[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E99-E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO BEN RIZZI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise before you to 
recognize a remarkable citizen from my district. Ben Rizzi recently 
retired after 30 years of service to the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service in Colorado. Ben dedicated his professional life to the 
conservation of Colorado's natural resources and I am proud to call his 
contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Ben was born in Walsenburg, Colorado. Following high school, he 
attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Throughout college, 
Ben worked for the Forest Service over each summer vacation. It was 
during this time that Ben's love for the outdoors began to influence 
his career path. After receiving his degree, Ben took a job on a cattle 
ranch near La Veta. After working on the ranch for a year, Ben took a 
position with the Soil Conservation Service, which was eventually 
renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  Throughout his tenure with the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, Ben achieved great success as a District Conservationist. Ben 
worked tirelessly for the betterment of every landowner and parcel of 
land he encountered. Ben is truly an outstanding steward of the land 
and the benefits of his tireless devotion and hard work will be felt 
for generations to come. Although Ben is retiring, his legacy will live 
on through his two sons, both of whom have followed in their father's 
footsteps and chosen careers in the field of natural resources.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Ben Rizzi. Ben 
spent nearly three decades working for the betterment of Colorado's 
farming and ranching communities. Ben will be missed by the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service. However, he will now have more time to 
spend with his family and his

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many friends throughout Colorado. Thank you Ben for your service.

                          ____________________