[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E328-E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO SONJA AND MIKE SALTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sonja and Mike Saltman 
for their contributions to the communities of southern Nevada and their 
humanitarian efforts worldwide. On Saturday, March 11, 2006 they will 
be presented with the David L. Simon Bridge Builder for Peace Award 
during the Champions of Freedom Dinner Gala at the Venetian Resort 
Hotel Casino.
  Mike Saltman is President of The Vista Group, a developer and manger 
of office, retail, industrial and housing projects in Nevada, 
California, Florida and Utah. He is a partner with FFL Partners, Bounty 
Hunter, LLC, VMA California, LLC, a Director of US Bank's Advisory 
Board in Las Vegas, and practiced as a private attorney in Munich, 
Germany, in the 1970s. While in Munich, he also held the post of 
Corporate Counsel and Director of International Operations for 
Shareholders Capital Corporation. Additionally, Mike served as Staff 
Counsel, IOS in London and Geneva. Mike Saltman's community activities 
include membership in the Urban Land Institute, Nevada Development 
Authority Board of Trustees, National Home Builders Association, the 
Clean Air Action Plan Task Force and the World Presidents' 
Organization. He is a member of the Young Presidents Association and a 
board member of the Nevada Dance Theatre, the Las Vegas Symphony, 
KNPR--Nevada Public Radio and The Nevada Institute of Contemporary 
Arts.
  Sonja Saltman earned her master's degree in psychology from the 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1980, is a Co-Founder and board 
member of the Existential Humanistic Institute, which seeks therapeutic 
methods for dealing with psychological problems, and is the only non-
Jewish member of the Anti-Defamation League. Sonja is an Emerald Lion 
of Judah, has served on the Women's Division Board and currently serves 
on the Women's Philanthropy Executive Council of The United Jewish 
Community.
  In 2003, Sonja and Mike co-founded the Saltman Center for Conflict 
Resolution at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law. The Saltman Center 
has already undertaken significant efforts related to teaching, 
scholarship and public service. Sonja and Mike also support several 
UNLV academic programs through the President's Inner Circle Giving Club 
and a graduation award in the College of Liberal Arts.
  Not only interested in the local area, Sonja and Mike have devoted 
their lives to many

[[Page E329]]

causes around the world. In 1967, Mike set up several companies in 
Israel to help put the country on the fast track to success. In Bosnia, 
Sonja and Mike have done incredible work. Undeterred by the front line 
proximity to the fighting, they buy and rebuild damaged homes in the 
ravaged country to provide shelter for those who are most needy. Mike 
actually strapped on his tool belt and grabbed a hammer to help. This 
is a man of great determination who is unable to sit by and watch his 
dream being built by others. They also provide food and other basic 
needs to grateful Bosnians.
  While working with a group that brings humanitarian aid to all walks 
of life in Bosnia, Mike came across a family who had to wade across a 
river in order to rebuild their home on the other side. Efforts to 
rebuild the bridge had been thwarted by conflicts with Serbs in the 
area. Mike offered his finances and services and the bridge was built. 
Several families have used the bridge to help rebuild their homes.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sonja and Mike Saltman on the 
floor of the House today. Through their promotion of peace, 
understanding and compassion throughout the world, they have built many 
bridges, traversing great spans that bring people, ideas and dreams 
together.

                          ____________________