Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph Anthony Fortino, who was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. During his life Mr. Fortino was both a successful businessman and a dedicated civil servant.

Early in life Mr. Fortino worked for his family grocery store. After graduating high school he served in World War II in the United States Coast Guard. After the war, he returned to Pueblo and his family grocery business with his father before joining Jackson Chevrolet as a salesman, and working his way up to partner. He won the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in Colorado for his hard work and dedication to the community.

Mr. Fortino was truly a leader and was involved on several boards and committees in Pueblo, including the Colorado Transportation Commission, on which he was the longest serving member. He was the president of the Pueblo Community College Foundation,

through which he was elected to the Pueblo Hall of Fame for his civic and business activities.

On October 4, 2011 Mr. Fortino passed away at the age of 89. I have no doubt that his business and civic legacy will have a lasting effect on the people of Colorado for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Pamela S. Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor of the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Since 2001, Dr. Shockley-Zalabak has worked to improve the educational system in the State of Colorado in an attempt to enhance student success and graduation rates.

In the years ahead, jobs in the United States will be pursuing specialized workers who are educationally qualified and focused in a particular area of expertise. The University of Colorado, under Dr. Shockley-Zalabak's leadership, has concentrated its efforts on improving the retention and graduation of ethnic minority students. UCCS has also worked to implement programs to advance interest in more specialized careers, including areas such as science, technology, engineering and math.

Last week, Dr. Shockley-Zalabak participated in a roundtable at the White House that discussed the impact of community colleges throughout the nation. This roundtable was a part of the White House's highlights of ``Champions of Change'' who are making a notable impression in their communities.

The White House also recognized Dr. Shockley-Zalabak and UCCS for the implementation of the Southern Colorado Educational Consortium. This program allows UCCS to work with other two- and four-year colleges in the area to foster educational opportunities and degree programs. This rural part of Colorado has historically seen low educational achievement in years past. However, under the leadership of Dr. Shockley-Zalabak and the new programs she has helped create, I am confident the newfound success experienced by UCCS will continue to grow.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Dr. Pamela Shockley-Zalabak for her incredible accomplishments and steadfast dedication to the Colorado Educational System. She is truly making a difference in equipping America's youth with the tools, resources and education necessary to pursue a sustainable career and to determine their own destiny.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel John B. Haseman of the United States Army. I received a letter from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency informing me that Col. Haseman is to be a 2011 inductee into the Defense Attache System, DAS, Hall of Fame. As a member of the U.S. Country Team, Mr. Haseman served as a military adviser to the ambassador and represented the Defense Department leadership to the ambassador's host nation.

Established in 1988, the Attache Hall of Fame serves to honor DAS personnel who have long served our nation with the prowess and distinction befitting a member of the U.S. Military. Col. Haseman served the United

States in Indonesia from 1982 to 1985, and again from 1990 to 1994. He also served in Burma from 1987-1990.

While operating in Indonesia, Col. Haseman provided the Department of Defense with substantial information regarding numerous human rights violations. This vital information greatly influenced the decision making process concerning the policy that was to be implemented towards that country. Col. Haseman also functioned to cultivate healthy relationships with allied nations and to improve their military defense capabilities.

Col. Haseman first joined the US Army in 1963 from the University of Missouri Reserve Officer Training Corps. Throughout his career, having made the seven Army values a part of his daily life, Col. Haseman served our country with dignity and honor.

Mr. Speaker, it is my sincerest pleasure to recognize Col. John Haseman, a native of Grand Junction, Colorado. The United States and the State of Colorado owe him our undying gratitude for his selfless service over the past 48 years. I thank him very much and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Herbert F. Koether for his service to the state of Colorado, his active pursuit of conservative ideals, and his love for serving others.

Before World War II, Mr. Koether served on the war production board in Washington, D.C., later joining the United States Air Force and attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

In 1952, Mr. Koether arrived in Denver, Colorado, actively working in the Colorado political arena for conservative causes. During Senator Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, Mr. Koether served as the chair of the Colorado Goldwater effort, tirelessly promoting the ideals Senator Goldwater represented. In 1989, he also helped Gale Norton

run her campaign for Colorado's Attorney General.

Mr. Koether not only worked on campaigns and in politics, he also devoted himself to public service in the Denver area, offering his services to various public boards to better the lives of Coloradans. In addition to serving on the Kent Denver school boards, Mr. Koether spent 54 years of his life on the advisory board of the Salvation Army.

