[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN W. RAWLINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize and honor an extraordinary man who embodied the spirit of my 
district in Colorado and whose contributions to society have gone 
unrecognized for far too long. John W. Rawlings was a pillar of the Las 
Animas community but far too few remember his services. Fortunately, a 
donation recently made by this man's loving son will ensure that John 
W. Rawling's accomplishments and generosity will never be forgotten.
  Robert H. Rawlings, the current Pueblo Chieftain Publisher, remembers 
his father, John, as a kind, generous, and distinguished man. In order 
to preserve John's memory Robert has donated $150,000 in John's name to 
the Las Animas museum project. The project will help to move the Kit 
Carson Museum from outside of Las Animas to Main Street in this 
historic district. The new museum will be named in John Rawlings' 
honor.
  John Rawlings spent his childhood in Monte Vista in Colorado's 
beautiful San Luis Valley. In high school, John was a star football 
player, basketball player, and a top student. In the evenings, he 
worked as a janitor for the school to help support his family. John's 
hard work paid off and he won a full scholarship to Colorado College. 
After college, John served his country in World War I and was honored 
with officer training. He served in France in the 341st Field Artillery 
89th division and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.
  John's career in banking began in 1920, and 21 years later he became 
the president of First National Bank of Las Animas. John's hard work 
and leadership skills were honored during his lifetime with roles in 
many organizations including the Southeastern Colorado Clearing House 
Association and the Colorado Bankers Association. John also served his 
community as the president of the Las Animas Chamber of Commerce, a 
member of the Las Animas Lions Club, and a commander of the Monte Vista 
post of the American Legion.
  After John's death in 1959, he was named ``The Outstanding Citizen of 
the Area'' and was greatly mourned by a loving family and grateful 
community. His dedication to excellence and his fellow man certainly 
deserves the attention of this body of Congress. Although it is certain 
that John's family and his community still miss him dearly, we hope 
that the new museum will keep the memory of this kind and generous man 
alive and intact for the future. Thanks John for your contributions to 
this nation.

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