[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO MS. PATSY SPIER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my 
constituents, Ms. Patsy Spier of Centennial, Colorado. Ms. Spier, a 
former Peace Corps volunteer, was recognized by both the Federal Bureau 
of Investigation's Office for Victim Assistance with the ``Strength of 
the Human Spirit Award,'' as well as by the U.S. Department of Justice 
with the ``Special Courage Award.''
  Ms. Spier was among a group of schoolteachers who were attacked while 
based in Indonesia in 2002. Patsy and several others were severely 
wounded in the attack, while three were killed, including her husband 
Rick. When investigators concluded that there was a strong possibility 
that the Indonesian military had been involved, Ms. Spier began to 
lobby Members of Congress and the Departments of State and Defense to 
gain attention to her fight for justice. Working with several 
legislators, including myself, she was twice able to successfully block 
U.S. funding toward a military training program for the Indonesian 
military. Having gained the support of the Indonesian president, she 
was also successful in her pursuit of a life sentence for the leader of 
the attack.
  Patsy should be commended for her bravery, determination and 
commitment to justice. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

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