Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. Rick Henry, an exemplary leader in music education in the state of Colorado who is retiring after over thirty years of faithfully teaching Colorado's young people how to enrich their lives with music.

Rick was born in Greeley, Colorado, raised in Longmont and graduated from Longmont High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Rick subsequently taught music in the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont, Colorado, also in Grants, New Mexico, and at Berthoud High School in Berthoud, Colorado, before settling into his 21 year career as Director of Bands at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, Colorado.

Under Mr. Henry's leadership, the band program received numerous Superior ratings in Concert, Jazz and Marching Band competitions. In 2004, the Thompson Valley High School Marching Band had the exciting opportunity to perform for over 500,000 people in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Rick has been a member of the Greeley and Boulder, Colorado Philharmonic Orchestras and also played with the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra in Fort Collins, Colorado. He currently performs in Colorado and Southern Wyoming with the ``Touch of Brass Quintet'' and the ``Modernaires Dance Band.'' Rick is an active member of Colorado Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, and the International Association for Jazz Education.

Mr. Rick Henry has truly been a ``Leader of the Bands'' and has touched the lives of literally thousands of high school students with his unique way of inspiring and mentoring them over his many years of teaching, As Rick retires from a thirty year career, I am very proud to say that he leaves behind a rich legacy of strong music programs and inspired students--a worthy history for a fine man.

I invite my fellow colleagues in congratulating and honoring Mr. Rick Henry.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, according to recent news reports, the Department of Homeland Security has hired former actress Bobbie Faye Furgeson as the new ``liaison to the entertainment industry.'' In other words, the Department of Homeland Security is now hiring actresses to communicate with Hollywood.

In March 2004, the Department of Homeland Security posted an opening on the government Web site, USAjobs.com, stating the salary could top $136,000, plus benefits. I want to emphasize that this position has not been specifically authorized by Congress.

I believe that Americans take our homeland security very seriously. They see images of 9/11 that will clutch their hearts for their entire lives. They saw in the news just the other day about the incident here on Capitol Hill and saw people frantically trying to get to an area that was safe. Thank God they were not in danger.

But the people of this country have high expectations in regard to our homeland security after we were violated on 9/11, and they realize how vulnerable we are. I would just like to thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) for his excellent work in living up to those expectations that the American people have for us.

However, I would have a very difficult time explaining to my constituents how we would use over $100,000 in this manner. If people are not aware of what we could do with $100,000, if we move this money to State and local governments to have grants available for our first responders, that amount of money would buy 694 Quick2000 Escape Hoods. Those are like the very hoods that we keep in our congressional offices. It would buy 558 Emergency PA systems, just like those that were used last week to warn people and to tell them about the evacuation. This one really interests me. It would buy 165 bullet-proof vests. There is a young family member that we have that is a police officer, and I realize how first responders rely on their lives with these bullet-proof vests. That amount of money would also buy 40 Level A HAZMAT protective suits, something that is really needed by our first responders.

So instead of spending $100,000-plus on one person who would simply review movie scripts for the government or help identify opportunities for Hollywood outreach and provide resources for TV and movies, we should direct this money to actually help the people who respond and can save lives.

I ask for support of my amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Claire McMillen, a fine gentleman from Fort Collins, Colorado, who passed away tragically on Sunday, April 3, 2005 in an airplane crash.

The 72-year-old, accomplished pilot had a passion for flying. When Claire wasn't spending time with his wife Janet, he spent it in the air, flying.

Claire McMillen was a majority shareholder at the Fort Collins Downtown Airport, he bought it to help further aviation in Colorado. Claire was also the owner of the Kiva Inn in Fort Collins.

Claire and Janet came out to Colorado from Beacon, New York to try working in the business profession. They fell in love with the area and have lived here for more than 30 years.

This tragic accident will be difficult for the McMillen family, the Fort Collins Downtown Airport, and the community. I ask my colleagues to extend their sympathies to the McMillen family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Becky Zerlentes who died, tragically, on Sunday, April 3, 2005 after a fatal blow from a boxing match the day before.

