[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              ROGER ARPAN

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, it is not often these days that we 
hear good news. It is not often that we hear about people who some 
consider heroes. And when we do hear about heroes, they are usually 
sports figures who make millions or actors who have access to media 
attention.
  But I recently heard about a Montanan that is neither an athlete, an 
actor, or any national figure. He has not saved lives or discovered a 
new drug. In fact, I would venture to bet that most people inside this 
beltway have never heard of him. And yet, he is a hero just the same.
  His name is Roger Arpan, he is 39 years old and he lives in Alzada, 
MT. And recently he made such an impact on the life of a man in Alaska, 
that I received a letter commending him.
  I would like to read a portion of this letter, because it spells out 
so clearly why Roger is worthy of our attention:

       I met Roger by accident when my nephew and I were in the 
     area in mid-October for an antelope hunt. We were on Highway 
     212 just north of Alzada when we spotted a nice herd of 
     animals well off the road in a very large pasture. We knew it 
     was private property and went to find the owner to ask 
     permission to hunt.
       After a bit of searching, we found a road that led to the 
     ranch house. A man promptly came out of the house; his arms 
     flaying in the air, his head was bobbing around and he was 
     walking with an irregular gait. Soon he addressed us in a 
     halting fashion. We asked if we could get permission to hunt, 
     and he said, ``Yes, but watch out for livestock, and if you 
     are not successful, come back and I'll help you get some.'' 
     He also said he would be working in a distant back field 
     collecting rolls of hay and stacking them in the field.
       We returned to the pasture and after laying some careful 
     stalking strategy, we collected a fine buck antelope with 
     15\1/2\ inch horns. As a matter of courtesy, we returned to 
     the ranch house to let the owners know of our success. This 
     time Roger was out in the big hay field, but he drove across 
     to meet us at the gate. There he was operating a large farm 
     truck and trailer hauling hay and driving a tractor with a 
     stacker, putting up the hay for winter feed all by himself. 
     His body motions may have seemed erratic to me, but Roger was 
     in complete control of himself and the equipment. I have 
     farmed nearly all my life and understand the requirement for 
     dexterity and alertness when operating heavy farm machinery. 
     I could not restrain myself and had to express my admiration 
     for Roger for his courage and determination in carrying out 
     these farming activities despite obvious and severe physical 
     limitations.
       It was then that I learned that Roger Arpan was born with 
     cerebral palsy and has suffered the ravages of this disease 
     all his life. His parents determined early on that if Roger 
     was to have any kind of life, he had to learn to take care of 
     himself.
       Roger suffers every day, now somewhat less than in past 
     years due to a new treatment, but the disease is chronic and 
     will be with him all his life unless a cure is discovered. He 
     carries on with courage and determination, motivated by the 
     love and support of his family. He is disabled in his 
     physical body but his mind is alert and he is out there 
     working and making a contribution to his family and to 
     society. Many people suffering disabilities far less acute 
     than Roger's fall into despair and become burdens on society, 
     but not this man.

  Mr. President, I join with Wilson Gay, this man from Alaska, in 
saluting Roger Arpan. Though I would like to believe Roger is a typical 
Montanan, I know that he stands out. His strength, his courage, his 
determination, his strong character, and yes, even his success, make 
Roger a hero. Keep up the good work, Roger. I tip my hat to you.

                          ____________________