[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING BENJAMIN CLINE FOR EARNING HIS EAGLE SCOUT AWARD

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                           HON. STEVAN PEARCE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. PEARCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Benjamin 
Cline for recently earning his Eagle Scout Award, the highest award in 
Scouting. His keen interest, work ethic and drive in the pursuit of 
excellence have led Ben to complete all the ranks along the trail to 
Eagle, including 29 merit badges. Benjamin's Eagle Scout Service 
Project was completed by installing two flag poles at Belen's Alexander 
Airport. He has enjoyed Boy Scouts through many camping trips, building 
his own raft and river rafting, canoeing 50 miles down the Rio Grande 
and bicycling over 100 miles.
  Ben is the son of Doug and Ann Marie Cline of Los Lunas and a junior 
at Belen High School. At BHS he holds the rank of Lt. JG in Naval ROTC 
and is the Color Guard commander. He is involved in the new Sea Scouts 
Ship recently formed at Belen High School as well as with MESA. He is a 
member of the First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir. Ben also 
holds a second degree Black Belt at Belen Goju Ryu Karate School. He 
attended Dennis Chavez Elementary then was home-schooled for several 
years before entering Belen High School. He has two sisters who are 
currently attending UNM in Albuquerque. After graduation in 2008, Ben 
plans to attend San Juan Community College and earn two associate 
degrees--Aviation and Law Enforcement. He then plans to attend the 
University of Minnesota to complete a BS degree in Aviation Law 
Enforcement and begin a related career.
  Ben encourages all young men to explore the Scouting experience--``It 
has helped me grow in outdoor and leadership skills and helped to mold 
my character and make me a better person. The Scouting program teaches 
valuable life skills.''
  I am proud to recognize Benjamin Cline for his accomplishments. It is 
my honor as a Member of Congress to have the chance to congratulate 
this outstanding young man on an achievement he will celebrate the rest 
of his life. Congratulations Ben Cline, your family, your congressman, 
and your country are all proud of your achievement.

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