[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10443-S10444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        CONGRATULATING KARL OHS

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Karl 
Ohs, who will receive the Federal Bureau of Investigation's highest 
honor later this month for his part in ending the 1996 Freemen standoff 
in Montana. A quiet, unassuming rancher from Harrison, Montana, Karl 
has displayed uncommon courage and leadership not only during the 
Freemen incident, but throughout his life as a public servant and 
community leader.
  Born and raised in the farming town of Malta on Montana's Hi-Line, 
Karl was surrounded by agriculture from his birth. After graduating 
from Montana State University with a degree in agriculture, he began 
farming and ranching in Harrison. Karl quickly became an active member 
in the community, serving on the board of the local hospital and on the 
Harrison School Board.
  Karl's dedication to his community and agriculture led him to run for 
the Montana House of Representatives in 1994. After only one term, his 
peers selected Karl to serve as the majority whip for the 1997 
legislative session. In this capacity, Karl led fights to cut 
administrative costs, increase investment in Montana for our long-term 
growth, and save the historical sites of Virginia City and Nevada City, 
which otherwise would have been lost, destroying important reminders of 
our great state's heritage.
  Unlike some of today's political leaders who preach virtues publicly 
while defying them privately, Karl has shown great courage and morality 
while not standing in front of a microphone or television camera. When 
Karl was approached by a friend to intervene in the Freemen standoff, 
he did so without a second thought. As a mediator during the standoff, 
Karl repeatedly put himself into dangerous situations because of his 
concern for human life, both of the Freemen and law enforcement 
officers. In the end, he was able to gain the trust of the Freemen and 
jumpstart negotiations that led to the end of the standoff. Without his 
invaluable service, a violent end to the situation would have been 
inevitable.
  In a nation that is suffering from a lack of moral leadership, I am 
happy to know that we have people like Karl taking an active role in 
their communities. Karl serves as an example for all of us.
  Again, Karl, congratulations on your award. We can all learn a lot 
from your model of courage and service, and I want you to know that you 
have my gratitude and that of the Nation.

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