February 14, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E153 Chilocco Indian School in north-central Okla- must remember not only our outstanding he- His job was covering the rural commu- homa. While stationed at Fort Sill in Okla- roes such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fred- nities surrounding the city of Fresno. homa, he was deployed to Africa to fight in erick Douglass, former Congresswoman Shir- ‘‘He had a lot of concern with what was happening in these small, poorer farming World War II. Childers retired from the Army in ley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott communities. His heart was out here, and he 1965 as a Lieutenant Colonel but remained King, this month, but also the extraordinary personally was out here. He would visit. He very active in the Tulsa community serving In- lives of everyday African Americans who have would write our stories,’’ said Joseph dian youth, which led to the naming of a mid- helped build our great Nation. Amador, a former Mendota mayor. Col- dle school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in his I want to particularly honor the lives of two leagues recalled his extraordinary compas- honor in 1985. exceptional women who we lost recently: sion, which he sometimes masked with imp- As a proud Creek Indian, in 1966, Childers Rosa Parks and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Their ish cantankerousness. was honored by the Tulsa Chapter of the lives and their work for civil rights reflect the Every December, Mr. Coleman unfurled his struggle and contributions that African Ameri- ‘‘Bah Humbug’’ sign, a banner passed on to Council of American Indians as ‘‘Oklahoma’s him years ago by a cigar-chomping, old-time most outstanding Indian.’’ Of his military serv- cans have made to our society. Their actions reporter. But every August, he threw a ice in World War II, Childers once said, ‘‘The set America on a course of inclusion and toler- Christmas party, complete with a tree. The American Indian has only one country to de- ance, which continues to benefit us everyday. price of admission was a donation for the fend, and when you’re picked on, the Amer- We must follow their steps and build upon food banks in a season when people often for- ican Indian never turns his back.’’ A fitting their great accomplishments for equality and get to donate. quote from a man who exemplified courage justice. He showed up to tutor first-graders at Kirk Elementary School even if it was his day off. under fire and dedication to defending our na- During this month and throughout the year, I encourage those living in California’s 32nd Tuesday mornings were his regular visiting tion. day. Until his death on March 17, 2005, Childers Congressional District and around the country Mr. Coleman came to journalism later in was Oklahoma’s last Congressional Medal of to take the time to honor the African American life, one of the older students to graduate Honor recipient still living in the state. I am community by learning about its vast accom- with a journalism degree from California proud to introduce this legislation to honor his plishments and rich culture. State University, Fresno, in 1988, the year he life and legacy. We were honored to have him f started working at The Bee. Earlier in life, grace us with his model character, defend us he was a college football player, a seminary HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. student, a banker, a law student and an air- with his bravery, and leave us all with a life DONALD COLEMAN line employee. well-lived. He was at times The Bee’s only black news f reporter. HON. JIM COSTA ‘‘We discussed racial issues many times, IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH OF CALIFORNIA and I learned a great deal from him. In many DAILEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ways, I think he was a pioneer,’’ said Jim Tuesday, February 14, 2006 Tucker, host of ‘‘Valley Press’’ and one of Mr. Coleman’s journalism professors. HON. JO ANN DAVIS Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Outside of work, Mr. Coleman was the con- OF celebrate the life of Donald Coleman, reporter summate man about town, friend to every- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the California newspaper, The Fresno Bee. one, especially in the Tower District. Donald Coleman was a gentleman, a fine ‘‘He was the unofficial secretary of state. Tuesday, February 14, 2006 reporter and truly a person with a passion for He knew everyone, and everyone knew him: Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speak- life. For those of us who had the good fortune hairstylists, lawyers, bartenders, professors, er, I rise today to express my sorrow for the to know him or work with him there is now a artists, poseurs and idiots. Don was wonder- loss of Stafford County Treasurer Elizabeth very empty space. Personally, I will miss the ful to everyone. The word that comes to Dailey, who recently passed away at the mind is sweet. He was the most decent guy. times that Don and I shared together in the I don’t know why he put up with all of us,’’ young age of 47. A leader in the community, Tower District where he would humorously said longtime friend Andrew Simmons. Elizabeth was a person who sincerely cared point out the flaws and shortcomings we all He was passionate about travel and fam- about the citizens of Stafford, and worked to experience in life. ily—he carried a picture of his grandmother make life easier for them. In her tenure as As we reflect upon a life well lived, we in his wallet. He bought lottery tickets, Treasurer since 1993, Elizabeth provided Staf- should rededicate ourselves to caring and planning his Jamaican escape. Bee col- ford with service, giving citizens individual as- helping those less fortunate than ourselves. leagues on Tuesday recalled his running sistance with complicated tax and financial shtick when the jackpots were high. And in that sense, Don was a good role model ‘‘It’s my last day,’’ he’d say. ‘‘Do you want issues. As Treasurer, she was an innovative for all of us. Donald Coleman cared deeply to say goodbye?’’ leader and a true public servant. As a col- about his family, his friends and the people f league, she was regarded as a trusted friend. who live in our Valley. His passion for people Everyday, she was a loving wife and mother. was an inspiration for all of us to try harder 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Elizabeth Dailey will truly be missed. I ex- the next day. I know after seeing Don I always OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST press my utmost condolences to her friends tried harder the next day. Ralph Waldo Emer- and family, and in a special way, would like to son once said, ‘‘The only way to have a friend HON. BART STUPAK thank Elizabeth’s husband Donald and daugh- is to be one.’’ I want to thank you, Donald OF MICHIGAN ter Nicole for sharing this very special lady Coleman, for having been a friend to those of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the citizens of Stafford County. us, who had the good fortune to know you. Tuesday, February 14, 2006 f The following is a wonderful description of the life and times of Donald Coleman that ap- Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY peared in the Fresno Bee: honor a northern Michigan natural phe- MONTH Donald Coleman, the face of The Fresno nomenon that will be celebrating its 75th Anni- Bee for many in far-flung rural communities versary of restoring the natural beauty and re- HON. HILDA L. SOLIS and a fixture in Fresno’s Tower District, died sources of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.). of an apparent heart attack Tuesday morn- OF CALIFORNIA This year the Ottawa National Forest will cele- ing. He was 57. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘We are deeply saddened by the sudden brate 75 years of service but an endless im- pact on the vibrant habitat. Tuesday, February 14, 2006 death of reporter Donald Coleman. His good cheer and graciousness were well known During the early 1900’s, loggers flocked to Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join our throughout many departments here, and he Michigan’s western U.P. to take advantage of Nation in honoring the many great contribu- had scores of friends in the community as what seemed to be an endless supply of pine tions of the African American Community by well. We will not only miss Don as a jour- trees. Used for fuel, paper products and the celebrating Black History Month. nalist, but also as a friend,’’ said Charlie Wa- timber necessary to build cities like Detroit and Overcoming enormous obstacles and racial ters, executive editor of The Fresno Bee. Chicago, the once lush, vast forests were gut- Funeral arrangements are pending. barriers, the African American community has Mr. Coleman’s Mercedes rolled into flower- ted and left as a desolate wasteland by the made vast contributions to all aspects of pots in front of the downtown Starbucks on late 1920’s. American society—music, literature, sports, Kern Street at 11:37 a.m. Police said they In 1931 the fate of that land would change education, science, business, and politics. We found him unconscious in the front seat. forever when President Herbert Hoover signed

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:31 Feb 15, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14FE8.100 E14FEPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMREMARKS E154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 14, 2006 a proclamation establishing the Ottawa Na- HONORING BILL FERGUSON GOLD FOR GREENSBORO’S JOEY tional Forest as a means of reviving the bar- CHEEK ren forest. Seventy-five years later, the res- toration of the Ottawa National Forest has HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR HON. HOWARD COBLE been described as a true success story. OF OF Now managed for multiple uses, the Ottawa IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES National Forest provides many products and Tuesday, February 14, 2006 services based on its mission of caring for the Tuesday, February 14, 2006 land and serving people. The Ottawa National Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, when someone Forest also provides a great economic impact honor one of my constituents and a personal thinks sports and the Sixth District of North to the region. It supplies local communities friend, Bill Ferguson. Bill Ferguson, or Carolina, most thoughts turn toward basket- both with wood products as well as jobs. Addi- ‘‘Fergie’’ as friends like to call him has had a ball, baseball and auto racing. I think it is safe tionally, the Ottawa National Forest is an in- long and distinguished career as a rancher to say that not many people would imme- credible draw for tourism with such rec- and public servant in Ouray County, Colorado. diately leap to speed skating on ice. That’s no reational activities as hiking, camping, fishing, longer the case, however, thanks to Joey Bill Ferguson was raised in Colorado. In the hunting, boating and snowmobiling to name a Cheek of Greensboro. The Sixth District is late 1970s he settled in the town of Ridgway. few. now the speed skating capital of the world be- While Bill worked hard as a carpenter and his Mr. Speaker, the success of the Ottawa Na- cause Joey Cheek captured the gold medal in wife Liza as a waitress, they were able to the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, by winning tional Forest in revitalizing the cherished nat- save enough money to start their own busi- ural resource of Michigan’s western Upper Pe- the 500 meter long-track speed skating event. ness. The Park Nursery Garden Center soon Proving he is a true champion in every ninsula pine forests is a shining example of became the premier native nursery in the how effective a mission carried out over time sense of the word, immediately after he won area. Fergie also established a 120 acre ranch the gold medal, Joey Cheek announced he and the implementation of sensible manage- where he and Liza continue to raise 80–100 ment practices can make such a significant was donating the $25,000 he won from the head of cattle per year. Both his ranch and his U.S. Olympic Committee to refugee relief ef- impact in the world. nursery are a great asset to the county and I ask the House of