Becky was a well-loved member of the Fort Collins community; she was a geography and economics instructor at Front Range Community College. She taught swimming and had a black belt in Goshin Jitsu, and she had brown belts in other forms of martial arts.

In 2002, Becky won the Regional Golden Gloves in women's boxing. She took a short break and recently began to box again. Becky was knocked unconscious during a match, and never regained consciousness. She died the following day at the Denver Health Medical Center.

I ask my colleagues to extend their sympathies to Becky's family, including her husband, Stephan Weiler, and the Fort Collins community. Becky has touched the lives of many at Front Range and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary American, Andrew ``Andy'' Mair. Through Andy's incredible careers, he has traveled the world and had many exciting experiences. I am glad to take this opportunity to share with you his life.

At age twenty-two, Andrew J. Mair married his wife Norma Asmus. In the following several years they had two daughters, purchased a farm, and settled in Fort Collins. He became President of the Larimer County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Boxelder School Board, and Elder in the Fort Collins Presbyterian Church.

At age thirty-three, Andy sold his farm and moved to Denver so he could attend the University of Denver. After graduating he took a job with the Colorado Farm Bureau. Andy also worked for the United States Department of Agriculture as the Director of the Denver Office of Conservation and Stabilization. Three years later, he was transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC.

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Andy made his first trip around the world. One year later, Andy was appointed as Administrative officer in the American Embassy in Rome, Italy. There, Andy met Pope John Paul VI and handled logistics for President John F. Kennedy, including three trips for Jacquelyn Kennedy, and two trips for Vice President Johnson.

Another exciting point in Andy's career was when he was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs. He served as the head of the United States Delegation to all United Nations Food and Agricultural organizations in Rome. He also represented the United States at the United Nations headquarters in New York for their World Food Program.

Through his vast experiences while working for the government, Andy has earned several awards including the U.S. State Department's Meritorious Honor Award, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Award of Distinguished Service. He received his most cherished award in 1983, the National Farm Bureau Award. To this day, Andy is still the only Coloradan to have received this award.

Andy's accomplishments are numerous and ongoing. Just this year, Andy was approached by Colorado State University's Agriculture Department requesting his papers, records and letters to be placed in the CSU Agriculture Archives. Andy's philosophy is to make the most of every opportunity.

I ask my colleagues to join me to recognize the outstanding acts of service by Andrew J. Mair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of Warren and Fern Wolaver. They are literally a walking history book of Larimer County, Colorado, and I would like to share with my colleagues a little about their lives in my district.

October 4, 2004 marked the 65-year wedding anniversary of Fern and Warren Wolaver. Their lives together have been spent in service to their community and family. They have lived for 35 years in their present home, located in a dry lakebed, with the road leading to their home being the dry streambed. Warren was born on the bluff that overlooks their current home.

Warren's great great grandfather traveled on a covered wagon and settled on Milner Mountain, close to the current Wolaver home. His grandfather was a sheriff and a State Representative.

Big Thompson School has played a large role in the lives of Fern and Warren since they attended as children. Four generations of Wolavers have attended this school including their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They have gone to Big Thompson School for many chili suppers, Parent Teacher Organization meetings, Christmas concerts and other programs. There was only one year that Fern and Warren missed a function at the Big Thompson School and that was in 1984 when there was four feet of snow on the ground.

Fern and Warren have had some interesting careers as farmers and ranchers. Through their farm, Wolaver Cherry Company, they have grown massive amounts of cherries including one year in 1960 when they were able to harvest 100 tons of cherries. They've also grown wheat, barley and corn, and raised turkeys and steers.

Fern worked in the family factory, Wolaver Packing, and served as a trustee. Fern was also a congressional aide to former Colorado Senator Hank Brown for ten years, and worked for Congressman Wayne Allard for five years. She worked as the clerk at their church, Buckhorn Presbyterian, for twelve years.

In addition to farming their cherry orchard and other crops, Warren has an extensive history in public policy. He was appointed to the ``100 Man Committee on Local Government'' in 1963 and starting in 1970, he spent eight years on the state board of Social Services. In 1976 he served as vice chair of the Big Thompson Flood Recovery Committee, as well as serving two terms on the Big Thompson School Board. He was also a Larimer County Commissioner from 1960 to 1976.

