[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S281-S284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE SPIRIT OF IDAHO AWARD RECIPIENTS

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I honor over 158 individuals 
and organizations working every day to make Idaho a great place to 
live. I'm talking about the recipients of the Spirit of Idaho Award. I 
created this award almost 3 years ago to recognize and bring attention 
to the many deeds of service that happen in local Idaho communities 
that are not always recognized by the media or the general public. 
Recipients of this award improve lives every day with their selfless 
giving and shining examples. I would like to take a moment today and 
recognize each of these outstanding individuals.
  Kamrud Jacobson delivers newspapers in Twin Falls. While completing 
his route one day, Kamrud noticed unusual smoke coming from the chimney 
of a nearby house. He quickly asked a neighbor to call 911. The Fire 
Department responded and put out a growing house fire. Kamrud's 
vigilant actions effectively saved the house from burning to the 
ground. Kamrud's efforts embody the qualities of service and

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selflessness the Spirit of Idaho award hopes to recognize.
  Alex and Jay Phelps are truly life-savers for one woman. The two, who 
deliver newspapers in Twin Falls, noticed several newspapers piling up 
at a particular house on their route. Concerned by this development, 
the boys explained the situation to their mother, who then contacted 
authorities. The boys were right to be concerned; the resident of the 
house had had a stroke and was in need of medical care. As a result of 
the efforts of these two boys, the resident was rescued and received 
medical care.
  Ten members of the Wood River Winter Recreation Coalition in Sun 
Valley worked together for hundreds of hours on a volunteer basis to 
offer a community-based, historic recreation agreement that will be 
implemented in the Sawtooth National Forest. The members crafted what 
is often extremely difficult to create: a collaborative solution to a 
perplexing problem. Both user groups and our forest are the 
beneficiaries of the Coalition's outstanding work.
  Barbara Dehl of Nampa authored and lobbied the Idaho State 
Legislature and the U.S. Congress for passage of ``Cassie's Law,'' a 
law intended to prevent abusive dating relationships, as well as assist 
victims of such abuse. Ms. Dehl courageously battled for this 
legislation at both the State and Federal level after the tragic death 
of her daughter Cassie in December of 1999. She has been the catalyst 
behind important progress in the fight against violence.
  Idaho Working Partners, through Janet Miller their State Chairwoman, 
are models of community service, assisting numerous organizations in 
and around Boise. The Salvation Army, the Hope House, and the Booth 
Family Center, to name a few, have all been helped. Food drives, 
donations for flood ravaged areas, and Christmas projects for the needy 
have been just a few of the outstanding projects engaged in by Idaho 
Working Partners. They are to be commended for their efforts.
  Dr. Dan Prinzing, Social Studies and Curricular Materials Coordinator 
for Idaho's State Department of Education and a former teacher for the 
Boise School District, is Idaho's first contact for projects, 
scholarships, and special programs in areas of civics, U.S. history and 
government, economics, and responsible citizenship. Dr. Prinzing is 
also an advocate for the need to improve international education for 
Idaho's students, and works closely with a variety of civic 
organizations to promote student involvement in programs focusing on an 
understanding of the U.S. Constitution and state and federal laws.
  Jackie Phelps has been an exemplary volunteer with Meals on Wheels in 
Boise. For many years, she has delivered meals to shut-in seniors who 
aren't able to pick-up or prepare meals themselves. Jackie has 
benefited many in need through her constant, dedicated service. I 
commend her for her caring.
  Gail Chumbley and her students at Eagle High School in Boise have 
worked diligently to honor Idaho veterans. Ms. Chumbley has spearheaded 
a local effort to document the personal histories of a number of Idaho 
veterans through classroom assignments where students interview 
veterans. Her work has earned the notice of the VFW and the Idaho State 
Historical Society Library and Archives, among others. Chumbley and her 
students also conducted a drive to raise money for the national World 
War II veteran's memorial to be built on the Capitol Mall in 
Washington, DC. Through her work introducing so many Idaho veterans to 
Idaho school children, Gail Chumbley honors herself, her profession, 
and all of Idaho's veterans. In addition, her students have 
demonstrated a respect for past sacrifices and service, and in so doing 
have enriched their educational experience.
