[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE DENNIS FLORES-----

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, April 18, 2002--

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the leadership of a member of the Pueblo community who has 
had an immeasurable effect on the lives of those he has touched. Dennis 
Flores has spent a lifetime committed to serving his country and the 
community of Pueblo, Colorado. To reward his efforts, his alma mater, 
the University of Southern Colorado, has recently bestowed upon him the 
high honor of Outstanding Alumnus. As Dennis accepts this honor, I 
would like to commend him on the diligence and commitment he has shown 
to his community and fellow Coloradans to achieve this recognition. He 
is a generous soul and I am honored to pay tribute to him before this 
body of Congress, and this nation.
  Before Dennis entered college, he served this nation as a member of 
the U.S. Army Security Agency. With the rating of a top-secret crypto 
clearance, he served with distinction in Vietnam, receiving both 
Vietnam Campaign Medals for his outstanding service. After returning to 
Pueblo, he enrolled at the University of Southern Colorado and 
graduated with a degree in business management. It was at this time he 
began to work for SCA Insurance as an insurance agent trainee, and 
amazingly has continued with the same organization for over thirty 
years. Today, under his leadership as Senior Vice President and 
principal, the company serves as a model agency and business in the 
community.
  Desiring to further serve his community, Dennis volunteers much of 
his time and efforts to improving the lives of his fellow residents. He 
has been a pioneer in developing programs to enhance the Latino 
community and has served as President of the Latino Chamber of 
Commerce. Dennis has been instrumental in establishing the Pueblo 
Hispanic Education Foundation to help Latino students afford education 
and is credited with being an instrumental part in the creation of the 
El Pueblo Inter-Development Corporation, an innovative loan program 
created for small businesses. As a result of his dedicated leadership, 
Dennis has been elected to and served on the board of the Pueblo School 
District for over eight years. With his help and dedication to 
improving education, District 60 has been nationally recognized in 
reading reform, educational assessment, and accountability.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an incredible honor to represent such a 
distinguished man as Dennis Flores and be able to bring his 
achievements to the attention of this body of Congress, and this 
nation. His generosity, success, and service to his fellow Coloradans 
serves as a model example of giving back to the community and I would 
again like to thank him for all that he has done for Pueblo and 
Colorado. Thanks for all your efforts Dennis and good luck in your 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________