Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable woman, Dr. Marion Downs, who has dedicated her life to the service of caring for disabled children.

Marion Downs is a Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Her laborious efforts and dedication have led her to publish numerous articles and lecture on the topic of hearing loss within infants. She has received copious awards including two gold medals of achievement, one from the University of Colorado and one from the University of Minnesota. In addition, her name adorns The Marion Downs National Center for Infant Hearing which was established to honor Dr. Downs and provide a venue for the continuation of her research and work.

In appreciation of her accomplishments, Dr. Downs has been awarded with the Highest Recognition Award from the Department of Health and Human Services. This award is given to distinguished citizens who have made substantial life-changing advances to the physically handicapped within society. Dr. Downs has made considerable contributions towards the national screening of newborns with real or potential hearing disabilities through early detection methods.

Madam Speaker, we are truly privileged to have individuals who dedicate their lives to others. Dr. Marion Downs is one such individual. It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge her and all of her outstanding achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifice of a fallen hero and Marine from my district, Corpsman 2nd Class Charles Luke Milam of Littleton. Petty Officer Milam was killed on September 25 during combat operations in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Petty Officer Milam was killed while serving on his fourth deployment overseas; this being his first to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Since joining the Navy following his high school graduation in 1999, Charles carried on a family tradition of service to his nation. He was just 26 years old.

Petty Officer Milam was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Camp in Lejeune, North Carolina. He attended basic training in Illinois before graduating from Naval Hospital Corps School Camp in Lejeune. He then went on to train at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center before his deployment.

Charles was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico but found his home in Colorado after he moved with his family to Littleton in 1992. After graduating from Columbine High School, he pursued a lifelong ambition of serving his country by enlisting in the Navy.

Petty Officer Milam was a decorated Marine and steadfast patriot; an American who honored the principles of freedom and democracy by courageously defending them from tyranny and oppression. His life, characterized by service and commitment, is a testament to the best America has to offer.

Madam Speaker, my most heartfelt condolences go out to Charles's family and friends. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) and offer my salutation to those members attending their Regional Convention in Denver Colorado this November. NABVETS has representatives in several states across the western United States, including my home state of Colorado. It is with the utmost sincerity that I wish this gathering success in discerning avenues to uphold and meet their organizational mission.

Since its founding in 1969, NABVETS has made great strides in community development and advocacy by providing a myriad of services including empowerment of low-income and minority veterans and historical perseverance.

NABVETS has provided support to Colorado communities over the years, and I am proud to support its continued efforts to assist Colorado's veterans.

Madam Speaker, please join me in thanking them for their efforts, and conveying my best wishes for the convention.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a gathering this fall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania acknowledging the dedication of an outstanding group of men. This group of brave individuals served in the 709th United States Army Battalion during World War II. Their courageous efforts helped defend and preserve our country's ideals of freedom and liberty during a complex time in history.

The efforts and accomplishments of these heroic individuals are numerous. They fought along side their brothers in arms at Utah Beach on D-Day, July 11th, 1944 to help liberate Europe from the suffering brought on by tyranny and oppression. The Battalion was distinguished for participating in all five European campaigns in addition, it was given the honor of a Presidential Unit Citation within the army for their services conducted in the Hurtgen Forest in November, 1944.

Special recognition is also needed for the 100 comrades of the Battalion whose lives were lost during combat. Collectively, the Battalion has received numerous distinguishing honors which include Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, the British Military Cross, and the Croix de Guerre.

The Battalion has courageously defended our country and helped promote the ideals and foundations of our government. I commend these men on their fearlessness and efforts and greatly acknowledge the honors they have received.

Thank you Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Ms. Sheridan Godfrey of Centennial, CO, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. Her outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young woman.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Ms. Godfrey to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Godfrey and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Mr. Andrew Gonzalez, of Littleton, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Gonzalez to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Gonzalez and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Ms. Maggie Heckendorf of Cherry Hills Village, CO, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. Her outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young woman.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Ms. Heckendorf to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Heckendorf and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Mr. Andrew Hood of Castle Rock, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more

than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Hood to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Hood and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Mr. Matthew Hornbecker of Evergreen, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon

Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Hornbecker to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Hornbecker and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Ms. Kelsey Howe of Highlands Ranch, CO, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. Her outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young woman.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Ms. Howe to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Howe and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents Mr. David Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956; the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Johnson to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Johnson and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents Mr. William Johnson of Littleton, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Johnson to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Johnson and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Mr. Jackson Cain of Littleton, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. His outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young man.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Mr. Cain to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Cain and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Ms. Maggie Carter of Greenwood Village, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. Her outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young woman.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Ms. Carter to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Carter and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents, Ms. Brennan Divita of Littleton, Colorado, who will attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in 2008. Her outstanding academic merits and communal involvement have laid a solid foundation of individual integrity and dedication: both characteristics of a qualified leader. I am honored to represent such a promising young woman.

Created in 1956, the People to People Program is an educational travel program dedicated to fostering leadership potential in youth worldwide. People to People has helped more than 200,000 students and professionals develop their leadership skills based upon Dwight D. Eisenhower's belief that ``people can make a difference where governments cannot.'' This unique interaction and exposure will enable Ms. Divita to gain a greater understanding and insider's perspective of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge one of Colorado's own. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Divita and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.