Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and privilege of mine to rise and pay tribute to a lady who represents dignity, relentless perseverance and the pioneer spirit. Mrs. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers is an inspirational woman who can lay claim to being many different things at once. Most importantly she is the loving mother and grandmother of three wonderful daughters and many grandchildren. Aside from being the matriarch of her family, she is also a passionate philanthropist, a talented business woman and a dedicated rancher.

Mrs. Anschutz-Rodgers was born on the Kansas countryside, and those rural roots have never left her sense of being. She went on to graduate from the University of Kansas. She then moved to Arkansas before putting permanent roots in Denver with the rest of her family. It was not long before Anschutz-Rodgers results driven attitude began making

great contributions to Denver and to Colorado. She has been a staple on the Anschutz Family Foundation since its inception in 1982, and is now the chairwoman and president. The Anschutz Family Foundation has been instrumental in aiding urban and rural charities and organizations across the State of Colorado. Mrs. Anschutz-Rodgers also owns and operates an impressive cattle ranch on Colorado's western slope. She is a reputable cattlewoman, and a champion of ranching causes throughout Colorado and the western United States. Sue has developed a remarkable ability to translate her own personal success as a philanthropist and business minded cattlewoman into benefitting Colorado and the way of life she loves. Anschutz-Rodgers has actively supported and become closely involved in a multitude of beneficial organizations. She was an original member of the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Land Trust and actively serves the National Western Stock Show. In keeping with her rural background she has been instrumental in bringing about Colorado Philanthropy Days, which brings non-profit organizations to the rural regions of Colorado. She is also on the board of Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Cortez, CO; which strives to preserve the Native American culture in the Southwest part of our state. Anschutz- Rodgers is also quite active in The National Stroke Association, The Boy Scouts of America and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers has been a pillar in the Colorado Community, and has relentlessly given herself to countless causes that benefit an untold amount of people.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Sue Anschutz-Rodgers is the embodiment of the age old adage that to whom much is given, much is expected. Actions speak louder than words, and her actions reveal a woman who is dedicated to improving the world she lives in.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Ruth Humphreys Brown of Aspen, Colorado. She passed away on December 30, 2010, at the age of 90. Ruth was an important contributor in her community.

Mrs. Brown grew up in Denver and received an education from the Kent School, Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and Finch College in New York. After graduation, she served in World War II as a Women's Air Force Service Pilot and received the Congressional Gold Medal for her wartime efforts. Following the war, she returned to her home in Colorado to start a family and small business. Brown married her husband, DRC Brown, and the two settled in Carbondale, Colorado, where they lived on a ranch for more than three decades.

Brown was a leader in her community and a constant contributor to the public good. She helped start the Tri County Medical Center, The Brown Ice Palace, the Aspen Recovery Unit, a blind skiing program, and the first Outward Bound program in the United States. In 1959, Mrs. Brown started a foundation in her name to benefit non-profits in Colorado. The city of Aspen has honored her by inducting Mrs. Brown into the Aspen Hall of Fame. Ruthie's Run, on Aspen, bears her name for her efforts in the skiing community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor a great American and committed citizen, wife and mother. Ruth Humphreys Brown deserves the recognition of this body for her service to her community and her country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Martha Elizabeth Werner Hazard, of Monte Vista, Colorado. Martha passed away this January, and she will be remembered for her passion for teaching and her service to her community.

A native of Moffat, Colorado, Martha graduated from Moffat High School and attended Western State College, eventually graduating from Adams State College, and embarking on a 35-year teaching career. Starting out in a one-room school house in Crested Butte, she eventually moved to Saguache to teach the first grade for the rest of her career. Even after her retirement in 1989, she spent a decade on the Saguache School Board serving her community.

Martha was involved in all aspects of her hometown. She was a Girl Scout leader, pep club sponsor, and leader in her school and church. She was also responsible for feeding hired help, in addition to her large family at Hazard family ranch. Martha loved the outdoors, reading, and helping others, in addition to spending as much time as possible with her family.

Mr. Speaker, Martha will be deeply missed by her family and her community, but her contributions will not be forgotten. I would like to thank her for her dedication to educating our youth and for her service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, it is a considerable privilege for me to rise and pay honor to the career of Mr. Linwood Warwick. Aside from being a loving husband, and a caring father of six children, Mr. Warwick was a dedicated musical educator who mentored and inspired his students for nearly a half-century.

