[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. HAROLD SOENS

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                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
community service of Mr. Harold Soens, who recently passed away at the 
age of 66 at his home in Santee, California. As President of the San 
Diego Off-Road Coalition and the California League of Off-Road Voters, 
Mr. Soens was passionate about off-road recreation, devoting his life 
toward working with the community; especially children. He educated 
others about the sport, teaching the value of off-road safety and 
etiquette and working to protect the rights of all off-road enthusiasts 
while, at the same time, appreciating the environment with which we 
have been blessed.
  Mr. Soens learned the value of service at a very young age, losing 
his father aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl 
Harbor in 1941. It was this example that Mr. Soens would follow 
throughout his life as he devoted his time toward the goal of creating 
a positive environment and future for outdoor recreation in California.
  An off-road enthusiast since 1958, Mr. Soens rode everything from 
midgets to sprint cars and spent some time racing as a competitive 
motorcycle rider. Known for his sense of humor, friendliness, frankness 
and energy, Mr. Soens served in several capacities with the California 
Off-Road Vehicle Association, the American Motorcyclist Association, 
the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, the Imperial 
Sand Dunes Recreational Area Technical Review Team and the Stakeholders 
Roundtable for OHV Recreation in California. Even with these 
responsibilities, Mr. Soens found the time to volunteer hundreds of 
hours at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreational Area and as an 
ATV Safety Instructor for the State of California
  Mr. Soens was also heavily involved with the Survivors of Pearl 
Harbor and the California Police Activities League (CalPal) program 
where he served as a mentor to inner-city and under-privileged children 
by providing the opportunity for them to appreciate the beauty of our 
desert and the enjoyment of off-road activities. At all times, with all 
students, Mr. Soens stressed the responsibility of being safe and 
treating the land in which they lived and played with respect.
  I wish to express to his wife, Jean, his four children, eight 
grandchildren and one great grandchild, my sincerest condolences for 
their loss. In a time where the idea of volunteerism is often seen as a 
burden, Mr. Soens' dedication and service is a reminder to us all that 
effort rendered toward the benefit of our community is the greatest use 
of our time.

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