[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO MARK JAGET

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Jaget, who 
recently competed in the Gobi March, a 7 day 150-mile footrace across 
China's Gobi Desert.
  Mark Jaget is a chiropractor who owns three Spinal Rehabilitation 
Centers in Southern Nevada with his brother, David. He and his wife 
Clare have two children, Sebastian, who is 7, and Tristan, who is 5. 
Mark enjoys endurance running and has competed in several marathons 
over the years. This year, Mark chose to further challenge himself by 
competing for the first time in the rigorous Gobi March.
  The Gobi March is a 6-stage, 7-day trek across some of the world's 
most severe terrain, which includes salt flats, sand dunes, rivers, 
slot canyons and mountain ridges. To add to the challenge of the race, 
competitors in the Gobi March are required to carry a 7 day supply of 
food and the supplies necessary to survive on the trek. Despite 
confronting intense temperatures, 60 mile-per-hour winds and a stress 
fracture in his foot, Jaget crossed the finish line on June 3, 2006. 
Although he competed against nearly one hundred experienced endurance 
runners and ultra marathoners from around the world, Jaget finished the 
race an impressive 9th place, with a time of 32 hours and 56 minutes.
  I applaud Mark Jaget for his unparalleled determination and will to 
succeed. His resolve to compete at such an outstanding level is an 
inspiring example of what a person can accomplish when committed to 
physical preparation and personal fortitude. What is truly inspiring, 
however, is that Mark chose to race in this grueling competition on 
behalf of several charities that are devoted to providing for veterans 
disabled in the War on Terror and to honoring the men and women who 
serve in the United States Military. I cannot think of a more 
commendable way to show appreciation for those who serve and sacrifice 
for our great country and for the cause of freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mark Jaget on the floor of the 
House for his extraordinary accomplishment. I commend him for his 
overwhelming determination to achieve personal excellence and I 
appreciate his commitment to honoring the United States Military. Mr. 
Jaget has set a wonderful example for his family and his community and 
I wish him well in all his future endeavors.

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