Lin Warwick is a native of Colorado's San Luis Valley, an area in which he had a profound impact teaching music for forty-seven years at Alamosa, Centauri and Sangre de Cristo Schools. His quality as a musical instructor is illustrated by the countless trophies his bands have been awarded throughout the years. 36 marching trophies in all. The state of Colorado recently inducted Warwick into the Colorado Music Educators Association Hall of Fame as a token of appreciation for his enduring legacy as an excellent music educator in the San Luis Valley. Though Mr. Warwick has retired from teaching music, his passion for the art still burns strong as he still participates as a member in multiple bands.

Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor for me to stand and acknowledge the career of Mr. Linwood Warwick. A man who chose to give so much back to the community he was raised in; the school districts in the San Luis Valley will ever be indebted to an educator who strived to bring the most out of everyone he worked with.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure as a Colorado Congressman to rise and give tribute to a man whose vision for the future is only surpassed by the passion he has for his community. Pueblo resident John Verna has selflessly used his own success to enhance the city he resides in, and for his decades of commitment to Southern Colorado he has been recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Verna is a successful entrepreneur, and a business man with a fruitful career that has involved many pursuits. John Verna owned and operated a landscaping company for more than thirty years, and was a major factor in the development of Lake Pueblo. Even more impressive than Mr. Verna's accomplished record in business is his ability to help the city of Pueblo, Colorado. He has served on the Pueblo Community College Foundation, the Youth Track Academy Advisory Commission, Pueblo City Council and the Pueblo Medal of Honor Foundation. Mr. Verna had such an effect on the Medal of Honor Foundation, that he brought the national convention to Pueblo in 2000. John was also very influential in leading the way for the new Pueblo Convention Center. John Verna's hard work and devotion has helped and improved his community in countless ways. Mr. Verna is a pillar within his community, and for his endless efforts he has been duly recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to stand and recognize the accomplishments of Mr. John Verna. He is a wonderful example to all citizens of our country, and I congratulate him on his achievement as Pueblo's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Daniel John Dennehy, of Del Norte, Colorado, who recently passed away. Daniel was a career sailor in the U.S. Navy, an avid outdoorsman and expert knife maker.

A distinguished member of the United States armed forces, he joined the Navy at a young age and served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He retired from active duty in 1970 as a chief petty officer.

Daniel was known worldwide for his expert knowledge in the art of knife-making, and for his highly coveted ``Dan-D'' knives. During World War II, he crafted and sold knives to Marines as they went into battle. Later in life he started his own knife-making company, Dan-D knives. Dennehy's knives are recognized globally as top of the line outdoor and tactical knives. They have been included in national outdoor and sporting publications and notable public figures such as Clint Eastwood, Barry Goldwater and Steve Miller count themselves as Dan-D knife owners. Most importantly, his knives have been at the front lines of every conflict since World War II. Elite units to include Navy SEALS, Marine Force Recon and Army Special Forces rely on Dan-D knives for their durability and high quality construction.

Daniel was an accomplished writer, an avid reader, hunter, fisher and competitive marksman. He was a regular contributor to numerous publications, writing editorials about various topics including politics and government. He was a lifelong learner and obsessive reader. Daniel was an accomplished marksman, and in the 1970's lent his time as a volunteer deputy sheriff for the Rio Grande Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Daniel's significant contributions to his community and his trade, and thank him and his family for his military service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Center for American Values (CAV) based in Pueblo, Colorado. They recently opened their doors with a mission to preserve fundamental American ideals including honor, integrity and patriotism. The organization is committed to ensuring that the values this nation was founded on are passed down to future generations.

The Center for American Values launch late last year was inspired by a few devoted individuals who seek to recognize citizens who have taken great risks in the name of protecting America's freedom. CAV's mission statement is concise: ``A nonpartisan organization committed to recognizing the need to honor the extreme sacrifices made to help sustain America's values. We strive to ensure these extraordinary actions are preserved . . . forever.'' CAV emphasizes Medal of Honor recipients and other military heroes, and fittingly so--Pueblo is the home of four Medal of Honor recipients. Cofounders Drew Dix, a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor winner, and Dr. Adolph Padula, who produced a documentary on Medal of Honor recipients, saw CAV as an opportunity to ensure that American citizens do not forget what makes our nation unique and exceptional. Both men also note that CAV honors heroes from all segments of society. For instance, the organization stresses remembrance of those who have taken economic risks when starting a new business. Regardless of their background, risk-takers continue to propel our country forward.