  Students at Eagle High School in Boise went the extra mile to help 
the less fortunate during a recent Christmas season. The Salvation Army 
enlisted the help of local high schools during their Christmas food 
drive. Eagle High's generosity was clear as they took in the most 
poundage of all the local high schools. These students coupled their 
feelings of compassion with actions of kindness.
  Kyle Enzler of Eagle completed a cross-country bicycle trip to raise 
money and awareness for needy children around the world. Enzler is the 
founder and organizer of Trek for Kids, the foundation behind his 
cross-country trek. His journey covered over 4,500 miles in 15 weeks, 
raising over $1,000 for the cause. Kyle is a great example, choosing to 
make meaningful contributions in fighting the world's problems.

  Sherrill and James Cooper of Lewiston are saints to numerous children 
they have taken in through over 30 years of caring for young people in 
need. Children have arrived at their house in Lewiston Orchards at all 
hours lonely, frightened, traumatized, angry, sometimes hurt and the 
Coopers have opened their doors and hearts. These wonderful people have 
also been recognized with the Angels in Adoption award for their work 
in this critical labor of love.
  Blaine County Senior Center of Hailey was honored for the work of 
their senior citizens on behalf of KidShop, an after school program in 
the Blaine County School District. The seniors raised $5,000 through 
the Festival of Trees to provide healthy snacks to the children. The 
endeavor was also very successful in bridging the generation gap and 
allowing ``juniors and seniors'' to get to know one another. Each of 
these seniors is to be commended for supporting this very important 
endeavor.
  Pete Mecham of Idaho Falls received the Sammy Award. The Sammy Award 
recognizes outstanding scholar athletes based on academic performance, 
athletic excellence, leadership, and community service. With over 
19,000 applicants and just 25 recipients, Pete's award is quite an 
honor. His activities and honors, which are nearly too numerous to 
mention, include National Honor Society, High School Seminary 
President, Eagle Scout, numerous wrestling championships, and the U.S. 
Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.
  Pam Davison of Malad works for the USDA Rural Development office in 
Blackfoot and has spent many hours working with Southeast Idaho senior 
citizens to improve their homes under a Federal self-help program. 
Through the program and Pam's dedicated work, seniors have been able to 
winterize their homes and save money on energy bills. In times of tight 
budgets and rising energy prices, the help Pam has provided to our 
seniors is invaluable.
  Jay Heuser of Preston has worked diligently in economic development 
for the city of Preston. His outstanding projects include a business 
incubator, new water tank, and city industrial park improvements. Jay 
has been a dedicated public servant, serving as mayor, and improving 
the lives of the residents of Preston.
  Rosa Moosman of Montpelier is the editor and manager of The News 
Examiner. Rosa has reported on lumber and Forest Service issues in a 
professional and polished manner for the community. In a State with a 
large lumber industry, this reporting has been an invaluable public 
service. She has also been a great example for journalists statewide.
  Jensen Lumber Company of Montpelier uses small-diameter timber in 
productive ways. A necessary component of healthy national forests is 
the thinning of these small trees, and Jensen Lumber has put these 
trees to good use. In doing so, they have made great economic 
contributions to the community.
  Heritage Safe Company is a model to many businesses, and an economic 
force in the community of Grace. Heritage Safe started as a small 
business in a small town. However, it is quickly becoming one of the 
country's largest makers of gun safes. Heritage Safe Company is 
recognized for its economic contributions to the community.
