Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great joy to stand and pay tribute to Doris and Melvin Porth of Westcliffe, Colorado. The Porths have shown endless loyalty and devotion to Custer Country, the state of Colorado, and the Republican Party.

Originally from Kansas, Mr. and Mrs. Porth quickly became true Coloradans upon arriving in the Centennial State. Both Mr. and Mrs. Porth have been staples in local and state politics for decades, and their service has not gone unnoticed. Doris Porth was the Custer Country Treasurer for 32 years, and had a long tenure as the Republican Party Treasurer in Custer County as well. For his part, Melvin Porth was the Republican Party Chairman for two decades, he worked tirelessly in the school district for 18 years, and he owned and operated an equipment rental business. Mr. and Mrs. Porth have also been active members of the Custer County Chamber of Commerce. The Porth's civic endeavors continue as leading contributors to their historical railroad district, which is a vibrant and important part of Westcliffe's frontier history. The community outreach of Mr. and Mrs. Porth continues due in part to their active faith life as leaders within their church.

Mr. Speaker, Doris and Melvin Porth represent the finest our state has to offer in terms of civic responsibility and patriotism. The Porths have given decades of their time to the community and their political party for the benefit of others. Mr. and Mrs. Porth are a shining example of selflessness, and it has been an honor to rise and pay tribute to these wonderful people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ted Strickland, one of Colorado's most prominent statesmen. Mr. Strickland, originally of Austin, Texas, was a Colorado state Representative, Senator and Lieutenant Governor in a political career that lasted for well over two decades. His lengthy tenure in public office is a testament to his adoration for Colorado and desire to make it the wonderful state that it is today.

Though Mr. Strickland did not grow up in Colorado, it did not take long for him to make it his permanent home. After working for an oil well information firm following college in Oklahoma, he decided to run for a position in the state legislature. He was a popular candidate and rose quickly within the Republican Party. He held numerous leadership positions, including his service as Senate President for nine years.

While in office his priority was to strengthen the state economy by advancing conservative economic principles. He fought for lower taxes, a balanced budget, and less government spending.

His popularity as a state senator led to his nomination as Lieutenant Governor under John David Vanderhoof. As the state's 39th Lieutenant Governor, he was instrumental in the success of Governor Vanderhoof's administration.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Ted Strickland today. His impact can still be felt in Colorado and his devotion to the state is truly exemplary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tyler Martinez of Alamosa, Colorado. Mr. Martinez earned the Youth of the Year award at the Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley for the second year in a row.

It is rare to find a youth like Mr. Martinez who is so involved in helping less fortunate kids. The Alamosa High Junior lends his effort and time to the Boys and Girls Club, though. The fact that he was selected for the honor two consecutive years is a testament to his dedication. As a student and player on the Alamosa High basketball team, it is even more impressive that Mr. Martinez finds so much time to volunteer.

Mr. Martinez will once again enter the statewide competition for Colorado Youth of the

Year. He joins many deserving honorees across the state and will certainly be a serious contender. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Tyler Martinez, today, and I have no doubt this young man will continue to be a leader in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Stephen F. Mestas of Pueblo, Colorado. Officer Mestas is a helicopter combat pilot who just finished his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, and his fifth tour overall. His return is a reminder of the sacrifice our soldiers and their families make to ensure our freedoms.

Officer Mestas and his unit, Alpha Troop 2-17 Cavalry, were recently deployed into some of the most dangerous territory in the world. They put their lives in danger every day so that we may live safely and freely in America. The fact that officer Mestas has been deployed five times in that pursuit is both humbling and inspiring. We are truly indebted to these brave men.

I also feel profound respect for the wives, children, parents and siblings of our American soldiers. They are put through incredible difficulties and we owe them the same gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Stephen Mestas, today. He and his family keep this country strong, along with all of the other men and women we charge with protecting the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Vasquez and Chris Weaver for their accomplishments at Pueblo Community College. Both were awarded Rising Star Awards, which are given to students demonstrating leadership and academic excellence.

Mr. Vasquez is president of the Pueblo Community College associated student government, and participates in a number of other extracurricular activities. Most notably, he led the school's Thanksgiving food drive, which helped 206 students in need. During that semester he also maintained a 3.2 GPA as a single parent.

Mr. Weaver also held an exemplary GPA and served as vice-president of the associated student government, under Mr. Vasquez. He also represents the school government at the State Student Advisory Council and was named the board's legislative liaison to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize James Vasquez and Chris Weaver for their accomplishments in higher education. There is no doubt they will continue to be leaders in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edi Sheldon of Walsenburg, Colorado. Ms. Sheldon worked for several years in the Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee before serving as mayor of Walsenburg.

Ms. Sheldon grew up in the small town of Walsenburg before moving to Alamosa with her husband, Frank. In Alamosa, she worked on the local newspaper that her husband published. After his death, she spent a number of years publishing her own magazine in Denver.

