[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E835-E836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DICK LATTIMER CONTRIBUTES TO ARCHERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, many people never find their true life's 
mission. My colleague, Mr. Hunter, and I would like to pay tribute to 
Dick Lattimer who not only found his mission, but has used his talents 
and ambition to promote his passion for, and share his vast knowledge 
of, archery and bowhunting. His tireless efforts, endless energy, and 
boundless generosity have led many people to learn and later enjoy this 
wonderful pastime. No one in America or the world has worked harder, 
nor with as much determination to promote bowhunting and archery as 
Dick.
  A 1957 graduate of Indiana University and native of South Bend, Dick 
shot his first bow in 1966 and archery became his way of life ever 
since. Shortly after his introduction to bows and arrows, Dick met and 
went to work for Fred Bear, the father of modern archery and 
bowhunting. With the support of his wife, Alice, and under the tutelage 
of the master, Dick set about a lifetime of advertising and promotional 
work for the sport he loved. Dick's passion, knowledge and love for the 
outdoors as well as his strong commitment to educating the public and 
networking with the sporting community made him the key player in the 
development of archery and bowhunting through the 70's and 80's.
  Following the death of his mentor, Dick left Bear Archery in 1991 to 
become the first President and CEO of the Archery Manufacturers and 
Merchants Organization (AMO). From his position as the point person for 
the entire archery and bowhunting world, Dick developed the largest 
trade show ever convened dedicated to archery and bowhunting. The AMO 
Archery Trade Show is now entering its 4th year and has become the 
pivotal gathering for the world's bowhunters and archers.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to his more than full time commitment to 
AMO, Dick has spent countless hours volunteering for many prestigious 
boards. He has served as the Executive Director of the American Archery 
Council, the Television Chair and Co-Chair of the Communications 
Committee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife 
Agencies, Chair of the National Archery Museum, and a member of the 
Hunting and Conservation Committee, Public Affairs Committee and 
Bowhunting Subcommittee of the National Rifle Association. Of note for 
the Congress is Dick's service as a member of the board of directors of 
the Congressional Sportsmen's

[[Page E836]]

Foundation and his sponsorship of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus 
Task Force on Bowhunting. In his personal life, Dick has volunteered 
his time and financial resources to his community through his church 
and for causes such as the needs of homeless Americans.
  For his lifetime of dedication to archery and bowhunting, Dick was 
inducted to the Archery Hall of Fame on January 9, 1999. Dick now joins 
the legends of archery and bowhunting as a peer and will forever 
rightfully share a distinguished place in the history of conservation 
and hunting in North America.
  Mr. Speaker, if we want our citizens to be driven by the needs of the 
country and to be examples of selflessness, commitment and 
accomplishment, then we must continue to honor and praise individuals 
like Dick Lattimer. We ask you and all of our colleagues to join us in 
commending Dick Lattimer as an icon of the archery and bowhunting world 
but also as a great American sportsman and humanitarian.

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