Mr. Koether passed away on Sept. 16, 2011 among his family members and friends who were coming together to celebrate his 98th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Herbert F. Koether. The ideals he devoted himself to and his life of public service tangibly affected Coloradans and Americans for the better, and he will be greatly missed by us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe Blake, former Chancellor of the Colorado State University System. Since May of 2009, his leadership and influence as the first sole chancellor of the CSU System has been felt far and wide within the state of Colorado.

Before beginning his time with CSU, Mr. Blake served as the President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade. His experience with the Chamber coupled with his strong background in job creation played a pivotal role in his ability to lead CSU through tough financial times.

Under the leadership of Mr. Blake, CSU was able to accomplish many important tasks, including the establishment of a stand-alone chancellor operation, the development of its first strategic plan, and the positioning of CSU Global as a viable and integral part of the system.

CSU also launched the Commitment to Colorado, a scholarship program that ensures qualified students of all income levels have the opportunity to attend an institution of higher education. In a time where jobs are becoming scarce, nothing is more important than ensuring the young workforce has the experience, the resources, and the expertise to obtain a sustainable occupation.

Through his dedication and commitment to Colorado's system of higher learning, Mr. Blake has furthered America's objective of bettering its educational system. Mr. Blake has referred to his time as chancellor as having been ``the highlight of [his] career.'' However, Mr. Blake's time with CSU has not yet reached its end. While he is stepping down as chancellor, he will remain with the University to promote donor and alumni relations.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Joe Blake. His leadership and dedication to CSU has benefited thousands of students and families and I thank him for all he has done for the state of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Ute Mountain Ute Tribal leader from the Weeminuche Tribe, Ernest House Sr. Over the past 30 years, his influence, dedication and leadership to the Ute Mountain tribe has grown the tribe's influence in the state of Colorado and in the United States.

Mr. House is the grandson of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe's last hereditary Chief, Chief Jack House. In the last years of Chief Jack House's life, Mr. Ernest House Sr. cared for him, learning much about the tribe's history and potential for future plans.

Mr. House was first elected to the Ute Mountain Tribal Council in 1979. Three years later, Mr. House became chairman for the first time, beginning the first of his four nonconsecutive four-year terms as chairman for the Ute Mountain Tribe--his last term ending in 2010.

As chairman, Mr. House helped the Ute Tribe accomplish several projects that widened the tribe's economic and natural resource development. Between 1986 and 1988, Mr. House worked to complete two major water compacts to provide water throughout the Ute territories. In addition, Mr. House oversaw several building projects, including a tribal health center and casino. In his last term as chairman, Mr. House Sr. focused primarily on tribal safety, widening the Tribe's police force from two officers to more than 12 officers.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, Mr. House was tragically taken from us after a motorcycle accident outside of Cortez, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Ernest House Sr. His leadership and dedication to the Ute Tribe has benefited thousands, and he will be greatly missed by the Ute Tribe and the state of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Kevin Wodlinger for his work with the local Colorado Honor Flight Network, an organization that flies veterans to Washington to see the World War II memorial.

The Honor Flight Network was founded in 2005 by retired Air Force Captain and physician assistant Earl Morse. Mr. Morse retired from the United States Air Force in 1998, and recognized the need for an organization to help World War II veterans fly to see their memorial in Washington. In May of 2005, the first World War II veterans were flown from Springfield, Ohio to see their memorial.

When Mr. Wodlinger received news of this organization, he knew he needed to help to get this program to Colorado's Western Slope. In 2009, the first Western Slope Honor Flight took off.

In April of 2011, Mr. Wodlinger was honored with the Red Cross Hero nomination for his efforts to start the Western Slope Honor Flight. After receiving this nomination, Mr. Wodlinger claimed he only wanted to make sure that the World War II veterans from Colorado's Western Slope, the ``real heroes,'' were recognized.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Kevin Wodlinger. His work with the Honor Flight Network has provided hundreds of World War II heroes the ability to see the memorial America erected in their honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association and advocate for Colorado drivers and Colorado auto dealers.

Mr. Jackson has spent his professional life advocating on behalf of small businesses and Colorado consumers. As the State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Mr. Jackson pursued the Colorado legislature on behalf of small businesses.

