Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen ``Taddy'' Swinson of Brush, Colorado. Ms. Swinson was a mother, grandmother, volunteer and philanthropist. Her devotion to her family and work for the less fortunate left an indelible mark on the community.

Ms. Swinson was a longtime member of the Red-Cross and volunteered much of her time to the Meals and Friendship program. She also worked tirelessly for the Alter and Rosary Society at her church, St. Mary's Catholic Church. Her family was always a priority and it shows in the happiness and success that they enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize a woman who did so much for her community and country today. There is no doubt that the values she demonstrated will live on through those who knew her and those she cared for during her life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ted Smith, of Trinidad Colorado. Mr. Smith recently taught at the Trinidad State Junior College, where he established the now famous aquaculture program. He is moving on to the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility in Alamosa, Colorado, and will surely bring the same culture of excellence and success.

During his tenure with the Junior College, Mr. Smith mentored a number of students who have graduated to various wildlife jobs. Indeed, the Colorado Division of Wildlife currently employs many of his former students.

Mr. Smith's new job with the NASRF allows him to expand his oversight of Colorado aquatic life. The Facility houses 14 endangered species and is one of the foremost organizations for aquatic research.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Ted Smith today. There is no doubt his success with Trinidad State Junior College will translate to the NASRF. His past and future contributions to Colorado's environmental research are immeasurable and he will continue his conservation efforts of wildlife across the state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rex Thorne of Huntington, Indiana. Mr. Thorne was a war hero, an incredibly successful engineer and community leader in a life that touched people all over the United States.

Following high school, Mr. Thorne enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Heyliger during World War II. Mr. Thorne's bravery and that of his his fellow servicemen contributed to America's victory in the Pacific Theater.

After serving his country abroad, he returned to attend Purdue University. He graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and quickly joined the Union Camp paper company. During his tenure with the company, he advanced from working in the lab to his eventual position as Corporate Director for Environmental Affairs. His work took him across the country and gave others an opportunity to meet and work with him.

Mr. Thorne also lent much of his time to volunteer work for clubs, charities and non-profit organizations. He enjoyed fund raising and organizing events for many groups, most notably the Boy Scouts, the Safe Shelter Board and the Salvation Army. He was an active member of the Rotary Club Savannah West and the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for several years.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the life of Rex Thorne. From his service in World War II, his life as a businessman and his volunteer work, he had a profound impact on many people. There is no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire others.

Mr. Speaker, it is an unmatched honor for me to stand and pay tribute to the short, yet remarkable, life of Jessica Jerke of La Salle, Colorado. She was a young woman who accomplished more in her 21 years than most people can achieve in a lifetime. Jessica truly devoted herself to a life of selflessness and compassion to everyone she interacted with.

Ms. Jessica Jerke was born in Greeley, Colorado, and was an inspiration to her friends and family throughout her life. She was a member of the Greeley Children's Chorale, as well as a member of the Continental Singers. Jessica had even written and recorded some of her own music. Jessica graduated from University High School in 2008 where she was a member of the choir, the dance team, and the tennis team. She was also a devout Christian who possessed a deep faith, and had a strong relationship with God. Jessica was so committed to her faith that she went on two mission trips to Costa Rica and India to try to help those that were less fortunate than her.

Jessica attended Colorado Christian University where she studied music education, and in her 2nd semester of college she began to show symptoms of the unknown disease that she would fiercely battle for the next two years. Physicians from around the nation could not diagnose what was wrong with her. As her conditioned worsened, Jessica continued to flash her beautiful smile, never losing her winning attitude, and grew closer to her Lord. Jessica wanted no gifts as she celebrated her 21st birthday from a wheel chair, but asked that people make donations to the Christian mission in India instead. Jessica was a true embodiment of the Christian ideals that she held so closely.

Jessica Jerke demonstrated true grace in the face of misfortune, and our nation has lost a great citizen of the world. Mr. Speaker it has been a privilege to stand before you and pay tribute to the life of this extraordinary young lady.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gaines Wylie Shults of Mosca, Colorado. Mr. Shults owned and operated a number of small businesses in Texas and Colorado and was one of the founding members of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Shults was born and raised in Rising Star, Texas, before eventually deciding to join the Texas National Guard. He had a zest for flying and took every opportunity to do so during his service. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor he was transferred to the Navy as a flight instructor, where his efforts contributed to our country's victory in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Shults' love of flying brought him to Colorado, where he eventually ran the Alamosa Airport. On his way he founded Silver State Aviation, a crop dusting and charter business. It was a natural outlet for his skills in aviation and knowledge of agriculture.