She eventually returned to Walsenburg and became very active in the local government. She worked as the secretary for the Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Sheldon also sat on the local hospital board for two years. In 2005 she won her mayoral bid in the small town, and worked tirelessly advancing Walsenburg's economic interests and the prominence of her city. The commitment she had to building her community through public service is inspiring.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize Edi Sheldon today. Her public service was exemplary and her presence can still be felt in the community.

Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to stand in tribute and praise the ongoing educational career of Anna Mae Rael-Lindsay. Mrs. Rael-Lindsay continues to enlighten and enrich the lives of others through her relentless dedication to her students, Trinidad State Junior College, and southern Colorado.

Anna Mae Rael-Lindsay was born and raised in the San Luis Valley, and her large tightly knit family put a premium on education and hard work. After graduating from Adams State College, Mrs. Rael-Lindsay started in Rocky Ford Public Schools, and never looked back from there. Never losing sight of her roots, it was not long before Mrs. Rael-Lindsay was back in the San Luis Valley, teaching at the Trinidad State Junior College's Alamosa Campus. Anna Mae Real-Lindsay is now the director of the learning resource center at TSJC's Alamosa Campus, which specializes in adult basic education, general education development tests, and English as a second language classes. This allows her the chance to stress the importance of a complete education to countless students who might not otherwise understand all the opportunities that a degree provides. For her decades of hard work, Anna Mae Rael-Lindsay has rightfully earned the honor of Trinidad State's Employee of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Rael-Lindsay is an inspirational educator who has dedicated her professional life to improving the lives of those around her, and the livelihood of her community. It has been an honor to rise in tribute to the scholarly career of Anna Mae Rael-Lindsay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ed Sajbel of Pueblo, Colorado. Mr. Sajbel is an integral part of Pueblo's art community and will showcase his work in an ``introspective Retrospective'' display this spring. Though the display is a testament to Mr. Sajbel's artistic abilities, his greatest success has been nurturing a strong artistic community in Pueblo and the aspiring artists of the area.

From an early age, Mr. Sajbel loved to draw, a hobby that quickly earned him recognition. After a brief furlough in the U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to Pueblo to attend Pueblo Community College. He eventually transferred to the University of Northern Colorado to become a teacher, which allowed him to pursue his career in art while also guiding youngsters with a similar passion. Mr. Sajbel went on to teach at Colorado State University-Pueblo for over thirty years. His success can be measured by the exponential growth of Pueblo's artistic community.

Mr. Sajbel did not limit his guidance only to the classroom. He created and served on a number of boards and councils in Pueblo meant to foster the growth of the arts, including the Colorado Arts and Humanities Council. He also developed grants for artists in the area and put on shows featuring their work.

Mr. Speaker, the impact that Ed Sajbel has had on the arts in his community is profound and it is an honor to recognize him today. There is no doubt that he will continue to inspire young artists while he pursues his own creative passion.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise and pay tribute to the life and career of Mr. James Billings, Sr. of Pueblo, Colorado. The community has lost a great firefighter and a man, who led a life that was dedicated to family, public service and leadership.

Mr. James Billings, Sr. comes from a family of police officers and fire fighters, and it is no surprise that he followed in the honorable footsteps of his father and brother. Born and raised in Pueblo, Mr. Billings was compelled to serve the city, and joined the Pueblo Fire Department in 1953. Serving honorably and with distinction for twenty- five years, the last six of those years as the assistant fire chief. Mr. Billings was so respected as a firefighter that many have described working with him as one of the highlights of their careers. Mr. Billings' own son, James, Jr. said that the greatest memory of his long career as the Pueblo Chief of Police was the first time he was on the job with his father. For all the achievements of Mr. Billings' career in public service, he was an even more determined family man. With his loving wife Rose, he raised five wonderful children, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

The life of Mr. James Billings, Sr. is one that should be celebrated and recognized. This was a man who endlessly devoted himself to public service and to his family. Mr. Speaker, it has been my sincere privilege to rise and honor Mr. James Billings, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor for me to rise and pay tribute to the fraternal spirit and charitable efforts that have been exemplified by the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. The tragedy that befell our country on September 11, 2001, was met with a resounding and galvanizing response from all citizens of the United States. The members of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department were especially moved to help their brothers from the Fire Department of New York in any way they could.

In the days following the September 11th attacks, the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department went to all the local businesses with a fireman's helmet in hand, asking for donations to provide assistance for the Fire Department of New York. Through the efforts of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Fighters over $110,000 was raised in a span of less than ten days. To raise that amount of money in such a short amount of time is remarkable, but the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department thought there was more that could be done in support of the Fire Department of New York. The firefighters again took to the streets and urged the ski resorts, hotels and local businesses to provide their services to the Fire Department of New York at little to no cost. All the businesses obliged, and in February of 2002, seventy-seven members of New York City's Fire Department and their families were able to enjoy a trip to Aspen, Colorado. The relationship between the two fire departments has now blossomed into an annual tradition. Firefighters from New York City have been coming to Aspen every winter since the tragic 9/11 attacks as guests of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. This bond forged in brotherhood came full circle this past Fourth of July when members of the Fire Department of New York made the long road trip to Aspen. They brought with them a unique and powerful gift; a refurbished piece of the World Trade Center Towers. The steel from ground zero is now the center piece of the newly built Aspen Volunteer Fire House. It also signifies the shared connection between the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department and the Fire Department of New York, and most importantly serves as a memorial to all who were lost in the September 11th attacks.