Looking at the lives of Fern and Warren, one cannot help but be amazed at their experiences. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring the Wolaver's and to wish them the best in health and prosperity for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Willis ``Slim'' Somervell, who has dedicated his life to God, his family, and the United States of America.

Slim has said, ``You need to be true to yourself and you need to have beliefs and a value system. Without those, what are we?'' These are wise words. As I learned about the life of service that Mr. Somervell has led, I am inspired by his beliefs and his values.

Service to America is one value Slim holds dear. He entered the United States Navy in 1941. In 1944, Slim was commissioned as a gunnery and navigation officer for the USS Landing Ship Medium 142.

In addition to having command of the Landing Ship Medium, he also commanded Patrol Craft 1262, which conducted air and sea rescues in the Caribbean. He was also Executive Officer of the Patrol Craft Escort 877.

Slim worked in the Fleet Weather Center in Washington, DC and conducted Navy weather research in Norfolk, Virginia. He served on the Forrestal, CVA-59. He was also the staff meteorologist for the commander of the U.S. Second Fleet, later for the Western Pacific 7th Fleet and ultimately commanded the Navy Research Facility in Norfolk, Virginia.

Devotion to family is another value that is important to Slim. While on assignment in Monterey, California, he met his wife Mary. They married in 1949 in Kerrville, Texas. They had five children, four girls and one boy. Slim and Mary are now grandparents of thirteen.

Slim will often tell you, ``What more can a person ask for than children and grandchildren who turn out to be good citizens.'' As you can tell, Slim is quite proud of his family.

After 30 years of faithful service to our country, Slim retired. But this did not slow him down. Slim took a job with the Bureau of Reclamation in their cloud seeding program. Later, Slim worked for the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. Slim spent 15 years in that department as a manager, researcher and also a teacher.

In addition to service to family and service to our country, Slim also strongly believes in service to God. Slim and Mary attend Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. There, Slim serves as a lector and a communion minister.

Slim has been truly blessed with a great career and a great family. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Somervell. May God continue to bless the Somervells for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jean Allard, a lifelong servant to the agricultural industry and to Larimer County, Colorado.

Jean was born in Alamosa, Colorado. She came to Fort Collins at the age of five where she grew up on a farm and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1938. She attended the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, (today it would be known as Colorado State University). She studied home economics and was a textile major. Jean was active in sports such as basketball, field hockey, softball and swimming. She graduated in 1942.

Jean made all of her own clothes during high school and college, which is evidence of her creativity and willingness to work hard. She comes from a family with a strong work ethic. Her grandparents, James and Jane Ross, homesteaded in Fort Collins when they came from Scotland in 1887. Jean's family grew grain, hay, and raised purebred Hereford cattle. Their original homestead remained on 1600 Horsetooth Road through the 1980's.

Jean met Amos Allard at Fort Collins High School and they married on July 18, 1941. Their time together as a newlywed couple was short-lived as Amos was soon drafted into the Navy during World War II in 1944.

After Jean graduated from Colorado A&M, they moved to the Allard family ranch in Jackson County, Colorado where they raised Hereford cattle. In 1962 they sold their ranch and moved back to Larimer County.

The Allards bought a 297-acre farm in Loveland, west of the current Hewlett-Packard facility.

On their property, Walt Clark Middle School was built, 3 churches, a private park and a public park, as well as 830 homes in Loch-Lon (Lake Meadow Land). Jean was instrument in the development of Big Thompson senior housing in Loveland. She also sold the lots at

Loch-Lon, dealt with builders and typed warranty papers. Amos was active with the Board of Realtors where he served as a legislative liaison.

Through hard work, the Allards have been quite successful in Larimer County. They have two sons, current U.S. Senator Wayne Allard and Kermit Allard, both living in Larimer County. They have four granddaughters and 6 great grandchildren.

Jean Allard has witnessed much change in Larimer County. The timeless value of hard work has truly been demonstrated by Jean. I wish the best for the Allard's and hope that their legacy will continue for many years to come.

I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his work.

