CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2033 His announcing skills began in New Mexico IN PRAISE OF THE LUTHERAN who is serving his 39th year as the Colonel’s in 1964 with a Spanish radio show on FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATION OF head coach, leaves Eastern Kentucky Univer- Espa[ntilde]ola’s KDCE Radio, when he was a THE SAGINAW VALLEY sity after establishing one of the most suc- Los Alamos High School Senior. He later cessful college football programs in America. worked for KABQ Radio in Albuquerque, and HON. JAMES A. BARCIA His 39 years of coaching football at his alma KVSF in Santa Fe, before serving in the U.S. OF MICHIGAN mater, Coach Roy Kidd stands as a monu- Navy between 1967 and 1969. In Cleveland, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to his loyalty and dedication to the Uni- Ohio, he earned a First-Class Federal Com- versity, the game of football and to his stu- munications Commission License in Engineer- Thursday, November 14, 2002 dent-athlete players and has set a high stand- ing. In 1971, he joined Cleveland’s local NBC Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ard of excellence and reminded us what is affiliate, WKYC, where he grew in experience honor the Lutheran Fellowship Association of best about college sports. All his victories, for six years. the Saginaw Valley as it celebrates 45 years championships and honors only begin to re- In 1977, NBC Network News employed him of dedicated service. Over the years, mem- flect the impact he has had on Eastern Ken- for three years from the Latin American News bers have made numerous and significant tucky University, the Commonwealth of Ken- Bureau based in Miami. In Florida, he covered contributions to Lutheran families and to the tucky, and beyond. It is his players, and their assignments to India, Belgium, Teheran, as citizens of many communities in Bay County successes, who offer the best testament to well as throughout Latin American countries, and elsewhere. They deserve our gratitude Coach Kidd’s unique ability to help young men including Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and praise. make the most of their time here, and in their Cuba, Peru, Columbia and many more. In Bay County, the Lutheran Fellowship As- lives beyond EKU’s campus. During his seven years with NBC, Mr. Mar- sociation began when a handful of faithful Kidd has put together a I–AA footfall pro- tinez also worked in the San Francisco and Lutherans with a vision of creating a gathering gram acknowledged throughout the country, Boston NBC bureaus covering news events place for families and friends joined together year in and year out, as one of the nation’s from the Pacific Northwest to Canada. to open a fellowship hall. Since then, the elite. He has a produced 24 straight EKU Mr. Martinez returned to New Mexico in group has grown to include more than 250 teams with winning seasons and 29 consecu- 1985. He began working for the local ABC af- members and their families, serving the needs tive Eastern teams with nonlosing seasons. filiate, KOAT–TV, as a reporter and weekday of thousands of Lutherans and others. There have been only two losing seasons at morning news anchor. In 1987, Mr. Martinez The LFA Hall has been a center of Lutheran EKU in his 39-year tenure. left for a weekend news anchor position with life in our community for generations. Under Along the way, his 38 Eastern Kentucky ABC affiliate WTNB–TV in New Haven, Con- the guidance of President Earl Wegener and teams have won two NCAA I–AA national necticut. One year later he returned to New other leaders past and present, it has contin- championships, two national runners-up titles Mexico to become one of the principal week- ued to fulfill its mission as a venue for individ- and 16 champion- day anchors on KOAT–TV. The rest, as they uals, families, groups and organizations to ships. He has also directed Eastern Kentucky say, is history. enjoy fraternal, social, educational, rec- to 17, I–AA playoff appearances, the most by Throughout his years with the station, Mr. reational and family events of all kinds at a any school in the nation. Martinez has helped Channel 7 build on its reasonable cost. A native of Corbin, KY where he starred in reputation as a station for credible and inform- It is not a stretch to say that a large per- football, basketball and baseball, Kidd chose ative journalism. He insisted on the highest centage of mid-Michigan’s Lutheran commu- Eastern Kentucky over the University of Ken- standards for the station. I know that he has nity has likely attended one or more events at tucky under ’s tutelage because also taken many younger reporters at the sta- the hall during their lifetime, including wedding EKU would let