[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 97 (Monday, July 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8294-S8295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF GENE CLAWSON, JR.

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a great 
Montanan

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who is a man of extraordinary talents and accomplishments, one of the 
most notable being President of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. 
This Association is the largest clay target shooting organization in 
the world with more than 100,000 members. This year as President, he 
will preside over the Grand American 100th Anniversary trapshoot in 
Vandalia, Ohio from August 12-21, 1999.
  This past week in Missoula, Montana, July 8 was designated Gene 
Clawson, Jr. Day by the Montana State Trapshooting Association to 
recognize his dedication and service to this sport. Gene's dedication 
started over 40 years ago when he began shooting with his father and 
brother. When Gene started, he dominated state junior competitions and 
earned All-American status. His dedication and love for the sport 
propelled him to win 10 state championships, a national doubles Class 
AA championship. He was selected to the Montana All-State Team thirty-
one times and in 1995 he was inducted into the Montana State 
Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame. One of his more phenomenal 
accomplishments was shooting the amazing ``perfect'' doubles score of 
100 for a total of sixteen times.
  Gene's service to trapshooting also has been an unusual example of 
unfaltering support and leadership. Gene started out helping his father 
with the duties of secretary-treasurer of the Missoula Trap and Skeet 
Club. From there his involvement grew to include being on the club's 
board of directors, Montana's delegate to the Amateur Trapshooting 
Association, and the Western Zone Vice-President for the Association in 
which he presided over 13 western States and Canadian provinces. Now as 
the President of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, he deals with 
virtually all of the Association's business. In all his endeavors, he 
has gained the respect and admiration of many people as well as to 
inspiring others to participate in the this exciting sport.
  In addition to being a master of his sport, he is also a successful 
businessman. He has been President of the family-owned business, 
Clawson Manufacturing, for over 30 years. When his father started the 
business in 1948, they concentrated on unfinished furniture and cut 
stock. Since then, Gene has moved the company into designing, 
producing, and selling windows and roof trusses worldwide.
  Gene is also a dedicated family man. Ranging in ages from 12 to 79, 
the Clawsons are an amazing example of family tradition, devotion, 
support, and success. For several years, three generations of Clawsons 
have hunted elk, waterfowl, and upland birds together. Three of Gene's 
sons (Nick, Bill, and Brad) have followed in their father's footsteps 
in excelling at trapshooting competitions. Now his grandson has joined 
the firing line. In these days when guns are associated with destroying 
families, it is refreshing to see an example of how the shooting sports 
can bring a family closer together.
  Mr. President, I recognize Mr. Gene Clawson, Jr. and congratulate him 
for his accomplishments as an amateur trapshooter, father, and 
businessman. I was him and his family the best and much success in 
their future endeavors. Please join with me in recognizing this great 
Montanan and outstanding American.

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