[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 120 (Monday, October 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DAN AGUILAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 2, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise to pay 
tribute to a true American hero, Dan Aguilar of Vail, Colorado. Dan has 
been awarded the Silver Plaque International Alpine Solidarity Award, 
given to individuals who have risked their lives to save others in 
dangerous mountain accidents. Dan is a well-known mountain rescuer who 
deserves both the admiration and praise of this body.
  Dan grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he resided for 18 years. After 
graduating from Crozier Tech High School, he served in the US Army in 
Vietnam for four years. Upon returning to the United States, he moved 
to Vail where he began his now renowned career in mountain rescue. 
Dan's love for the mountains has seen him travel the globe and conquer 
the most dangerous alpine trails in the world. What's more, his 
mountain climbing adventures have taken him to Mexico, Ecuador, Alaska 
and Argentina. But it is not his accomplishments as a climber or 
mountain biker that have earned him this prestigious award, but rather 
it is his courage as a mountain rescuer.
  In the early 1980's, Dan suffered the crushing loss of a dear friend 
that completely changed his view of climbing. For some time he was 
unable to even fathom climbing again, but this experience eventually 
drove him to the line of work that has made him a living legend. He has 
been a member of the Vail Mountain Rescue Group in the nearly two 
decades since.
  For Dan, saving the life of another seems to come naturally. In fact, 
this most recent award is not the first time he has received 
recognition for his devotion to helping others. Last year he was 
awarded the Mountain Rescue Association's Outstanding Individual 
Service Award. In all, it is estimated that Dan has been involved in 
around 500 different rescue missions, since his involvement with 
Mountain Rescue. His advanced rescue skills have also been utilized in 
rescues on Mt. Rainier in Washington, the Premiers in Russia, and the 
Aconcogua in South America.
  Dan's dedication and incredible compassion to help others have earned 
him a legendary reputation and the admiration of people around the 
world. According to Tim Cochrane, a fellow member of Mountain Rescue, 
in a recent article in The Vail Daily by Tamara Miller: ``Aguilar is 
the first volunteer rescuer in North America to win the award.''
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the State of Colorado and the US Congress I 
congratulate Dan on this distinguished and well-deserved award. He is a 
great American who deserves our gratitude and praise.
  Dan, your community, State, and Nation are proud of you!

                          ____________________