Represent- forts in Africa. As reported in today’s edition of reflect Bill’s life long ethic of caring for the the Greensboro News & Record, Joey said his atives to join me in congratulating the Ottawa land he was part of. National Forest employees from past and thoughts are turning back to North Carolina. ‘‘I In the 1990’s, Bill was instrumental in devel- present on 75 years of living the proud tradi- am really excited about going home,’’ the oping a Geographical Information System pro- tion of the Forest Service mission and wish News & Record reported. ‘‘Honestly, it doesn’t gram that eventually became the Southwest them all the best in the future toward another even feel real. I’m so thrilled and so happy. Data Center. The Center is still a vital tool for successful 75 years. But it doesn’t seem to make sense. It’s like it land use planning and management for Ouray happened to someone else, and I’m just County, surrounding governments and local f happy to sort of receive the good will for it. I’m citizens in Southwest Colorado. just really excited and looking forward to the MR. BENJAMIN SOLOMON, LETTER In 1999, Bill was appointed to the Ouray next couple of days to maybe realizing I’m an TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW Board of County Commissioners and won re- Olympic champion, will be forever, which is YORK TIMES election in November of 2000. Bill fought hard the coolest part of it.’’ for the best interest of his community through Cheek is scheduled to compete in the 1,000 the end of his term in 2005. He worked to pro- and 1,500 meter events next. In fact, the HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY tect Ouray County’s financial interest, preserve 1,000 meter race is considered to be Joey’s OF the open government process and helped re- strongest event, so there may be more Olym- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES store the people’s faith in government. As a pic hardware coming his way. Four years ago, Tuesday, February 14, 2006 county commissioner, Bill was noted for being he won the bronze medal in the Salt Lake City the primary force behind legislation to des- Olympics in the 1,000 meter race, so this gold Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise ignate Ouray County as a ‘‘Right to Farm’’ medal is not at all surprising to those who fol- today to bring to the attention of my col- community, preserving the rights of farmers low the sport. Joey Cheek has been a skater leagues a letter that was published in the No- and ranchers to conduct their business without since he was eight years old and used to vember 8th edition of the New York Times. interference. skate in roller rinks in Greensboro. At 15, he The letter was composed by my constituent— A water rights’ owner, Bill was appointed by switched to the ice and it’s been a straight line Mr. Benjamin Solomon of Evanston, Illinois. Ouray County for two terms to sit on the Colo- to the winner’s podium in Turin. Mr. Solomon writes about the critical impor- rado River Conservation District Board of Di- Joey’s mother is in Turin to witness family tance of openness in government, the serious rectors, which is the oldest and most pres- history first-hand, while his father is following nature of war, and the importance of honoring tigious water conservation district in Colorado. from his home office in Winston-Salem. Once our nation’s veterans. I hope that the words of As Ouray County’s representative to the Colo- all of the racing is completed, Joey hopes to Mr. Solomon, who is a veteran of World War rado River District, Bill worked on land and return to Greensboro where he plans to obtain II, are taken into serious consideration. water conservation projects for conservations a law degree and practice law in North Caro- [From the New York Times, Nov. 8, 2005] trusts. According to fellow board members, Bill lina. Whatever he decides to do, as he has KILLED, THEN EXPLOITED was always the best joke teller—a tough title shown both on and off the ice in Italy, Joey Cheek will be a champion and the Sixth Dis- To the Editor: to earn on a water district board, which is typi- trict of North Carolina is proud to call him one ‘‘The Mysterious Death of Pat Tillman,’’ cally filled with amateur comedians. Bill also by Frank Rich (column, Nov. 6), left me sick served on the Colorado River Water Users As- of our own. at heart. I am a World War II veteran in my sociation developing GIS-based maps for edu- f later 80’s who still thinks of his tent mates cational purposes. UT SOUTHWESTERN, MEDICAL who were lost to enemy action. With such a long list of accomplishments, it Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinals defen- CENTER AND BAYLOR HEALTH sive back who volunteered for the Army, was is easy to see that Bill is a leader in every CARE SYSTEM–DALLAS killed last year in Afghanistan, apparently sense of the word, but especially when it by friendly fire. The cynical exploitation of comes to water. Bill always has helped lead HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON his death and the lies surrounding it are a the fight to protect Western Slope water. I was OF TEXAS betrayal of this brave soldier and his family, honored to fight alongside him on many cru- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of all the others who made the same sacrifice cial battles to defend our rural way of life. in Iraq, and of the ideals of decency we claim I have been proud to know and work with Tuesday, February 14, 2006 for our nation. The thought that the responsible high- Bill Ferguson on issues that are important to Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. level officials in the Pentagon and the White the Western Slope of Colorado. He has been Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute UT South- House are still in power frightens me. a great personal friend, colleague and mentor western Hospital and Baylor Health Care Sys- BENJAMIN SOLOMON, on many water issues and I am honored to tem, Dallas for their ranking in the top 5 per- Evanston, Ill., Nov. 6, 2005. represent him in Congress. cent of hospitals in the United States. Over

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