Scott McInnis

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to Jim and Dee Prelesnik, two patriotic Americans from Pueblo, Colorado. The couple are ardent supporters of our troops, and country, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing their tremendous display of patriotism before this body of Congress and this Nation.

After September 11, 2001, the American people rallied to support their fellow citizens by hanging American flags outside their homes and on their vehicles, writing letters to the troops, and wearing red, white and blue. While driving through Pueblo, I noticed one house in particular: The house of Jim and Dee Prelesnik. I was awed by their impressive display of flags and was at once struck by their unwavering patriotism and support of our troops.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Jim and Dee for their exemplary display of love of country. They stood with their heads held high in one of our nations darkest hours, and support our troops at home and abroad. It is with great pleasure that I recognize them today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you both. I will always remember your displays and words of support and optimism.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to Bill Dorn from Sterling, Colorado. Bill has been serving his country overseas for over ten years, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing his tremendous efforts before this body of Congress and this Nation.

Bill returned to Sterling after serving in the Navy in 1963, and soon thereafter began a construction business with his brothers. In 1974, he started his own business and was recognized for his architectural plans of two hotels with the Golden Crown award given by the Best Western Company to 35 of 2500 entrants every year. In 1989, Bill moved to Wiesbaden, Germany and began working for the US Army with the Community's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund.

Bill has been widely recognized for his contributions to the Wiesbaden community by the Chief of US Veterans Affairs, the US Military Chief of Staff, the US Army Team of Excellence, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Great Escape Community Club. In addition, the Army Corps of Excellence and the US Army Europe (USAREUR) have recognized The Wiesbaden community for four consecutive years. Each year, Bill's contributions were specifically mentioned in the organizations reports.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Bill Dorn for his exceptional service to the US Army personnel serving in Germany. He has been widely recognized for his unwavering ability to get the job done, and the excellence with which he performs his duties. It is with great pleasure that I recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, Bill, for your hard work and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dennis Maes, the Chief Judge of the Pueblo, Colorado, District Court. Dennis is a man of strong convictions whose upbringing and sense of dignity permeates his courtroom and ensures that the citizens of Pueblo receive fair consideration in the cases brought before his court. It is my privilege in recognizing Judge Maes' outstanding record of service before this body of Congress and this Nation.

Judge Maes was born in Trinidad and grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado where he was the eldest of eleven children. His father Leo Maes served five terms as Mayor of Walsenburg and championed issues affecting the Hispanic community. Dennis' parents taught him the value of a good education and instilled in him the idea that a community can only be as viable and credible as its citizens.

Judge Maes graduated from Colorado State University at Pueblo in 1967 and immediately accepted a teaching position with Gardner Middle School. Dennis was driven to continue his education and attended the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder, Colorado. During his studies, Judge Maes was involved in the movement to bring equal rights to Hispanic Americans and advancing the civil rights agenda. After completing his law degree Dennis, returned to Pueblo working in the Pueblo County Legal Services, and the public defender's office before his appointment as Chief Judge of Colorado's 10th Judicial District by Governor Roy Romer in 1995.

Mr. Speaker, Dennis Maes is a dedicated judge who has made fairness and moral conviction the center of his life. The citizens of the Pueblo community have been blessed by his leadership for twenty-two years and I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his impeccable record of service. Thank you for your service Dennis and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.