Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cornelia Heersink for her dedication to the American Red Cross and the people of Colorado's San Luis Valley.

As an original member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies, Mrs. Heersink volunteered for 45 years at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center. The devotion she showed to helping the people of her community is truly admirable. Her continual presence provided comfort to patients and families at the southern Colorado hospital. Patients, and members of the surrounding community, always appreciated the years of service she gave to the area's health.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and pay tribute to Cornelia Heersink today. She has given a lifetime of service to the health and rehabilitation of Colorado. I have no doubt that her impact will be felt for many years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Colorado's most successful businessman, William Coors. A native of Colorado, Mr. Coors took the small brewery that his grandfather founded and turned it into a nationwide product and one of the largest beer producers in the world.

Mr. Coors earned his bachelors and masters degrees in chemical engineering at Princeton University. Following his graduation, he returned to Colorado and joined Coors' management team, rising quickly through the ranks. He eventually became Chairman and CEO of the company and led it through its greatest period of growth.

What is now the Molson-Coors Brewing Company, has been one of the great success stories among Colorado businesses. The company, nestled in the city of Golden, employs thousands of workers and has led the industry in innovation. Bill Coors is proud to mention that he oversaw the invention of the recyclable aluminum can, which is now a staple among all beer producers. He is also intensely proud that a relatively small, specialty brewery could grow to its current size and lead the industry for so long.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand and pay tribute to a man who revolutionized business in Colorado, and the country at large. Bill Coors was an exemplary leader, and I admire his business acumen. I have no doubt that Colorado will feel the imprint left by Mr. Coors for many years and that his company will continue to thrive under his blueprint.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Rohn- Nelson for her commitment to helping others through her vast experience in public affairs and media relations. Ms. Rohn-Nelson has dedicated herself to dozens of important causes and has been an exemplary volunteer.

Her ability to publicize and popularize a program or issue is a rare talent. If not for Ms. Rohn-Nelson's efforts, the famous ``Bells Across America'' event would never have been launched, nor a number of other, similar events. She also played an instrumental role in the United States Bicentennial celebration, several political campaigns and many non-profit groups.

Perhaps her most admirable characteristic is her passion for connecting to people. The warmth and care she shows towards all is commendable. It is one of the reasons she has displayed such affluence in public affairs.

She launched campaigns to help the homeless, created volunteer awards, and fought for education across the country.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize Elizabeth Rohn- Nelson. She has spent a lifetime helping the less fortunate and I have no doubt that she will continue to provide leadership to communities across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize University of Colorado Regent Paul Schauer for his lifelong commitment to the state of Colorado and its people. Mr. Schauer has devoted much of his career to serving the citizens of the Centennial state and is one of its proudest residents.

Mr. Schauer was born and raised in DeKalb, Illinois, but it didn't take long for him to make Colorado his permanent home. He attended Doane College, in Nebraska, where he received a bachelor of arts in economics, and finished his post graduate studies at the University of Colorado at Denver.

After graduation, Mr. Schauer became an immensely successful businessman in Centennial and committed himself to public service. In 1979 he was elected to the state legislature and held his seat for nearly 20 years. He was popular among his colleagues at the state Capitol and he focused his efforts on such crucial issues as education, the environment and the state economy.

Following his stint in the Colorado General Assembly, Mr. Schauer became a University of Colorado Regent. He established himself quickly and became the board's chairman for a brief period. His guidance has contributed to the University's tremendous success.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize one of Colorado's foremost businessman and public figures. He has spent a lifetime fighting for the issues facing Colorado and its higher education system.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize longtime Colorado political reporter, Tom McAvoy of Pueblo, Colorado. Mr. McAvoy, currently the editorial research director for the Pueblo Chieftain, has one of the most distinguished reporting careers in Colorado and it is a great honor to recognize him upon his retirement.