  After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Idaho Red Cross 
volunteers responded by the dozens. These selfless life-savers provide 
relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, 
and respond to emergencies. In times of need, these individuals have 
come forward to help. These volunteers included: Richard Kaylor, Mary 
Wolf, Cheryle Andrews, Glenda Loomis, Cindy Bahora, Allison Mallow, 
Marlene Bailey, Jim Manring, Marva Barnes, Brooks Mathern, Julie 
Benintendi, Gordon McAllister, Robert Bones, Carol McAllister, Steve 
Button,

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Linda McGuire, Farrell Byington, Tempe McFarlane, Bonnie Capell, Joseph 
Morisette, Sherri Carpenter, Lynette Muson, Ben Cavaness, Roger Olson, 
David Chehey, Kathlene Parsons, Richard Cripe, Shirley Perkins, Frank 
Dalley, Ray Ragan, Julie Dillehay, Lorraine Roberts, Kathy Dutt, 
William Roberts, Germaine Eslinger, Carolyne Rucker, Lynn Farnworth, 
Susan Saldin, Sarah Farnworth, Kent Schaufelberger, Sean Farrell, Rick 
Sonnenberg, Gloria Fastabend, Cynthia Schulze, Richard Fesler, Barbara 
Stevens, Leslie Freeman, Joseph ``Bill'' Stevens, Jim Fulfer, Colleen 
Stevens, Michele Gamblin, James Stumpf, Rich Gorman, Jennifer Swanberg, 
Jeri Gowen, Donna Taylor, Gina Gridley, Jana Thomas, Jim Grigg, Terry 
Tippery, Oreanna Harless, Steve R. Tryk, Susan Hill, Barbara Webster, 
Allen Howard, Patsy Walton, Rick Huffard, Daniel Weigel, Ronald 
Jacques, Phillip White, Sharon Katz, Mimsi Wise, Rich Kaylor, Stephanie 
Witt, Edward Kinghorn, Mary Wolf, and Daunna Kirkham of Boise, Nampa, 
Meridian, McCall, Arco, Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Eagle, Coeur d'Alene, 
Black Foot, Kimberly, Moscow, Rathdrum, Rexburg, and Terreton.
  Mark Langlois, Robert Macfarlane, James Pollard, and David Larson of 
Idaho Falls are Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory 
engineers who assisted recovery efforts in New York, Pennsylvania, and 
Washington, DC, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. At a 
time of great need and obvious peril, these selfless individuals rushed 
to help their countrymen.
  Dan O'Brien, a name you may know for his Olympic competitions, has 
diligently served the cause of youth sports in Moscow. His dedication 
not only serves the youth of Moscow, but also the community as a whole. 
His hard work and dedication have been recognized on several fronts, 
receiving not only the Spirit of Idaho, but also the Sporting Goods 
Manufacturers Association Hero Award. I commend Dan on his outstanding 
efforts.
  Students at Peregrine Elementary of Meridian were chosen by the Red 
Cross as winners of the ``Your Coins Count'' statewide campaign not 
once, but twice. The ``Your Coins Count'' campaign offers schools 
educational programs about Red Cross services and history, then asks 
students to collect spare change and donate the money to the Red Cross 
in support of local services like disaster relief. These students' 
shining example proves that each of us can make a difference in the 
lives of others.
  The fight against child pornography needs more warriors like those at 
the FBI child pornography unit in Pocatello. This unit analyzes illegal 
computer traffic in order to find and prosecute those that are 
victimizing children. Each of our children are safer thanks to the work 
of these dedicated professionals.
  Moscrip Family and Bandana's Running and Walking Shop of New Plymouth 
have been pillars of support for young people wishing to participate in 
the local high school cross country and track programs. For the past 
three years these two groups have joined to provide affordable running 
shoes to local youth involved in the cross country and track programs 
at the New Plymouth High School. As a strong supporter of healthy 
living, I applaud the efforts of these two organizations.
  Ana Marie Schachtell has served the cities of Nampa and Treasure 
Valley well, organizing the Fiesta Idaho events. This event helps 
groups with differing backgrounds to come together in a spirit of 
understanding and respect. Under Ana's leadership and vision the annual 
Fiesta Idaho celebration has blossomed into a major event celebrated 
each fall in several locations in and around Nampa.
  Jim Olson and George Gorino are Boise American Legion members. In 
addition to their service in this organization, and their military 
service for our country, these two have gone the extra mile to honor 
the victims of September 11, 2001, as well as military personnel 
involved in the war on terror. As a result of their dedication, a 
monument and flag have been erected on Freezeout Hill in Gem County 
honoring these groups. Today, it is Jim and George who are honored.
  John Jackson of Nampa owns the successful Jackson Food Stores, and 
has used his success to help others. John donated funds to build an 
indoor track and field facility next to the Idaho Center. The facility 
is very important to the Boise State University track team, as well as 
local youth and adult track clubs. The site is also scheduled to host 
some significant competitions in the coming years. John's selfless and 
important donation has also spurred additional economic development in 
the area.
