[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RETIRED) CONSUELO CASTILLO KICKBUSCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant 
Colonel (Retired) Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch for her efforts to 
motivate and encourage youth across the country. I am especially proud 
of her work with the U.S. Army's Yo Soy El Army Tour.
  Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, LTC Kickbusch overcame the 
challenges of poverty to become the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in 
the Combat Support Field of the United States Army. LTC Kickbusch 
earned many decorations during her service, including the Legion of 
Merit, the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal 
(four times), and the Army Achievement Medal (twice).
  In 1996, LTC Kickbusch retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of 
service. She moved to San Antonio and founded Educational Achievement 
Services, Inc. (EAS). Through EAS, LTC Kickbusch has realized her dream 
of impacting others and serves as a motivational speaker to audiences 
ranging from corporations like IBM to children living in some of the 
roughest neighborhoods in the country.
  LTC Kickbusch encourages all of her audiences to perform to the best 
of their abilities, give back to their families and communities, and to 
never give up hope. LTC Kickbusch also promotes among her corporate 
clients the value diversity brings to the workplace.
  Her ability to connect to audiences and deliver these important 
messages has earned LTC Kickbusch numerous awards, such as the Latina 
Leadership Excellence Award from the US Army and Hispanic Magazine and 
the 2002 Women at their Best Award from Saturn and Glamour. Recently, 
Hispanic Business named LTC Kickbusch in their list of the 100 Most 
Influential Hispanics in America.
  For the past three years, LTC Kickbusch has traveled the country 
speaking to youth through the Yo Soy El Army National Motivational 
Youth Tour. This program reaches out to Hispanic youth who face many of 
the challenges encountered by LTC Kickbusch growing up in Laredo. LTC 
Kickbusch offers them a positive role model who can identify with the 
everyday struggles these young people face. She offers a message that 
promotes leadership, determination, and integrity.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such a hard-working, dedicated 
individual as LTC Kickbusch. The immeasurable impact she has made on 
our nation's youth deserves the highest praise.

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