, to school teachers, Mrs. Fox devoted much of her life to public schools in Colorado. In addition to other volunteer efforts, Mrs. Fox served as president of

the Burlington Elementary School PTA in Longmont.

Mrs. Fox also dedicated much of her life as a local grassroots activist. She served as secretary for House District 52, as well as secretary for Colorado Representative Ron Strahle. Mrs. Fox also served as a Precinct Committee person since 1979 and has been a delegate to Fourth Congressional District and State assemblies.

In addition to her grassroots involvement and volunteerism, Mrs. Fox currently manages the Oak Ridge Federal Government Office Building in Fort Collins. She has also worked as mall manager at The Square and as manager of maintenance at the Market Place, both in Fort Collins.

Beyond her community involvement, it is her love and devotion to her family that is most impressive. April 2006 will mark Sally's 43rd wedding anniversary to her husband, Charles. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter, and a grandmother of three. Mrs. Fox has a special appreciation for family heirlooms. She is especially proud of an African violet given to her by her mother. It has bloomed continuously since her mother's death in 1991.

Mr. Speaker, the grassroots involvement and love of family by women like Mrs. Sally Fox is what makes our country great. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Fox and her tremendous contributions to her community.