[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 140 (Monday, October 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. FREDERIC PAUL GRESKY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to express 
gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Frederic Paul Gresky, Colorado, 
one of Colorado's most outstanding citizens. Paul, a Colorado resident 
for over 30 years, is an individual who has made a positive and lasting 
difference in the lives of others.
  In 1971, he and his wife Carol moved to Colorado and have raised two 
wonderful children, Ellen and Michael. His call to civic duty began in 
1974 when a neighbor of Mr. Gresky's left a loaded shotgun unattended 
and the neighbor's son injured another boy. The injured boy happened to 
be the son of Paul's co-worker. We all have pivotal events that affect 
our lives, Mr. Speaker, and this was definitely Paul Gresky's. Instead 
of reacting irrationally, Paul set out to make a difference.
  Since 1974, Paul Gresky has served as a volunteer hunter education 
instructor, teaching the values of safe firearm handling and 
responsible human-to-wildlife interaction. Mr. Gresky has earned the 
title of Division of Wildlife Master Instructor in 1983 and instructed 
an astonishing 11,000 students. In 1985, he was named Colorado 
Instructor of the Year and in both 1987 and 1989 he was the Colorado 
Candidate for Winchester's Instructor of the Year. Paul is a Certified 
Instructor for the Boy Scouts of America and has been called on by the 
Poudre Valley School District to teach Home Safety for Firearms.
  Paul Gresky's commitment to wildlife has been equally impressive. 
When the Kodak Company wanted to develop a watchable wildlife site, 
they called on Mr. Gresky. His expertise resulted in one of only two 
watchable sites in Colorado, the only location where observers can walk 
through 41 acres and view natural wildlife habits.
  The values that Paul Gresky holds should never be ignored. If you 
have the privilege of attending one of his classes, you will hear him 
quote Victor Hugo saying, ``Common sense is developed without regard to 
education, not as a result of it.'' The young children in his courses 
go home with a life-changing regard to firearms, our country's 
heritage, and the value of wildlife.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul Gresky's service and dedication to teaching and 
serving his country remind us of all that is good in America. Paul is 
truly a shining example for all Americans.
  As a constituent of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, Paul 
Gresky not only makes his community proud, but also his state and 
country. It is a true honor to have such an extraordinary citizen in 
Colorado and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his service and 
dedication to the community. I ask the House to join me in extending 
wholehearted congratulations to Mr. Frederic Paul Gresky.

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