[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  WALT AND MELODY GENTRY BRING JOY INTO THE LIVES OF MANY THROUGH THE 
                  ADOPT-A-WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to commend 
my constituents from Mt. Vernon, IL, Walt and Melody Gentry, for using 
their love of horses to bring happiness to the lives of others.
  Walt and Melody have spent the past 8 years educating others about 
the Bureau of Land Management's Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro program. 
Established in 1992, this program's objectives are to manage the 
population of horses and burros in the effort to protect them from 
dying from starvation or dehydration. Spending countless hours 
traveling over 30,000 miles, Walt and Melody have not only aided in 
many adoptions all over the Eastern United States, but have also 
adopted 18 of their own horses that they use to compete in horse shows 
and riding competitions.
  In addition to Walt and Melody's compassion for these beautiful 
animals is their compassion for others in need. They have combined 
their love and appreciation for horses with their concern and eagerness 
to help others by performing many of these shows for disadvantaged 
youths. Through these events, these kids have an opportunity to 
interact with horses--something they wouldn't otherwise be able to do. 
In a time when children are often hungry for leadership and 
inspiration, the Gentry's have played a pivotal role by sharing the 
happiness they have found in the Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro program.
  I would like to thank Walt and Melody Gentry for sharing the joy in 
their lives with these disadvantaged children. They are not only an 
inspiration for them, but for all of us who have so many joys to share.

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