[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 61 (Monday, May 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HEROES IN MONTANA

   Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor three 
individuals who are heroes in my State of Montana. They live in eastern 
Montana, an open spread of plains and rolling prairie. They vary in 
age, background, and experience. But they do have one thing in common: 
Each person merits recognition for extraordinary acts of courage.
  Shirl Pinto of Lame Deer was recognized in April by Attorney General 
Janet Reno, who presented her with the Crime Victim Service Award, 1 of 
only 13 in the Nation, for her work as a victim's advocate. I know 
Shirl's family--she and her husband Rick Robinson, who heads up the 
Lame Deer Boys and Girls Club, and their children, are dedicated to 
providing safe haven for women and children. Shirl is on call 24 hours 
a day, 7 days a week, directing Healing Hearts, which is a shelter for 
victims of domestic violence. Her family knows she is devoted to her 
community--she has managed to make a big difference in the lives of so 
many people with few resources and great barriers to overcome.
  Candice Rush is a 15-year-old from Sidney who rescued Lindsay Clayton 
of Glendive from a near-fatal drowning in a reservoir last summer. In 
her nomination statement of Candice for an American Red Cross 
Certificate of Merit, Lindsay related how she panicked after cramping 
up while swimming halfway across a reservoir. She grabbed onto a friend 
who was also in danger of being pulled under. Candice, who had received 
training as a lifeguard, swam to Lindsay, cleared away other swimmers 
who were trying to help, gripped Lindsay from the back and swam to the 
shore. Lindsay recounted how she was so scared and weak that she 
literally could not stand up on the shore. Candice displayed a cool 
head and used her training to save Lindsay's life--something neither 
Lindsay nor her family will ever forget. This kind of courage should be 
recognized.
  Dakota Taylor, a 7-year-old, stopped by his friend's house in 
Whitewater, a small town near the Canadian border, and noticed 
something smoking in the fireplace. Dakota made sure that his clothing 
would not catch fire and then put out the smoldering material with 
water--one glass at a time. He then notified the family. Without his 
quick action, it is very likely his friend and his family would not 
have a house to live in today.
  I am inspired by knowing of people like Shirl, Candice, and Dakota 
who have displayed courage, thoughtfulness, and leadership--qualities 
that we all seek in our daily lives. On behalf of myself and the rest 
of Montana, I am proud to recognize these individuals on the floor of 
the U.S. Senate.

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