[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PAYING TRIBUTE TO MARTA AND CHARLIE PETERSON

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today and to pay 
tribute to the service of Marta and Charlie Peterson to Mesa Verde 
National Park. Recently, after over thirty years of dedicated service 
to our nation park system, the couple announced their retirement. They 
leave behind a great legacy of dedication and commitment to our lands 
and I am honored to recognize their service before this body of 
Congress and this nation today.
  Marta and Charlie joined the park service in 1969 on separate 
journeys. They met while working at adjacent parks in their first year 
and married soon after. Together they have worked in nine National 
Parks, acclimating to the changing conditions and terrain, finding 
happiness in each and every park. After seven years at Mesa Verde 
National Park, Charlie retires as the chief ranger and Marta retires as 
the administrative assistant to the park superintendent.
  Charlie and Marta's dedication to our National Parks is evident 
through the numerous awards and recognition they have received over the 
years. Charlie received the Department of Interior's Medal of Valor and 
the park service's Harry Yount Award. The Medal of Valor was given for 
his role in saving his friend from drowning. Working as scuba divers 
cleaning drains to improve the flood conditions, his friend was pulled 
into the drain, only to be saved by Charlie. The Harry Yount award 
honors rangers considered by their peers to be the top rangers in the 
National Park Service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Marta and Charlie Peterson 
before this body of Congress and this nation today. They have provided 
years of dedicated service to our national parks. I thank them for 
their hard work and service, and wish them all the best and happiness 
in their future endeavors.

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