His career pursuits were not limited to aviation, however. Mr. Shults had a talent for ranching and operated Broken Heart Land and Cattle Company for several years. He loved the outdoors and spent as much free time as possible hunting, fishing and flying.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Gaines Shults today. He was a veteran, entrepreneur and leader. There is no doubt his legacy will continue to impact rural Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ernest and Louise Anita Evans Romero, of Pueblo Colorado. Mrs. Romero, a very successful nurse for many years, passed away in 1994 but is remembered by the immensely successful scholarship fund created by Mr. Romero in her honor.

The Romero Nurse Scholarship Fund awards grants to St. Mary-Corwin nurses so that they might study more advanced nursing techniques. The Fund has given 17 scholarships to St. Mary-Corwin nurses since it was created. It is an appropriate honor for those who display the same talent and dedication to nursing as Louise Romero did for so many years.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Romero for their longtime service to the community. Through the Fund created by Ernest Romero, deserving nurses will be able to pursue the same excellence Louise Romero strived towards during her life. There is no doubt their impact will be felt in Colorado for many years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. David Svaldi of Alamosa, Colorado. Dr. Svaldi was recently appointed to El Pomar Foundation's San Luis Valley Regional Council. As one of southern Colorado's most esteemed residents he will undoubtedly thrive in that position.

Dr. Svaldi is president of Adams State College, a job he balances with his other volunteer work. He sits on the boards of the area's Boys and Girls Club, Health Education Council and the Southern Colorado Education Consortium.

The education and health industries in southern Colorado are growing quickly. It is important that people like Dr. Svaldi, who have a history of involvement and success in those areas, lend their expertise to the growing infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, it is a honor to recognize Dr. David Svaldi today. He will continue to be a leader in his community and work to better the lives of his neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congressman Frank Evans of Pueblo, Colorado. Mr. Evans represented Colorado's third district for 14 years and was considered one of the most professional and courteous members of the House of Representatives. In fitting tribute, Pueblo's Government Printing Office will be renamed after the Congressman next month.

Mr. Evans was responsible for bringing the distribution center to his hometown and was proud of the recognition it gave to what was, at the time, a very small town. It is a testament to his hard work while in office. He fought diligently for residents of the district and never forgot those who elected him to Congress. He enjoyed great success in office, never lost an election, and took great care to avoid making enemies on either side of the aisle.

Mr. Evans grew up in Colorado and went to Pomona College before enlisting in the Navy at the outbreak of World War II. During the War he became a pilot and flew seaplanes in the Pacific theater. After his service, he returned to Colorado and graduated from the University of Denver with a law degree. He specialized in labor law and workers' rights was one of his lifelong concerns. It prompted him, in fact, to move back to Pueblo, so that he might better understand factory life at the district's mills and plants.

In Pueblo he met his wife Eleanor Trefz, whom he loved dearly. Together they raised four children and nine grandchildren. Mr.

Evans was proud of his family and their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, Congressman Frank Evans left a sizable mark on Colorado and there is no doubt his legacy will continue to impact the state. Renaming the Government Printing Office after the Congressman is an appropriate tribute to a man who was central to its construction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the participants of the 2011 Rocky Mountain Nationals Youth Wrestling Tournament in Denver, Colorado. As in the Colorado State High School Tournament, the San Luis Valley was well represented and enjoyed immense success.

Known for its high degree of difficulty, the Tournament can be one of the most challenging in the area. That reputation underscores the accomplishments of the wrestlers from the San Luis Valley. Three members of the Alamosa Coolsunshine Team placed in the top five for their respective weight divisions, most notably Isaiah DeLaCerda who grabbed second place in the 82 pound 12 & Under Bracket. Dozens of other wrestlers from southern Colorado also placed, including Dante Martinez, Michael Valdez and Austin Vance of Monte Vista.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the success grapplers from around Colorado enjoyed in the Rocky Mountain Nationals Youth Wrestling Tournament. There is no doubt they will continue to represent their community admirably for many years.

Mr. Speaker, today this House took the unprecedented step of doing the right thing. We stood up for our men and women in our Armed Forces. However, Senator Reid and the President had already announced before the vote was even taken that it was going to be ``dead on arrival.'' Senator Reid said that it's a fantasy.

Senator Reid, let me give you a reality. The reality is that our men and women in our armed services, who are risking their lives for us, deserve better than the politics of usual.

Senator Reid, we call on you, and we call on the President of the United States to stand with us who are standing for the American people: our men and women in the Armed Forces, our parents, grandparents, and our future generations as well. We have to not only protect our present but build for our future and have actual fiscal responsibility in this country. You can no longer be allowed to be the party of ``no'': no ideas, no solutions, simply saying ``no'' because of your bankruptive ideas.

Now is the time for action. The American people are counting on us.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Shirley Atencio, of Center, Colorado. Ms. Atencio was recently named Center Teacher of the Year for her outstanding efforts in the classroom. As a veteran teacher of 33 years, she has had a profound effect on the students and parents of her community.

