[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     DENNIS AND PHYLLIS WASHINGTON

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements and accomplishments of my fellow Montanans and good 
friends, Dennis and Phyllis Washington.
  Dennis was born July 27, 1934, in Missoula, Montana. As a young boy, 
he moved to Bremerton, Washington, where he shined shoes and sold 
newspapers to supplement the family income. At the tender age of 8, he 
was diagnosed with polio and given little chance of survival. 
Miraculously, he survived and went back to Missoula to recover and live 
with his grandmother. From this point on in his life, Dennis has fought 
and struggled against all odds to survive and succeed. Years later, 
this struggle and dedication has become Washington Corp., which, 
according to a recent article in USA Today, ``consists of 15 
businesses, employs 14,000, and generates $2.5 billion a year in 
revenue.''
  However, Dennis has never forgotten where he came from. Dennis and 
Phyllis have strived to make Montana a better place. They have been 
instrumental in ensuring that the university of Montana maintains its 
``tradition of excellence.'' In her position as chairperson of the 
University's capital campaign, Phyllis led the 5-year effort to a 
record level of $71 million, over $7 million of which came from her own 
pocket. That will mean a higher quality of education for our students 
helping more of our children to find good jobs in Montana.
  From his humble beginnings in a house next to the railroad tracks to 
his present good fortune, the drive to help others has characterized 
Dennis Washington's life. He is a model for America, personifying the 
American dream that someone with big dreams can make those dreams a 
reality with a little intelligence and a lot of hard work.
  I have great respect and admiration for Dennis. He is a Montana 
original whose story provides inspiration to me and many other 
Montanans. He has overcome tremendous adversity to become one of the 
most successful businessmen in America. However, the one thing 
surpassing his business acumen is his generosity to his fellow man. 
Dennis and Phyllis Washington are true philanthropists that are 
deserving of our recognition.

                          ____________________