  Wiley Dobbs of Twin Falls has served as an Idaho Congressional Award 
Board Member since 1993, where he has spent thousands of hours working 
as a student advisor, making presentations to different groups, and 
talking to parents. Idaho leads the United States in the number of 
participants in this prestigious award program and the Twin Falls 
region leads the way in Idaho, thanks in large part to Wiley and his 
associates.
  Sixteen-year-old Jessy Peterson of Castleford saved a man's life in 
December 2002. As he headed home late one evening, Jessy spotted a fire 
burning in the garage of a house. Jessy was able to successfully awaken 
the resident of the house, who escaped without harm. He then went one 
step further and helped the resident to extinguish the fire. Jessy's 
courageous actions speak to his depth of character.
  Bob Harmon of Meridian is a hero in the war on terror, but he doesn't 
wear a uniform or carry a gun. Bob owns Harmon Travel and used his 
business to support our troops. He donated airline tickets for family 
members to attend the burial of a soldier killed in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. Bob Harmon gave freely to help a military family in a time of 
need.
  Scott Andrews of Blackfoot is the Bingham County Prosecutor. As part 
of his efforts to keep his county safe and make the Prosecutor's Office 
more accessible, Scott has created a new website. The website: 
www.co.bingham.id.us/prosecutor/prosecuting_attorney.htm, provides 
people with quick and easy access to important information about 
matters handled by the Prosecutor's Office, including information on 
victim and witness services, the public record, and legal research 
links. Scott has made our judicial system more responsive with his 
innovative approach to his office.
  Taylor and Alyssa Jenson's story is truly touching. These two 
Pocatello sisters literally gave of themselves to help others less 
fortunate than they. Seeing the needs of cancer victims, Taylor and 
Alyssa cut and donated their long hair to make wigs for those who had 
lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy. They are to be commended 
for this exceptional act of service.
  Jared Helm is a senior at Lewiston High School. He is dedicated to 
volunteering and making the community a better place. He is also a role 
model for younger children and stresses the importance of volunteering 
to them. Last year he volunteered over 450 hours, has a 4.0 GPA, and is 
a Lewiston High School Student Body officer. Such commitment embodies 
``The Spirit of Idaho.''
  ``Grandma'' Gay Reese plays an important role for the ``America 
Reads'' program every day at Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls. 
For the past five years, she has helped young students learn to read. 
Gay's remarkable dedication has helped to instill a life-long love of 
reading within several hundred Magic Valley children. In addition, she 
has been instrumental in recruiting new Grandparents to the America 
Reads program. ``Grandma'' Reese embodies the selfless service honored 
by the Spirit of Idaho award.
  The Hospice of Eastern Idaho provides a full range of supportive 
services for terminally ill individuals and their families while they 
are in the latter stages of a terminal illness. This critical service 
depends largely on volunteers. The following individuals have given of 
their time and talents for the benefit of others:
  Donna Stone has been a Hospice Volunteer for three years. Last year 
she provided 195 volunteer hours for one patient, consistently showing 
up twice a week to give respite care for the patient's husband for two 
to three hours at a time. Her willingness and faithfulness week after 
week are inspiring.
  Since becoming volunteers in spring 2002, Buck and Debbie Horton have 
each worked almost 200 volunteer

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hours for many different families under the care of the Hospice. They 
are both retired and have dedicated themselves to helping others in the 
community. Those at the Hospice of Eastern Idaho are fortunate to be 
able to call upon these outstanding individuals at any time to help 
patients and their families.
  Larry and Evelyn Miller are Mormon missionaries, assigned to the 
Hospice of Eastern Idaho by the LDS Church. They serve as volunteer 
spiritual liaisons for patients and families, but also are available to 
give families respite care when needed. These volunteers have given 
hundreds of hours of respite care to many in need.
  Donna Meyer has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1994 and has put in 
over a 100 hours helping patients. Since 2002, she has been visiting 
and reading to one particular patient who does not speak. Donna reads 
to her and puts cream on her face and hands to let her know that 
someone cares. Recently she purchased a bird feeder to place outside 
the patient's window so she might enjoy watching the birds. Donna 
connects with this woman, even though there is not a word spoken during 
the visit.
  Dorothy Wayne has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1989 and has given 
over 100 hours to a variety of patients. She has traveled extra miles 
to stay with patients when necessary, often during the evening hours or 
even on weekends when needed. She is a retired nurse and uses her 
excellent training and experience to the benefit of all involved with 
the Hospice.