Mr. McAvoy was born and raised in Pueblo, graduating from Central High School and what is now Colorado State University-Pueblo. He finished his education with a master's degree in Journalism at Ohio State University, before returning to cover the Colorado political arena. His career spanned 34 years, and he spent the majority of that time covering the Colorado General Assembly and the Governor's office as the Chieftain's Denver bureau chief.

He has received a number of accolades during his tenure with the Chieftain. Most notably the Colorado Press Association gave him its inaugural Shining Star Award. He also served on CSU-Pueblo's alumni board and was chairman of the board for the Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have repeatedly acknowledged their respect for Mr. McAvoy and his professional talent.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to have the opportunity to stand and recognize Tom McAvoy, an institution in Colorado journalism. The people of southern Colorado are fortunate to have had such a gifted writer cover the state's government.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commander Bruce Beckman for his lifetime of service defending the United States of America and protecting the people of Colorado. His distinguished military and law enforcement careers make him a model for the community.

Commander Beckman began his highly successful military career in the United States Army. After a three year tour he joined the Colorado Army National Guard, where he remained for over 25 years. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming Colonel and eventually Deputy Commander. During Operation Desert Storm he was awarded the bronze star for leadership, further distinguishing himself while providing security to over 24,000 prisoners of war.

As he established his exemplary military career, he also became an indispensable member of Colorado's police force. He began as a Littleton City Police Officer in 1974 and was promoted to sergeant only four years later. He would hold a number of other positions in the department, but eventually became Commander in 1999. During his tenure in that position, he would oversee all three divisions of the department: investigations, patrol and support services. He was the clear choice to coordinate the city's preparations for the Democratic National Convention, and serves as the city's emergency planner. Bruce and his wife Susan, an Arapahoe County Commissioner, are both leaders in the Littleton community, devoting much of their free time to service organizations such as the Littleton Rotary Club, of which Bruce is a past president.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize one of Colorado's finest residents. His service to the country and state of Colorado is admirable and we are indebted to his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tilman Bishop for his longtime service to the state of Colorado as a teacher, public servant and dedicated citizen. He has represented the state's Western Slope in the Colorado General Assembly for just under three decades and now serves on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.

Mr. Bishop was born and raised in Colorado Springs and learned to respect the value of education. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, both in education, at the University of Northern Colorado, which he attended with scholarships from wrestling and the El Pomar Foundation. His alma mater would eventually award him an honorary doctorate in 1999.

Out of college, Mr. Bishop decided to become a public school teacher in Colorado, a position he held for seven years. His success in that role translated to his managerial talent. He served as a Mesa State College administrator for 31 years and was an important part of the school's academic emergence.

Mr. Bishop is known best for his tenure in the Colorado legislature, though. He served for four years in the state House of Representatives and another 24 years in the state Senate, the last six of which as president pro tem. His lengthy tenure in the Colorado Capitol ranks as the longest among Western Slope senators and comes as no surprise to those aware of his dedication and political prowess.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand and recognize Tilman Bishop today. He has spent a lifetime serving Colorado and I am grateful for his passion and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bonita Nuanez for her academic, athletic and extracurricular work at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Her outstanding efforts earned her the Threlkeld award, which is given to the top graduating senior each year. She will be the first to receive her diploma at the commencement ceremony and lead the graduating class.

Ms. Nuanez decided to attend CSU-Pueblo to continue her already impressive softball career. Unsurprisingly, she posted magnificent college statistics, including a school record for most career walks and is fifth all time in home runs.

Her impressive achievements on the diamond are overshadowed by her academic success. She was one of the school's top biology students and has spent countless hours assisting her professors in the lab. She also spends much of her free time as a math and science tutor to other students.