Mr. Speaker, there are doctors in this Chamber, there are lawyers in this Chamber, there are judges in this Chamber. I am none of those, but I am an elected Member of Congress. I am also a mother. Tonight in this gallery my daughter sits. I think of my daughter, I think of my other three children, and I think of the day they were born. I think of the milestones in their lives and the love that I have for them. I think of the lengths that I would go to protect my children as adults even if they had an injury. I think of the lengths that I would go to, to care for my children. I would die for my children. I would do anything for them.

My heart is raw when I hear the things about Terri Schiavo and her mother and her father and her siblings, because I just lost my brother in November. I think of how my life changed in an instant and all the lives of those who cared for him. We talk about a family decision. What about Terri's mom and dad? What about her siblings? What about the people who cared for her and nurtured her as she was growing up? Do you not think they know what Terri wants?

When we talk about a permanent vegetative state, I am offended by that. Terri smiles and acknowledges the people that love her when they come to see her. She cries when they leave. How heartless are we to call somebody like Terri Schiavo a vegetable? What are we thinking?

When we think about this case, we need to think about the message that we are sending to our children and our grandchildren. What we do in this Chamber tonight is as important as anything we have done in defending our Nation, in doing the things that we do as Members of Congress. When we react to the Terri Schiavo case, when we think about this legislation tonight, we need to think about the future and the message we are sending to our children and our grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am continually grateful to the men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. military, and I am also remindful of the great sacrifices that have been made by our veterans. Sacrifices that have secured and maintained our freedom.

Recently, a local group of veterans received a special honor. In Fort Collins, Colorado, VFW Post 1781 received the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Award. The post earned this distinction in celebration of their 75th Anniversary.

VFW Post 1781 has maintained their post continuously since January of 1930. In fact, a copy of the original charter still hangs on the post's entryway next to a large display case filled with war memorabilia.

The post currently has 388 members and about 150 women in the ladies auxiliary. Post 1781 has been extraordinarily active; the chapter has not seen a drop in membership for 20 years.

This group carries on the VFW tradition of community service, working with other national organizations. Constructive community service is a founding VFW tenet with volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health, and civic projects. For example, the VFW's citizenship education program is designed to stimulate an interest in America's history and promote patriotism.

In addition, the post and canteen are offered at no cost for veterans' memorial services.

The post is a place where many members spend their time with fellow veterans relaxing when they are between other routines, such as giving flag etiquette presentations or standing on the comer of College Avenue and Mulberry Street holding Support Our Troops signs.

In addition, the post contains a section of their building that is loaned to the Disabled American Veterans hospital ride program.

Except for monthly meetings, which are open to those with home membership at Post 1781, the rest of the building is available to VFW members from anywhere in the nation.

I applaud these retired military service men and women, not only for their service to our country, but also for their service in the local community.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I offer my warmest congratulations to the Fort Collins

VFW for their achievement of the Diamond Jubilee Award. May God bless our precious veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my special order at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eva Bowman and her late husband, Ralph, for their commitment to education and, specifically, for their commitment to the Wray School District located on the eastern plains of Colorado.

The Bowmans' dedication to and involvement in the school districts of East Yuma County spans five generations. As a young girl, Eva rode her horse to school southeast of Wray. That schoolhouse was made of sod. It was heated using wood and cow chips. She graduated from Laird High School. Her father, Fred Peterson, was also active in education and served as a member of the Starnes County School Board at the turn of the last century. Ralph attended the nearby East Beecher Island County School, but had to quit after the eighth grade in order to work on the farm.

Because he was not able to finish his education, Ralph felt it was very important for his children and his grandchildren to receive a good education. All three of the Bowman children graduated from Wray High School. The ten Bowman grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren all attend or have graduated from the schools within East Yuma County. By the time the Bowmans' youngest great granddaughter completes her schooling, their family will be celebrating well over 100 years of education within these wonderful educational institutions.

As an additional testament to their devotion, Eva recently donated $200,000 to the Wray School District wind turbine project on behalf of her late husband, Ralph, and her children, Jean Brophy, Geraldine Baird, and Jack Bowman. Upon completion, the wind turbine project will make Wray the first school district in Colorado to own a renewable energy source.