Currently, The Center for American Values is directed by Tom Allee, with support from its corporate officers Brad Padula and Drew Dix, and board members Sue Smith and Bob Root. CAV is lined with over 140 pictures of Medal of Honor recipients and the building that the organization occupies has been fully renovated from its previous crumbling state. Through community outreach, educational opportunities, and frequent conferences and partnerships with charitable organizations, the CAV will continue to carry out its mission statement for years to come. Ultimately, CAV hopes to influence societal values on a national stage.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand here today to recognize The Center for American Values. Their commitment to the public good and preservation of fundamental American ideals is a great service to the citizens of Pueblo and the nation at large.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Watt of Montrose, Colorado. She has an exemplary record of public service to her community and has given countless hours of service to her hometown.

Mary began her remarkable career in public service in 1973, starting as an executive assistant to the city manager of Montrose. In 1979, she was promoted to city clerk and treasurer, where she handled a variety of issues, including budget preparation, administration of municipal elections, and interpretation of municipal and city ordinances. In 1993, Mary was given the post of administrative services director and city clerk. In this capacity she was recognized as a top public administrator, receiving the Manager's Award for Excellence in 1996, which cited her ability to balance her professional duties while remaining intensely involved in community service. Mary has quickly climbed the professional ladder in the past decade, rising from administrative services director in 2004, to interim city manager in 2005. In August 2005, the Montrose City Council appointed her as full- time City Manager, where she currently serves as CEO of Montrose, Colorado.

Mary is capable of lending her managerial and organizational skills in to a variety of

roles--she is truly multitalented. For instance, she served on the Montrose Chamber of Commerce, where she eventually led the organization as president. Her outreach and influence extends far beyond her professional life, too. Since 1980, she has been an active member of the Altrusa Club, a community service organization in Montrose. She has selflessly helped guide the club in multiple roles, most notably as president in 1986.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mary's track record as a reliable public leader. She has given decades of her life in pursuit of improving local government and her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Detective Ted Valerio of Montrose, Colorado. The Montrose Police Department recently awarded him the Employee of the Year for 2010, as well as a Merit Citation.

Detective Valerio was hired on April 30, 2001. Since then, his superiors and coworkers have recognized him as a respected individual of exceptional character and integrity. Detective Valerio has taken the lead and solved a number of important felony cases in the past decade and continues to prove himself an asset on the force. Aside from his responsibilities as a detective, he administers pre-hire polygraph exams for all police department employees--he is the second polygraph examiner to ever work in the Montrose Police Department. Detective Valerio also serves on the Montrose Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT), which carries a great risk of personal injury.

Mr. Speaker, Detective Valerio is consummate law enforcement professional and I am proud to congratulate him on his recent awards. I would also like to thank him and the countless other officers who continue to serve their communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege as the representative of Colorado's 3rd district to rise and pay tribute to the inspirational life of Mrs. Marianna Raftopoulos. Mrs. Raftopoulos was a woman with a deep sense of civic conviction, a loving wife and mother of three.

Marianna Raftopoulos was raised on a sheep ranch in Western Colorado, and the spirit of the west remained with her for the duration of her exemplary life. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Marianna pursued many passions. Most notably were her efforts to improve Moffat County, and the Colorado Republican Party. She was a champion of many causes including chairwoman of the Republican Central Committee, The Moffat Tunnel Commission, The Moffat County Economic Development Partnership, and served as a Moffat County commissioner and chairwoman of Colorado Wildlife Commission. With the passing of Marianna Raftopoulos, Western Colorado has lost an inspiring leader, and our nation has lost a great patriot.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a true honor to stand in tribute and pay respect to the life of Mrs. Marianna Raftopoulos. She was a great leader, who is still greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 24, I was with a Medal of Honor winner. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Fort Lewis College, of Durango, Colorado, on January 25, 1911. Fort Lewis College has continually provided a world-class liberal arts education for students of 47 States and is consistently recognized as a top university in the United States.

On January 25, 1911, Governor John Shafroth signed a bill creating an agricultural high school open to all students and offering a free education to Native Americans. The school received $60,000 in funding for its first year from the State of Colorado. Since then, Fort Lewis College has proven itself able to adapt to the educational needs of its time. The school has progressed from agricultural high school to a junior college in 1927 and eventually a four year liberal arts college. The school has survived numerous attempts to shut it down, and in 1948 became an independent educational institution under the Colorado State Board of Agriculture. In 1956, Fort Lewis College, then Fort Lewis A&M, officially moved to its present location in Durango, Colorado.