In the community, Ms. Nuanez made a noticeable impact, as well. She helped groups such as RakeUp Pueblo, the Special Olympics and the Evolution Softball Camp. In addition, she volunteered as a softball coach at local high schools.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Bonita Nuanez today. Her recognition within the school and the community is well-earned, and I have no doubt that she will continue to have a positive influence on the people of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise and pay tribute to a young lady who has exhibited a desire to improve her community and empower the arts for future generations. Lindsey Buxman, of Pueblo, Colorado was one of 100 young people in the United States to be honored by the Prudential Spirit of Community Program for community service.

Lindsey Buxman, a student at Pueblo Centennial High School and an avid dancer, took it upon herself to create a fundraiser to restore the stage at Memorial Hall Theater. Lindsey brought her plan before Pueblo City Hall, and found that the whole theater was in danger of being torn down if enough money could not be raised for a complete renovation. This is when Lindsey decided that she was going to take action to make sure the total restoration of the Memorial Hall Theater would become a ballot initiative. Lindsey, with the help of fellow students and dancers, gave speeches and obtained signatures to ensure that an initiative to restore the theater made it on the ballot.

Lindsey Buxman has fully given herself to her community and her love of the arts, and in doing so she has shown exceptional leadership qualities.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the efforts of young Lindsey Buxman to enhance her community, and I encourage all of America's youth to follow her lead and get involved in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brett Stearns of Craig, Colorado. Mr. Stearns was an engine captain for the Bureau of Land Management and worked tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of Colorado.

It was while working in fire prevention at the Freeman Reservoir that he tragically passed away. He was, by all accounts, an excellent firefighter and his presence will be missed. Captain Stearns was an avid outdoor enthusiast from a young age and working for the BLM was a natural position for him. He worked hard to preserve the forests and open spaces of Colorado.

The Captain could often be seen running his favorite trail, which has since been renamed the Stearns Memorial Trail. It is a fitting tribute to someone so closely involved with his community and its outdoor recreation. The trail serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect our open land.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Captain Brett Stearns today. His impact on the

community has been immense, and his efforts to protect Colorado's outdoor beauty contribute to its pristine state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Lucas Beers of Mancos, Colorado. Mr. Beers led a particularly vibrant life in southern Colorado as a prominent businessman, volunteer and veteran. His years of service in both private and public offices contributed to that prominence.

Mr. Beers was born in raised in Mancos, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he worked briefly in the Civilian Conservation Corps before attending Fort Lewis College. He later joined the executive board of the college and was one of the members responsible for its move to Durango.

In 1944, during the height of World War II, Mr. Beers joined the Army as a cryptologist. His work decoding intercepted messages was a major contribution to our victory in China, Burma and India. Before enlisting, he was already an accomplished pilot, serving in the Civil Air Patrol, and was a civil defense volunteer for many years.

After the war, Mr. Beers returned to Durango to begin his various business ventures and public service. He worked for a number of years in the oil and gas industry and was one of the founders of Basin Petroleum, a company that owned and operated several service stations in Colorado. He also served on the Durango City Council and was elected mayor of the city for a term, where he supported a number of initiatives including paving the city's streets.

Mr. Beers also volunteered on several boards during his career. Most notably he sat for two terms on the State Agriculture Board, Mercy Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce. His love of skiing was also a driving force behind the formation of the original San Juan Development Corp., which helped create Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Robert Beers today. The community he spent a lifetime working for owes him a great deal. There is no doubt his legacy will continue to impact Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor to stand and pay tribute to three members of the Montrose Police Community that displayed courage exceeding the call of duty. On July 25th, 2009, Sergeant Kinterknecht, along with Officers Ragsdale and Witte, and other members of the Montrose Police Department and Montrose County Sheriff's Department responded to a domestic violence call that quickly turned violent.

Soon after authorities arrived, gunfire erupted, tragically leaving Sergeant Kinterknecht fatally wounded, and Officers Ragsdale and

Witte severely wounded in both of their legs. In the chaos that followed many other police personnel responded boldly providing CPR and other life saving techniques as needed, while securing the crime scene.