Recently, when her loving grandson Michael was talking to his grandmother, they commented on the technological changes Eva has experienced during her life. Michael praised his grandmother for her excitement about life, and she said, ``I am not afraid to die; I just wish I could keep on living so I can see what happens next.'' That epitomizes the kind of woman Eva Bowman is.

Mr. Speaker, it is people of optimism, perseverance, and commitment to education, like Eva and Ralph, that make America the strong, innovative country that it is today. We owe the Bowmans a heart of gratitude for setting such a positive example for all of us to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit this article from my predecessor Representative Bob Schaffer detailing his experiences in the recent Ukrainian elections. Thank you.

[From the Denver Post, Jan. 25, 2005]

Milestone for Democracy

(By Bob Schaffer)

A milestone in the democracy movement occurred Sunday as

Ukrainians inaugurated Viktor Yushchenko, their third

president since declaring independence from the Soviet Union

in 1991.

He succeeded outgoing President Leonid Kuchma, whose

administration, with the help of Russian President Vladimir

Putin, went to extraordinary lengths to steer the election

outcome toward Viktor Yanukovych. This time, their attempts--

legal and otherwise--were just not enough.

The inauguration of Yushchenko caps an unprecedented

marathon election marked by rampant election fraud, voter

intimidation, assassination attempts, the presence of Russian

troops and appeals to the nation's top court. Last Thursday,

the end became certain as the Supreme Court rejected

Yanukovych's last desperate appeal. Yushchenko is Ukraine's

former prime minister. His performance established him as a

leader with pro Western leanings. His penchant for

privatization, free markets and private-property rights put

him in the crosshairs of Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs

whose tremendous wealth is built upon exclusive government

deals and on the backs of Ukraine's working class.

These same Ukrainian commoners define the ``Orange

Revolution,'' named after Yushchenko's campaign color. I was

in Ukraine as an election monitor during the start of the

revolution and witnessed millions of Ukrainians pouring

into Kiev's Independence Square.

The protest was sparked when the government announced

fraudulent election results and tried to hand Yanukovych a

false victory. Demonstrators stayed in the streets for weeks

in sub-zero weather demanding a new election and an end to

corruption.

Yushchenko's election is important for two reasons. First,

with the help of international observers (including several

Coloradans), Ukrainians conducted a legitimate election in

the face of difficult odds.

Given the history of oppression in Ukraine, the election is

a triumph of courage. Today's Ukrainians are the

grandchildren, children and survivors of Stalin's engineered

famine of 1932-33. For generations, they have seen that

Ukrainians who challenge governing authorities often die

untimely deaths.

The election is also a triumph for women. In 35,000 polling

stations throughout Ukraine, it was the women who insisted on

a transparent election. They were the brave volunteers who

stood up to thugs, dressed down armed government agents and

enforced the rules to protect the ballot box.

Indeed, the Patrick Henry of Ukraine is Yulia Tymoshenko, a

parliamentarian who marshaled the masses in the peaceful,

purposeful and well-organized Orange Revolution. Tymoshenko

is emblematic of Ukrainian women. Their leadership has made

the greatest difference in Ukrainian politics, business,

academia and culture.

For Ukrainians, Yushchenko represents unleashed

opportunity. Ukraine's massive underground economy has the

potential to become one of the most powerful economies in

Europe. Yushchenko understands this.

He has charted an ambitious agenda for reforming Ukraine's

economic institutions with an emphasis on attracting foreign

investment and improving domestic productivity. Ukraine's

economy is quite strong. Last year's increase in its gross

domestic product was among the highest in the world.

A country of 48 million, Ukraine has a highly educated

workforce and nearly 100 percent literacy. It is the second-

largest country in Europe, has abundant natural resources,

contains the planet's richest soil and enjoys a geographic

location conducive to trade.

In anticipation of a Yushchenko presidency, foreign

investors have been busting down the doors of Kiev in search

of ground-floor opportunities. Yushchenko's promise to

accelerate NATO cooperation, European integration and Western

economic standards is underscored by his immediate travel

schedule. This week he heads to a meeting of the Council of

Europe, then to the World Economic Forum in Davos,

Switzerland.