As President of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, Mr. Jackson has urged the Colorado state legislature and the United States Congress to implement policies that help local Colorado new car and truck dealers to maintain their businesses while selling environmentally-safe cars to the Colorado public.

In 2009, Mr. Jackson won the Outstanding Automotive Trade Association Executive from the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Tim Jackson. The state and people of Colorado are lucky to have such a determined, entrepreneurial-minded leader advocating on their behalf.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Ute Mountain Ute tribal leader from the Weeminuche Tribe, Ernest House, Sr. Over the past 30 years, his influence, dedication, and leadership to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe has grown the tribe's influence in the State of Colorado and in the United States.

Mr. House is the grandson of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe's last hereditary chief, Chief Jack House. In the last years of Chief Jack House's life, Mr. Ernest House, Sr., cared for him, learning much about the tribe's history and potential for future plans.

Mr. House was first elected to the Ute Mountain Tribal Council in 1979. Three years later, Mr. House became chairman for the first time, beginning the first of his four nonconsecutive 4-year terms as chairman of the Ute Mountain Tribe, his last term ending in 2010.

As chairman, Mr. House helped the Ute Tribe accomplish several projects that widened the tribe's economic and natural resource development. Between 1986 and 1988, Mr. House worked to complete two major water compacts to

provide water throughout the Ute territories. In addition, Mr. House oversaw several building projects, including a tribal health center and casino. In his last term as chairman, Mr. House, Sr., focused primarily on tribal safety, widening the tribe's police force from 2 officers to more than 12 officers.

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, Mr. House was tragically taken from us after a motorcycle accident outside of Cortez, Colorado.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to recognize Mr. Ernest House, Sr. His leadership and dedication to the Ute Tribe has benefited thousands, and he will be greatly missed by the Ute Tribe and the State of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Kimberly Kopp, a loving mother of four children, and the wife of Colorado State Senator Mike Kopp. Over the past two years, Mrs. Kopp battled cancer, leaving her family, her friends, and her community with examples of courage and grace.

In 1994, Mrs. Kopp married her husband, Mike, whom she met at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One year later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian ministry. For several years, she and Mike worked for various nonprofit Para church ministries in New Mexico and Arizona, eventually landing in Colorado. For years, she and her husband served the communities they lived in, offering hope and assistance through their work and personal lives.

On August 30, 2010, Mrs. Kopp was diagnosed with a rare, recurring form of cancer. For nearly a year, she battled courageously. On July 20, 2011, Mrs. Kopp passed away.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize Kimberly Kopp and the life she lived. Her life is a testament of grace, honor, and courage. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carla Steele for her extraordinary life and distinguished career as both a police officer and emergency medical technician for the fire department in Hayden, Colorado. Her zeal for learning helped her serve the community of Hayden with integrity and excellence.

Ms. Steele began her career as a police officer in August of 1995, after graduating from the police academy. For five years she served in many capacities as a reserve officer until becoming a full-time officer in October of 2000.

As a full-time officer, Ms. Steele was respected throughout Hayden by both her fellow officers and members of the community. For nine years, she devoted herself to the Hayden Police Department, working closely with the Sexual Assault Response and Domestic Violence teams. Her fellow officer, Hayden Police Chief Gordon Boosco said she was ``wonderful to work with,'' and that he would be willing to go into any situation knowing Carla was with him.

The police department, was not the only avenue Ms. Steele used to serve the community of Hayden. In the fall of 1995 she started EMT courses at Colorado Northwestern Community College with Hayden Fire Chief Bryan Rickman. On June 13, 1996, she joined the Hayden Fire Department as a volunteer EMT, a position she loved.

For 15 years, Ms. Steele served both the Hayden Police Department and Fire Department, devoting her career to a life of service. On July 29, 24 days before her 49th birthday, Carla Jean Steele was tragically taken in a traffic accident.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize Carla Steele. Her integrity and excellence as a public servant had a deep impact in the community of Hayden, Colorado, and she will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hotchkiss High School engineering team for their award winning project, the Caboose, which won first place in the Junior Engineering Technical Society and Ability One National Engineering Design Competition in Washington, D.C. last February.

The engineering team was made up of Hotchkiss High School seniors Brandon Duval, Isaac Fisher, Zachary Larmer, Cody Spiker, Ryan Spor and junior Dave Murry. Through hard work and bright innovation, this team beat over 300 other high school engineering teams throughout the nation.