him play both baseball and tion under his wing and mentored them. He receptions, confirmation celebrations, anniver- football. has offered advice and criticism to these saries and a host of other activities. Many That decision set forth a legacy that is un- KOAT. I know how much his colleagues and marriages have gotten off to a beautiful start matched at all but one I–AA school and just thousands of loyal KOAT viewers who invited with a reception at the LFA Hall and years five other programs in the history of college him into their home daily will miss him. later an untold number of couples have re- football. On a personal note, I was touched by the turned to the hall to commemorate their anni- In 1963, Kidd received the call from Eastern emotion that Mr. Martinez displayed during the versary with family and friends. president, Dr. Robert R. Martin, offering him devastating Cerro Grande fire in 2000. He In addition, LFA members have always put the position as EKU’s head coach. 1964, watched with disbelief as his old stomping a high premium on charitable donations. Last Kidd’s first at the helm of the Eastern Ken- grounds, filled with rich memories, burned to year, they pooled financial resources to make tucky football program, produced just one of the ground. Trees turned to ash and homes a contribution to the victims of the September two losing seasons in the 38 years as follow vanished in the blink of an eye. He even wrote 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City. In as the Colonels went 3–5–1. a beautiful poem about the travesty that com- other years, they have provided assistance to It only took Kidd and his staff four seasons forted many of my constituents that had to en- disadvantaged children or those afflicted with to turn that around and produce an Ohio Val- dure the blaze. serious illnesses. ley Conference championship in 1967 that cul- What makes Mr. Martinez unique as a tele- Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to minated with a 27–13 vision journalist is the entertainment career he join me in praising the members of the Lu- victory over Ball State, which gave the Colo- has managed to shepherd on the side. He is theran Fellowship Association for all that they nels the NCAA Mideast Regional Champion- the singer on six mariachi CDs he has com- do to meet the needs of the Lutheran commu- ship. He quickly followed that up the next sea- pleted, and has appeared in some movies. He nity. Fellowship is an integral element in the son with a second OVC title as the Colonels also served as host on a recent documentary Lutheran faith and the LFA has served a use- went 8–2 behind quarterback Jim Guice and exploring churches and missions throughout ful and vital role in fulfilling that need in Bay future League Rookie of the the nation. He also intends to work on a book County. I am confident the LFA will continue Year, wide receiver Aaron Marsh. about his memories of growing up in to serve its members, their families, our com- In between 1968 and the formation of Divi- Chimay[oacute] that will offer advice for young munity and our Lord well into the future. sion I–AA by the NCAA in 1978, Eastern’s people at the crossroads of life. As he told a f teams produced winning seasons, collected reporter in July, ‘‘I thought, when I was grow- two more conference crowns (1974 and 1976) ing up, that I was poor. As I look back, I choke HONORING ROY KIDD, LEGENDARY and completed in the NCAA Division II play- up to think how rich I really was.’’ EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVER- offs in 1976. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join SITY HEAD FOOTBALL COACH EKU football’s decade of the 80’s arguably me in wishing Nelson and his family luck in all the most prestigious by any I–AA football pro- their future endeavors. His contributions to HON. ERNIE FLETCHER gram ever, produced seven conference cham- New Mexico cannot be understated and I am OF KENTUCKY pionships, three trips to the NCAA title game pleased to have been able to honor him here IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with one remarkable 13–0 season that tended today. While Nelson and his lovely wife, Gina, with the Colonel’s second national title. Two embark on a new chapter in their life, I want Thursday, November 14, 2002 other Colonel teams were eliminated in the them to know that New Mexico is and always Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, Eastern Ken- national semifinals and a third Colonel squad will be their home. Nelson, thank you for your tucky University head football coach Roy Kidd made it to the quaterfinal round of the I–AA service and professionalism to New Mexico. is retiring at the end of the 2002 season. Kidd, playoffs before losing.