Colorado shares many common features with Ukraine which

have led to partnerships in agriculture, mineral extraction,

medicine, space development and education. Strengthening

these partnerships in the Yushchenko era presents a solid

opportunity for Coloradans to help secure democracy and

freedom in Ukraine while expanding trade here at home.

Mr. Speaker, this previous year, the community of Ft. Morgan, CO, lost a veteran and a long time local farmer when William Wunsch passed away at the age of 86.

He was born February 18, 1918, to Fred and Katherine Wunsch, who lived in the German Corner of Fort Morgan after emigrating from the Volga region of Russia.

Mr. Wunsch was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1942. He served bravely during World War II as a tank sergeant in the 7th Armored Division, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Because of his heritage and his ability to speak and read German, he provided a valuable service by working with the Counter Intelligence Corps before returning Colorado.

After leaving the Army, Bill married Violet Eckhardt on December 15, 1946. Together they started a farm south of Fort Morgan where he stayed until he retired in 1997. Sadly, Violet was killed in a car accident in 1970. On May 1, 1971, he married Lydia Lehr Schwartz and they worked together on the farm. William was named to the ``High Ten'' several times for having the greatest average sugar beet tonnage for the Sheds District of the local sugar factory. Frequently he was interviewed by the local paper about his accomplishments in farming and about his heritage as a Volga German immigrant.

As a member of the Christ Congregational Church, William actively worked in his church as a deacon, secretary, Sunday school superintendent, and a Sunday school teacher. Mr. Wunsch also remained active in the community as president of the Beet Growers Association, the Daily Lateral Irrigation Company, and a charter member of the Caring Ministries.

Mr. Speaker, we lose more of our precious veterans everyday. These heros have left their homes to defend our nation, and then returned home to be valued members of their communities, showing their children and grandchildren how to live meaningful lives of service. I want to take this brief moment to honor William Wunsch for the sacrifices that he made. May God bless his family, may God bless our precious veterans, and may God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Kyler Paul Mares. He was born on December 27, 1995 to Greg and Verna Mares of Brush, Colorado.

The Mares had three children before Kyler was born: Jessica in 1989, Krista in 1991, and Gregory in 1994. Later, his parents would come to realize that Kyler was truly, ``Heaven's Very Special Child.''

Soon after Kyler's birth, his parents were told he needed to be tested to determine if his small head size was normal. It was determined to be abnormal and after more tests it was evident that Kyler had Cerebral Palsy.

As Kyler got older and bigger his parents were told he had an extreme case of Cerebral Palsy. It was difficult for his family as they came to realize that he would never communicate or be able to walk like a normal child. As he grew, they saw him endure many needles, many surgeries, and multiple broken bones.

But through all of this pain, Kyler was a happy baby; he never fussed and gave big smiles to his mommy, daddy, sisters and brothers.

Kyler's parents surrounded him with love and care and rose to the enormous challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities, and three other children.

His parents both worked full time to make ends meet and to provide health insurance for their family. His mother worked nights because they had no one to care for Kyler during the day. His parents never chose to put him in an institution even though it would have been much easier on them financially.

On the evening of September 1, 2004 Kyler's precious life ended. He was loved and adored by his family and they were told after his death and autopsy he should have only lived one day, instead he lived 8 and a half years.

They cherish those years and know that Kyler enriched their lives in so many ways. In God's infinite wisdom, he chose this special child for the Mares family.

They would be the first to say that they would not trade the experience for anything and they cherish every moment they had with Kyler. He was blessed to be born into this family and they were blessed to have him for 8\1/2\ years.

Sometimes things in life would not be chosen by us, but God who always knows best gives us a beautiful gift that would have been passed over. Kyler Paul Mares was a beautiful gift from God and he will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends.

We remember Kyler today and acknowledge that all children are precious and that scripture reveals to us that Jesus said, ``If you've done it to the least of these, you've done it unto me.''

Kyler was truly one of ``the least of these.'' He will never be forgotten.