Sergeant Kinterknecht, a Montrose native, has been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor by the Montrose Police Department for his valor in the face of great and imminent danger. Sergeant David Kinterknecht had been involved with law enforcement since he was 14, as a member of the Montrose Police Explorers, a local youth group. He was a committed family man who is survived by his wife Kathy and his daughters Andrea and Amanda.

Officer Rodney Ragsdale, who made his way to Montrose from Suburban Denver, was another man who had been deeply involved in law enforcement. Officer Ragsdale was shot in both of his legs, and for his display of bravery he was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor by the Montrose Police Department.

Officer Larry Witte was just 23 at the time of the incident, and only two years out of Western State College in Gunnison. Officer Witte was also severely wounded from gunshot wounds in both of his legs, and for his steadfastness in dire circumstances he was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. Officer Witte has a lovely wife, Chelsea, and a beautiful young daughter, Julia. He has recovered from his wounds and is back on patrol in Montrose.

Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to rise in tribute to these three brave men. We should never forget the sacrifices the men and women in law enforcement make every day to insure our safety, and the sacrifices of their families. To Officer Ragsdale and Officer Witte, thank you for your service and gallantry. To the Kinterknecht family, our thoughts and prayers have, and continue to be, with you all. Sergeant Kinterknecht gave his life in service, and he shall not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William Chester Hutchison of Cortez, Colorado. Mr. Hutchison was one of the area's most prominent citizens, serving his community through business, philanthropy and military service.

Before moving to his beloved hometown of Cortez, Mr. Hutchison joined the U.S. Air Force where he served his country during World War II. Following the war, Mr. Hutchison returned to his life in Colorado. He became a certified public accountant and opened his own accounting firm. Though he worked in a small town, he served on a number of national accounting committees.

His great love was interacting with the community. He was a member of Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, the Elks, Masons and Rotary Clubs, and was a pyrotechnic display operator. He worked hard to bring fairs, parades and light shows to the area. Among many other pursuits, Mr. Hutchison also sat on several area boards, most notably the Hospital Board and the Citizens State Bank. He also helped institute the Roland Schneider Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize one of Cortez's foremost citizens. Colorado was greatly influenced by Mr. Hutchison's life and his legacy will continue to impact the state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Neal Stanley of western Colorado. Mr. Stanley is the director of the Great Western Oil and Gas Company, and will receive ``Wildcatter of the Year'' for his work in the field of natural resources.

There are few people who possess the level of experience and knowledge that Mr. Stanley provides both his company and the state of Colorado. He has spent over 35 years working in the oil and gas industry, serving on several public and private boards. Most notably, he was president of the Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States from 1999 to 2001 and Senior Vice President-Western Region for Forest Oil Corporation.

Mr. Stanley will join a long list of distinguished recipients of the ``Wildcatter of the Year'' award. His devotion to the oil and gas industry is proven by his exemplary career, and the expertise he has provided through decades of work. There is little doubt that he has contributed to the success and prominence of the industry and all the companies he worked for.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Neal Stanley today. He has given years of service to a number of companies and the state of Colorado. He will be appropriately honored with the ``Wildcatter of the Year'' award and will continue to lead our country's charge into its wealth of natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mac McFadden of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mr. McFadden is one of the proud Americans who served his country during World War II. It is because of his service, and that of so many of his generation, that we can celebrate our freedoms today.

Mr. McFadden chose to enlist in the Army, but was initially turned away because of his poor vision. Rather than accept the results, however, he memorized the eye test and passed after a second attempt. Upon finally joining the Army, he became a mechanic, ultimately reaching the level of Technician Grade 5, in the 3156th Ordinance Base Artillery & Fire Control Maintenance Battalion.

During his nearly four years of duty, he distinguished himself quickly. Among his many decorations, he received an American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, Service Stripe and five Overseas Service Bars.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize one of the many brave men who served our country during its time of need. Mr. McFadden's efforts helped ensure our victory and the success we have enjoyed since World War II.