Ms. Atencio earned Teacher of the Year honors this year because of her increased role in curriculum planning around the district. She is a leader among the teaching community in modernizing and streamlining lesson strategies. Largely due to her efforts, students have access to a clearer and more focused education. One of her primary goals is teaching self respect and reliance to her students and to ensure that they have a strong affluence in the English language.

Mr. Speaker it is an honor to recognize Shirley Atencio today. Her leadership within the community is an important part of the area's success. I have no doubt she will continue to be an excellent teacher for many years.

Mr. Speaker it brings me great pleasure to pay tribute to a young man who has exhibited a level of caring and selflessness well beyond his years. Corey Laughlin of Pueblo, Colorado, has taken it upon himself to bring the sport of baseball to underprivileged children who play in the Runyan Field Baseball Program.

Corey, a member of East High School's baseball team, has loved baseball for as long he can remember, and thinks that America's pastime has taught him some invaluable life lessons. Earlier this year he was going through his own baseball gear in anticipation of the upcoming season, and discovered he had an excess supply of lightly used baseball equipment; then he realized that many others would also have extra baseball bats, cleats and mitts. Corey then took it upon himself to rally the community in support of the Runyan Field Baseball Program, a youth league in Pueblo. Corey solicited teammates, neighbors and community members to donate used baseball gear. Corey organized a sale of the equipment, and announced all profits would go towards helping the underprivileged members of the Runyan Program.

Corey Laughlin's desire to share the game he loves with the less fortunate members of his community shows an incredible level of maturity, a deep sense of thoughtfulness, and gives me faith in future generations of Americans. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to stand and pay tribute to the charitable efforts of Corey Laughlin.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to celebrate an American family in Colorado. Steve and Angie Patterson, in Denver, Colorado, have three wonderful children, Caid, Marin, and tonight we pay special tribute to their son Jake, celebrating his 10th birthday. They will soon be the next generation of Americans leading this country, making choices. The choices that we make in this place will impact their lives and their future. They are counting on us to do the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I wish that they have a very happy celebration together for the family, and we wish them the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hillary Morris, Diana Kelly and Brittany Harlan for their work to prevent drinking and drug use in Colorado schools. These three women are responsible for programs designed to teach local students about the dangers of substance abuse.

Their efforts have recently been honored by the Rio Grande Prevention Partners, a group that works towards spreading information about the negative effects of alcohol and drugs. Ms. Harlan has been the student intern for the group since June of 2009. She was instrumental in creating the Youth Engagement Plan while also participating in a number of other extracurricular activities.

Ms. Kelly is the Creede Middle and High School sponsor for Students Against Destructive Decisions, a national group with similar aspirations to that of the RGPP. She helped guide the group's local efforts in Colorado over the last year. Ms. Morris, a student of Creede High School, is also very involved with SADD. She has organized events and activities for the group this past year.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize these three women for their work in preventing drug and alcohol use among Colorado students. The initiative they have taken in their communities is exemplary and I have no doubt they will continue to be leaders in preventing substance abuse.

Mr. Speaker it is a wonderful privilege to stand and pay tribute to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mr. Arthur Gagnon. Sadly, he passed away on March 24th, 2011, and his loss will be felt by all who knew this inspirational person. Mr. Gagnon was a man that had many passions, and had a lifetime of wonderful achievements on a professional and personal level. Above all else he was a man that was truly devoted to his family, faith and country.

Mr. Arthur Gagnon was born and raised in Albany, New York, and he lived there until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. Mr. Gagnon enjoyed a successful career in the Air Force that lasted two decades, and took him to all corners of the globe. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant and always claimed to love the work he did and the people he met along the way. After twenty years of moving around the country Mr. Gagnon and his family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, which allowed him to continue civilian work with the Air Force at the Air Force Academy Visitor Center. Mr. Gagnon was also endlessly committed to doing all he could to assist his fellow veterans, and he did so as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Retired Enlisted Association and Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Arthur Gagnon was a man that had a true sense of the meaning of service.

For all of his deeds in his service to America, Mr. Arthur Gagnon was even more committed to his family. He married his wife Delores in 1953 and they enjoyed a 58 year marriage. Mr. Gagnon also had three children, and was a grandfather and great-grandfather. Many in the Gagnon family looked to the lessons they learned from their father and grandfather as an example of how they should live there own life. His son James Gagnon served as an officer in the Air Force, and one of his grandsons, Joseph Gagnon is currently a first lieutenant in the Air Force. His grandson, David Sprenger, believes that his success working in the U.S. Congress can be directly attributed to the ideals he learned from his grandfather. Mr. Gagnon clearly touched the lives of others in many ways.

Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to stand and pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of Mr. Arthur Gagnon. He was a man that tirelessly tried to bring fulfillment into the lives of those around him, and he will be dearly missed.