The team's project, the Caboose, is designed to help a person who uses crutches to wheel their luggage behind them when travelling. The team's inspiration came from Hotchkiss local Paul Larmer, who is also the father of one of the members. After many interviews, the team and Mr. Larmer, along with Hotchkiss Physics Professor, Richard Hypio, concluded that transporting luggage through crowded airports is one of the more inconvenient parts of travelling while on crutches. So the team went to work.

After many designs and several prototypes, the team developed a hands-free system to carrying luggage while on crutches, which later became their award-winning project, the Caboose. Currently, the team is working to have the Caboose patented and be placed in the market.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Hotchkiss High School engineering team. Through hard work and the innovative spirit that has made America great, this team has created a marketable product that will hopefully continue to help many Coloradans and Americans today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evraz Pueblo Steel and its importance to Pueblo and the entire State of Colorado. I want to share a good news story about this business in my district that is not only a success story but a company that is meeting the challenges of global competition.

The Evraz Pueblo steel mill has--for more than 100 years--provided steel made in Colorado to projects throughout America and the world. Today it is the largest employer in Pueblo with 1,200 workers; its workforce has expanded by more than 10 percent in just the past year.

In these tough economic times, it's great to report on a business that's expanding and creating high-quality, family-sustaining jobs. But the impact of the Pueblo mill goes beyond those workers and their families. It is a major economic engine for the region and the potential expansion shows the commitment the company has to the continued economic growth of the region.

The company reports that last year it invested $36 million with nearly 400 Colorado-based suppliers. These figures include more than 200 suppliers in the Pueblo area, which represents a $24 million infusion into Pueblo's economy.

The company shared with me the fact that this facility is looked to by others in the steel industry as an innovator in efficient operations that put top-flight environmental protection at a premium. Evraz Pueblo has achieved this status by taking proactive steps to assure environmental protection, investing $30 million in environmental improvements since 2008. Today, Evraz Pueblo uses the lowest-emitting commercially available method of steel production.

Coupling economic success with strong, proactive environmental protection proves that the two are not antagonistic or mutually exclusive. In fact, I would argue that the best companies are those that make both a priority.

In these difficult economic times, we are often focused on the struggles of our manufacturing base coupled with widespread job losses. These challenges are touching every corner of our country. It is important, when we can to point out companies that are beating the odds, growing their job base and expanding market share in a globally competitive economy. I am pleased that the Evraz Pueblo steel mill, in Colorado's Third Congressional District, is a shining example of a growing company that couples economic success with environmental protection.

Mr. Speaker, this is an impressive manufacturing facility. I commend the employees and the company for the great job they are doing together in Pueblo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Erin Nissen, this year's 42nd Annual Ag and Tech Awards 2011 Outstanding Ag Student of the Year. Ms. Nissen was one of 200 students who attended this year's event, but only one of two students honored with the award.

The Outstanding Ag Student of the Year award is considered one of the more prestigious agriculture awards, but it sits only in the shadows of Ms. Nissen's other accomplishments. As a student at Northeastern Junior College (NJC), Ms. Nissen was a member

of the honor's association, Phi Theta Kappa. In addition, she served as the president of the Farm Bureau Chapter, president of the Plainsmen Shooters Club, and was a member of the Post-Secondary Agriculture Students at NJC.

In her community, Ms. Nissen volunteered at the Logan County Literacy Coalition, and was also awarded with the Rising Star distinction among community college students in Colorado. Ms. Nissen recently graduated from NJC with an associate's degree in general studies. In the fall, she plans to major in agricultural business at Texas Tech University.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Erin Nissen. She demands excellence in every area of her life, which has helped her to win one of the most prestigious agriculture awards in the nation--an award well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise in tribute of Dr. Robert Pollard, for being recognized in ``Great Stories on Halls in Walls,'' a program that he founded.

The Great Stories on Halls in Walls project is a great way to appreciate and share the lives and stories of the alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Adams State College. Funds raised from the donations for these dedications are given to the Adams State College Foundation to provide active leadership, direction and expertise in college fund-raising efforts.

The first member in his family to attend college, Pollard attended Adams State and returned to Alamosa after serving in the U.S Army in the Colorado National Guard Unit. Mr. Pollard later received his doctorate degree from Stanford University.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Robert Pollard is a man who should be recognized for his outstanding and generous character, which is worthy of praise and admiration.