[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HIGH SCHOOLERS DISPLAY TRUE HEROISM--PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

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                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2003

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I bring to your 
attention Kevin and Manuel Romero, best friends who took it upon 
themselves to help save a family's home during the first of two fires 
that recently threatened Albuquerque's bosque.
  Kevin and Manuel will be juniors at Albuquerque's West Mesa High 
School in the fall. They both grew up on Albuquerque's West Side, the 
area of town most threatened by the recent fires, and have been 
involved in JROTC throughout high school.
  On June 24, the pair decided to drive by the bosque to get a closer 
look at the flames. As they did so, they saw Mary and Dick Kirschner, 
whose home borders the bosque, attempting to put out the flames 
encroaching on their house. Grabbing shovels, the boys immediately 
filled buckets with dirt and dumped sand onto the embers. The thought 
of not helping never crossed their minds.
  Kevin and Manuel's efforts clearly made a difference in saving the 
Kirschners' home, which is now surrounded by scorched terrain. That 
landscape is a constant reminder of how close the fire came. Kevin and 
Manuel had never met the Kirschners, yet they tirelessly worked to save 
their home. The boys' efforts won them not only recognition on numerous 
local newscasts but the thanks of the Kirschners as well, who praise 
the boys for ``reaffirming the best of human instincts.'' Kevin's 
mother taught him that good deeds come back to those who do them, and 
that creed has clearly affected both Kevin and Manuel in a very 
positive way.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you join me and all the residents of New Mexico in 
honoring and thanking Kevin and Manuel Romero for their valiant efforts 
in saving a family home from a devastating fire. Their spirit of 
community is an inspiration to us all.

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