Mr. Speaker, the efforts of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department have been truly remarkable. These firefighters have tirelessly given support to the Fire Department of New York for nearly a decade, and have no intentions of stopping their good works. It has been a stirring privilege for me to rise and pay tribute to the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Assistant District Attorney Cecil Turner of Pueblo, Colorado. As one of Colorado's outstanding attorneys, Mr. Turner had an exemplary record in the courtroom. The state of Colorado has lost a tremendous legal resource and his experience will be difficult to replace. Many members of the Colorado legal community point to Mr. Turner as both a teacher and resource who will be sorely missed.

Mr. Turner, a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, was an integral part of southern Colorado's legal system. Following his graduation, he joined Pueblo's legal department, where he quickly advanced. In less than a decade he rose from a department aide to chief trial deputy and eventually assistant district attorney. In 1976, he turned to private practice for several years, though he never ceased to offer advice and guidance to the district attorney's staff. He later rejoined the prosecutor's office, in 2005, and worked there for the remainder of his career.

A strong legal system is essential to the freedom of all Americans, and Mr. Turner worked tirelessly in that pursuit. Attorneys of

his caliber are rare, but his exemplary career is one to be admired. I rise today to commend Cecil Turner and thank him for his service to the people of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angie Giarratano of Pueblo, Colorado. Before her passing, she was a philanthropist and longtime leader in her community. She raised thousands of dollars for various charities and brought recognition to a number of other causes.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Ms. Giarratano worked full time, raised two children and was an active member of her church. She also was a grandmother to four and great-grandmother to five. Her husband, John Giarratano, was a World War II hero who played an important role in the D-Day invasion. After the war, he became a small business owner and, like his wife, was a key leader in the community. Family was an important part of Ms. Giarratano's life and was one of the reasons she became such a valuable citizen of Pueblo. While raising a family, she volunteered for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and was very active in the American Cancer Society. Ms. Giarratano also worked as the collection manager for the Pueblo Credit and Collection Bureau.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Angie Giarratano and her family's legacy. It is an honor to recognize her life today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alamosa High School wrestling team and coach Gary Ramstetter. Alamosa's Mean Moose claimed their first Class 3A state wrestling title, with eight wrestlers placing in the top four and an individual title won by Darin Sisneros. It was Mr. Ramstetter's eighth state title with the school, and earned him Coach of the Year honors.

Alamosa finished the tournament with a commanding 178 points, the closest competitor scoring only 122\1/2\. The victory represents a true team effort with every wrestler fighting for every point. Mr. Sisneros' individual title is also the 48th won by a student during coach Ramstetter's 30 year tenure, a testament to the hard work and motivation of both men.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Alamosa's wrestling team and their legendary coach. Under his expert guidance, I have no doubt that Alamosa can win many more state titles and continue its legacy of success both in the classroom and on the mat.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Mogote Church, Margie Garcia and the committee responsible for the church's restoration. They were presented the Stephen H. Hart Award from the Colorado Historical Society this year for their efforts to repair the historic landmark.

The Mogote Church was erected in 1895 by a group of Presbyterian missionaries and local Hispanic residents. Despite the risk of excommunication by the Catholic Church, they still founded a new congregation in Colorado's San Luis Valley. It fell into disrepair, however, and ceased to provide services by 1965. After years of increasing dilapidation, the campaign to restore the church began in 1999. With over a decade of work put into the project, it was completed, and once again became a functioning church. Hundreds of descendants of the original parishioners traveled to the church to attend the reopening and celebrate a historical Colorado landmark.

It is my hope that the efforts taken by this church's community inspire others to take the same initiative in their own. The Mogote church will represent the actions of a proud community for years to come and as such, Mr. Speaker, I feel it is fitting that this body recognizes those who took charge in restoring a Colorado landmark.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brett Brunner of Dolores, Colorado, for his exceptional performance as a cadet of the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Brunner recently was named the Cadet Wing Outstanding 3rd Class Cadet of Fall Semester 2010, which is awarded to the most impressive cadet for each class. Academics, athletics and military duties are all considered before the recipient is selected from a list of about 1,200 cadets.

Mr. Brunner excelled in every category. He owns a 3.8 GPA as a civil engineering major at the Academy. In addition, he is on the skydiving team working towards a jump master position so that he can teach others how to skydive. Physically, he is also a top performer, missing out on a perfect score by mere points. As a high school baseball and wrestling star he showed the capacity for leadership at a young age. His ability to lead has clearly translated to his undergraduate pursuits as Mr. Brunner inspires those around him to achieve their best by striving towards perfection himself.

Mr. Speaker, I join the U.S. Air Force Academy in recognizing Brett Brunner for his outstanding achievements and quiet leadership at one of the country's top institutions.