[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MR. WILTON ``CURLY'' COLLIER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
service and dedication of Mr. Wilton ``Curly'' Collier of Alpine, 
California, who will be honored by his community this Saturday, 
September 22, 2001. Curly was born in Vernon, Texas on April 19, 1921. 
His family moved to Colorado where he attended high school before 
moving to California to enroll at the University of California, Los 
Angeles. In his professional life, Curly began his career as a parts 
manager and retired 30 yeas later as a sales manager in Alpine.
  Curly joined the International Kiwanis Club with the sponsorship of 
fellow Alpine resident Bob Wilson on October 6, 1967. In the Kiwanis, 
Curly spent his time volunteering for the many activities and fund-
raisers the Kiwanis sponsor, including the Worldwide Service Project, 
disaster-relief efforts, worldwide charities, and the Kiwanis family 
youth programs.
  Curly became the president of the Alpine Kiwanis Club in 1970 and he 
used this position to help raise money to purchase radio equipment for 
the Alpine Fire Station. He was also responsible for a 346% membership 
increase at the Alpine Chapter, which went from 15 to 52 members in 
just his first year of office. In recognition of his outstanding 
efforts and achievements, he was elected to the office of Lt. Governor 
of Kiwanis Division 31 in 1976.
  In 1985, Curly started the Endowment Fund for Children's Hospitals 
and the Miracle Mile of Quarters Project. In the first year of its 
existence, the Miracle Mile of Quarters Project raised and donated $56 
to the Children's Hospital. Last year, the project awarded the 
hospital's single largest donation of $42,500.
  During his tenure as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Curly has not only 
held high-ranking offices, but has been the recipient of many awards, 
including the Kiwanian of the Year in 1987 and the distinguished Hexson 
Award in 1996. This award was established by the Kiwanis International 
Foundation in honor of the first Kiwanis International President, 
George F. Hexson. The recipients are honored each year during a special 
reception at the Kiwanis International and District Conventions and are 
listed in the annual publication of the Kiwanis Honors Booklet, as well 
as on a permanent donor recognition electronic accolade at the Kiwanis 
International Office.
  In 1998, Curly received the Tablet of Honor, the most prestigious 
honor available from the Kiwanis International Foundation. This award 
is given to recipients on behalf of individuals, Kiwanis Clubs, 
corporations, or organizations to honor their accomplishments and 
recognize their service. Besides the prestige that comes with the 
award, recipients are pleased to know that contributions made in their 
names are helping the Kiwanis organization provide assistance to 
children around the world. Each recipient has their name added to the 
Tablet of Honor accolade in the lobby of the International Office in 
Indianapolis, IN, and all are honored at a special Kiwanis reception at 
each year's international convention.
  Mr. Speaker, Curly is a symbol of commitment and dedication to his 
fellow citizens and community. He has dedicated his life to helping the 
Kiwanis serve both his community and children across the world. Today, 
let us all honor and thank Curly for his remarkable contributions and 
for serving as an example of placing others before yourself.

                          ____________________