Fort Lewis College offers a demanding, stimulating college experience, fostering a culture of learning that values community outreach and a strong liberal arts education. Fort Lewis College boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including five Colorado Professor of the Year awards--only the U.S. Air Force Academy has a higher number of professors with the same distinction in Colorado. Of four year institutions, Fort Lewis College awards the highest number of bachelor's degrees to Native Americans. Eleven NCAA Division II varsity teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the college offers ninety unique academic programs and seventy student organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Fort Lewis College, my alma mater, for turning 100, and wish the institution another 100 years of academic success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Lee Dill of Pueblo, Colorado, for his service to his community and his immense contribution to local, State, and Federal Government.

Dave was born in Lamar, Missouri, and moved around the State until he graduated from high school in Springfield. After his diploma, Dave served in the Navy and trained to be a hospital corpsman. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he went back to night school at Drury College in Springfield to earn his bachelor's in history while he simultaneously worked full-time and started a family. He has spent a career rising through the ranks of the operations management field in various States and in 1994 was promoted to vice president of operations at Artistic Greetings, in Elmira, New York. By 1997, Dave and his family decided they needed to move back home to Pueblo, Colorado.

Dave has always been intensely interested in government and has dedicated much of his life to fostering strong civic ties between citizens and elected officials. While living in Colorado Springs as a young man, Dave's employer suggested he meet his Congressman and other office holders. Since then, Dill has felt a need to serve others and motivate them to care about their elected representatives.

Dill has risen through the ranks of the Republican Party, starting as a volunteer on local races and eventually becoming a valuable electoral asset working on statewide and congressional campaigns. In 2007, he saw an opportunity to advance the political dialogue in the diverse Pueblo community and ran successfully for two terms as Republican County Chairman. During his tenure, he revolutionized the Pueblo County Republican Party by revamping fundraising efforts and increasing outreach through social media. He was also responsible for inviting Dana Perino as the keynote speaker at Pueblo County's 2010 Lincoln Day dinner. He has decided to retire from his unpaid, yet full-time, position as county chair.

Mr. Speaker, through the efforts of citizens like David Dill, America is able to foster a positive, representative democracy. I would like to thank Mr. Dill for his respectfulness, passion, and excitement in electoral politics, as well as for his countless hours of community service.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Reeves Brown of Grand Junction, Colorado, for his lifetime of contributions in promoting agricultural interests and effective government in the State of Colorado.

Mr. Brown has an impressive agricultural pedigree and has proven himself to be a valuable leader in the field. Mr. Brown grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana and received a B.S. in Agriculture Business from Montana State University. He began his career at the National Cattlemen's Association, serving two years with the organization. Afterwards, Mr. Brown spent nearly a decade at the Colorado Cattlemen's Association as Executive Vice President, during which time he elevated the Association as a national leader in animal care and natural resources issues. During Brown's tenure the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust was created in 1993, preserving over 250,000 acres of Colorado farmland. His leadership in agricultural conservation has spilled over into other States, too. Similar ag land trusts have conserved over one million acres of land. His efforts speak to his commitment in preserving the agricultural business in the United States.

For the past ten years, Mr. Brown has led the non-profit CLUB 20 as Executive Director, which aims to provide a dialogue and recommend public policy for the Western Colorado region. Mr. Brown's leadership earned him the recognition of Colorado's newly elected Governor--On January 3, Mr. Brown was appointed director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, overseeing the diverse needs of Colorado communities. The department's responsibilities include areas such as education, land management, transportation, energy, water, and health care.

Mr. Brown's commitment to good public policy and track record of effective, collaborative decision-making will surely serve the people of Colorado well. Mr. Speaker, for his years of service in the public and agricultural sectors, Mr. Brown deserves the commendation of this body. We wish him the best of luck on his next endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Destinee Reed of Grand Junction, Colorado, for winning a statewide talent competition. Ms. Reed's entry into the competition earned her the opportunity to perform at Governor Hickenlooper's inaugural celebration on January 11, 2011.

Ms. Reed, 15 years old, composed and sang her song ``My Colorado,'' where she sings about the beauty of her home state, mentioning wild mustangs, Palisade peaches, and skiing. The statewide contest accepted applications from elementary, middle and high school students, and while others won prizes as well, she was the only one allowed to perform at the Governor's inaugural party. Ms. Reed recognizes the performance as a unique and privileged opportunity for a young musical artist.

Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to congratulate Ms. Reed on her musical accomplishments at such a young age. We wish her the best of luck with her academic and musical ambitions.