[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO FRANK KOENIG

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor the philanthropic spirit of Frank Koenig of Montrose, Colorado. 
Frank responded to a call to community service by founding the Sharing 
Ministries food bank in Montrose eight years ago. The thriving state of 
the food bank today is a testament to Frank's tireless efforts, but 
also to his faith that God will provide and that others will give. 
Sharing Ministries relies on the contribution of some eighty 
volunteers, as well as the donations of local food distributors and 
farmers.
  In 1996, Frank Koenig, an ordained Baptist minister and World War II 
Navy veteran, felt a calling to serve the people of his Montrose 
community through the establishment of a food bank. He had very little 
money when he began Sharing Ministries, and was often met with 
resistance in his efforts to get the charity started. Frank was 
undeterred and he reached an agreement to lease a vacant freight 
delivery building from the Rio Grande Railroad, where Sharing 
Ministries began. During its first month, Sharing Ministries 
distributed ninety-seven boxes of food to the needy in Montrose. Today, 
thanks to Frank's efforts, the food bank distributes over three 
thousand boxes per month, serving those in Montrose and the surrounding 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service and compassion of 
Frank Koenig to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. 
Frank has shown that one person's effort can really make a difference 
in their community. I would like to wish him the best and sincerely 
thank him for his service to Montrose and the State of Colorado.

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