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 12:22 Nov 15, 2002 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\CRI\E14NO2.REC pfrm13 PsN: E14NO2 E2034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2002 EKU teams coached by Kidd made seven COUNTRY upon their lips; untainted by the nights as we stand watch. It is your love and more trips to the I–AA playoffs in the 90’s with cynicism of time. trust that gives us the courage to leave our EKU securing five additional OVC crowns dur- The gallant soldier may be felled by the beloved parents, to say goodbye to our ten- enemy, but the cause for which he fights der-hearted wives, and to ask God in silent ing this 10-year span. shall never succumb. The American soldier’s prayer to watch over our children while we During the past 38 and one-half football soul is a fragrant garden, and his colors are away. seasons at Eastern Kentucky, there have never melt into the light of the moon. The Today we recall the countless graves of been two National I–AA Coach of the Year freedom for which he fights stands in glory brave Americans from the smallest islands awards, 10 OVC Coach of the Year honors, before the mightly rays of the midday sun in the great Pacific to the unforgiving shores 55 EKU All-Americans, 197 first team All-OVC and, and we call it America. of Normandy. We also remember those who players, a term as President of the American We who survive have the ultimate respon- froze to death at Valley Forge and who sibility. It is we who must make immortal Football Coaches Association, all with Roy fought upon the burning sands of the Persian the memory of those who have sacrificed all Gulf. From our nation’s birth until this very Kidd’s named stamped beside them. that they were, all that they are, and all moment, we have endured every cost and Forty-one former Colonels have gone ahead that they were promised to be. It is we who paid every price to protect, to defend and to to either sign or play in the National Football must allow no one to ever say that the sun serve our beloved nation. League. Four former Eastern Kentucky stars has set, that darkness possesses the day, and Hundreds of thousands of Americans have are still playing in the NFL, including defensive time passes, time passes and these men of given their lives in far away lands for us. Chad Bratzke of the Indianapolis Colts, offen- valor must lie alone. Many are now interred in the earth of those To honor America’s warriors is not a cele- sive tackle Tyrone Hopson of the Detroit distant lands, but their memories, their bration of military triumphs that some peo- memories, we shall never yield, for those Lions, tight end Jason Dunn of the Kansas ple falsely associate with America’s great memories are our most valued treasure. City Chiefs and wide receiver Alex Bannister victories. We are remembering. We are ex- Wherever an American soldier is buried, of the Seattle Seahawks. pressing our gratitude; the gratitude of a there also is a part of America. Roy and his wife, Sue, have three chil- grateful nation to those who have served, It is in the memory of our heroes, friends dren—Marc, Kathy, and Keith—and six grand- suffered and died. But, even more impor- and loved ones that we gather today. The children. tantly, we are saying to every man and Brazos Valley Veterans memorial is a sacred Roy Kidd is truly one of the legendary foot- woman who has served this nation that time tribute that commemorates for time imme- does not pass on, life does not go on, nothing morial the sacrifice made by America’s he- ball coaches in America and, certainly, in the is the same because of you. Your deeds and roes. It honors those men and women who history of college football. His record speaks sacrifices have altered our destiny and our will never return to bless us with their for itself and I wish him and his wife Sue, hap- lives are forever entwined with your life and, smiles, to hold their children in their arms, piness and success always. May God con- indeed with your death. and to share with their wives and husbands tinue to Bless Roy Kid and shine on Eastern The goal of history is not to separate out joys and sorrows that we take for granted. Kentucky University for many years to come. events of different dimensions at a par- Indeed, even if some forget their names, no ticular point in time, but to show their con- one must ever be allowed to forget their sac- f tinuous interaction in an evolving story. rifice. By the labor of our hands and hearts TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID ROMEI There are those who see history as some- we have ensured that the generations that thing we paint on a canvas, while others see follow, even for a thousand years, will recall history as something we record in a book with pride our veterans’ unselfish love for HON. KEVIN BRADY and store upon an old dusty shelf. History is this light unto the world that we call Amer- OF TEXAS neither; it is as alive and as deep as the cur- ica. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rents of the vast oceans. As civilization Some say our fallen heroes hear the grass evolves so does history, and as people evolve growing over their graves and the leaves of Thursday, November 14, 2002 so do nations. autumn rustling above in the stilled heav- Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise Today we speak of the history of individ- ens, finally bringing the loud guns of war to uals, not nations. We speak of a fellow sol- today to recognize Dr. David Romei, a veteran silence, but those of us living will never dier, a friend, a brother wounded who know peace until we pay in full the debt we and Executive Director of the Arts Council of stretches out his hand for help, a bloodied owe them. This is the debt we honor today. Brazos Valley. Over the past two years Dr. hand that we cannot reach, for duty demands Do not look at the place where life has left Romei led the Brazos Valley community in the we fight on, we cannot pull him from death an American warrior, do not say how the creation of a Veteran’s Memorial dedicated to here, but in heaven we shall embrace him in smoke of dreams has risen. This is the way the preservation of the memory of all Brazos eternal life. one moment deserts another, and this is the Valley Veterans and as a reminder of their It is the memories of those who live, the way that the all-powerful sun suddenly memory of holding our dying buddy in our sacrifice to future generations. This week I deserts the world. Do not say this, for we arms, of embracing his tired and broken shall always remember and our sun shall was privileged to share a speaker’s platform body, of closing his eyes as the last tears never desert our world. It is our faith that with Dr. Romei at the dedication of this memo- streak his tender cheeks, because, because it keeps America’s flame of freedom alight. rial and was so moved by his words that I felt is our duty. Let me challenge each of you today. Look compelled to relay them to you. Our goal today is not to separate Amer- upon this work of art, an expression of Rob- ica’s warriors from Americans and hold them ert Eccleston’s genius. Prepare your hearts, DR. P. DAVID ROMEI’S BRAZOS VALLEY VET- up as more important than others. Every sol- open your minds and allow the better nature ERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY dier knows that without a supporting nation, of your souls to rise to a new level, a new SPEECH, NOVEMBER 11, 2002 without a loving family and without an eth- level of historical purpose. Try to wrap your- Today, today upon this sacred site, blessed ical code of conduct his actions and his mis- selves in these soldiers’ experience. by all the powers of our eternal and infinite sion are worthless. Our sacred purpose is to Whose heart does not explode like a mil- Creator, we celebrate the lives and mourn demonstrate that it is only the soldier who lion stars when looking upon this beautiful the deaths of America’s heroes. is called upon to give his life to ensure free- symbol of our love and respect for America’s We see in this bronze representation not dom. We soldiers are the guardians of Amer- fighting men and women? Witness the bullet only realistic truth and imaginative power ica’s promise to the world. We show here hole in the soldier’s helmet and shudder, united that enwraps our hearts in pangs of today that the will that permits one to lay share the suffering of the wounded soldier longing and suffering, but also an emotional down his life for family and country sepa- and bleed, and behold the valor of the soldier grandeur that gives new birth to our core rates those with pure souls fueled by courage who never leaves his friend behind—then, foundation of strength and courage. from those who have yet been given such an pray to God that you would do the same. We see a soldier carrying his dying com- opportunity and privilege. Dare if you will to touch the name of a vet- rade from a field of violent horror. We feel Those of us who have put on the military eran, any veteran whose name is engraved in the warm and weakening breath of a dying uniform of our country have done so with the this Texas granite, and know that you are soldier upon the neck of his friend, the last expectation of receiving no reward. We have united with an American hero. friend he will ever have, but for a greater been privileged to serve in the defense of Never forget that when the bow of God’s friend no one could ask. We imagine his eyes freedom and liberty. There is no sense of en- wrath is bent, America’s fighting men and closing as his falling helmet fades, fades titlement; there is only a sense that we have women are the arrow that finds heartless away into the distant horizon of the un- been honored that you, those whom we serve evil and draws from it all life. We are the in- known. And, then, then his heart reaches out with honor and love, the love of our entire strument of God’s justice, and we are the to his loved ones, slowly, painfully, reluc- hearts, have entrusted us with your lives. It men and women who preserve civilization tantly, and says goodbye. Parting from those is your trust that illuminates the soul of itself. whom he loves to join the ranks of America’s every American fighting man and woman Now, as we dedicate this holy monument eternal warriors, those men and women who with pride. It is your trust that sees us and leave it to the generations that follow have died with the words DUTY, HONOR, through the long, dark, cold and lonely us, be assured that we have done our duty.

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