  Fern Jones has been a Hospice Volunteer for 10 years while continuing 
to work full time. She has spent over 100 hours visiting patients 
during her lunch hour, after work, or on weekends when necessary. Soon 
she will retire. I am confident that her self-sacrificing spirit will 
continue to shine as she carries on with her important work.
  Bob Siedelmann has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1999, and has 
volunteered for over 100 hours of service. He is always willing to stay 
with a patient, even if he has to change his plans to make the time 
work. Recently he attended the early service at his church so that he 
could be with a patient by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Bob's help and caring 
have improved the lives of many of the Hospice's male patients.
  Vince Aquino has always been willing to visit with any patient, even 
if that patient did not know he was there and could not communicate 
with him. He has spent many hours in the secure units of more than one 
nursing home to be with patients suffering from dementia or 
Alzheimer's. He has been a Hospice Volunteer since 1999, putting in 
over 100 hours of service.
  Connie Staffel is a professional counselor who works full-time at 
Eastern Idaho Technical College. Since becoming a volunteer last 
October, Connie has worked many Saturdays to facilitate a support group 
for grieving family members. In addition she has been available for 
patient care when her schedule permits. With her specialized training 
and experience, Connie has been a valuable resource for the Hospice.
  Leora Cornia, a volunteer first with District 7 and now with Hospice 
of Eastern Idaho, has given 100 hours to a variety of patients. She is 
willing to give of her time to any and all that need her, though I am 
told her favorite activity is conversing with patients. Leora's service 
is invaluable to the Hospice and its patients.
  Jim McCue is a volunteer who began with District 7 and now works with 
Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Jim has spent countless volunteer hours 
listening intently to his patients. He prefers to report on his visits 
in poetic form, and after visiting his most recent patient wrote: ``I 
can already see it getting harder, I can already see it ending hard. I 
can already see it lasting too long, and not long enough.'' The Hospice 
Staff appreciates his insight and poetry as they work to assist the 
Hospice's patients.
  When the Hospice had patients in the St. Anthony, Rexburg area, Barry 
Leeck of Chester was, for an extended period, the only volunteer close 
enough to be of assistance. He has always been willing to fit patients 
into his work schedule, and often visits patients after work or on his 
days off. His volunteer hours also include helping the Hospice office 
with clerical matters. I commend him for his service.
  Domestic violence is a terribly destructive, hurtful thing. The 
victims of this horror need help and protection. The Family Service 
Alliance of Pocatello provides this support. Many women and children in 
southeast Idaho have been the beneficiaries of the safe haven provided 
by the Alliance. This organization also provides counseling to victims 
of rape. This important organization is truly representative of the 
``Spirit of Idaho.''
  It was an honor to present the Spirit of Idaho award to a group of 
dialysis patients from Coeur d'Alene. This group rides stationary 
bicycles to remain healthy during treatment. The group collectively set 
a goal to ride the miles equivalent to a biking trip across the United 
States. Their journey had a special destination for me--they were 
pedaling to Crapo, Maryland. As a result, this group is affectionately 
called the ``Crapo Bikers.'' Day after day, these dedicated individuals 
biked for miles, moving a pin across the map of the United States. 
Despite adversity this group reached their goal. Their resolute 
determination stands as an example for all.
  Jenny Busdon, a world champion gold medal recipient in cross country 
skiing, has worked on multiple fundraising projects over the past 
decade to benefit the Harriman Trail system and Galena Lodge in Sun 
Valley. She promotes increased participation in cross country skiing 
and overall awareness of the sport. As a strong supporter of healthy 
living, and an avid sportsman, I applaud Jenny's efforts.
  Carol Harlig of Ketchum is a two-time breast cancer survivor who 
mentors others with the disease and serves on numerous community boards 
for breast cancer awareness. She also serves at the Ketchum Library. 
Recently she also put together care packages for Blaine County troops 
stationed in Iraq. Even with all of these important responsibilities, 
Carol finds time to mentor at-risk elementary school children. She is a 
great example for others in Idaho.
  I honor all Spirit of Idaho recipients, past and future, for their 
exceptional contributions and accomplishments. It is a privilege to pay 
tribute to these individuals for their important efforts on behalf of 
the citizens and communities of the great State of Idaho.

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