[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 150 (Thursday, October 4, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H11300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MOHEGAN INDIAN CHIEF RALPH W. STURGES

  (Mr. COURTNEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Mohegan Indian Chief, Ralph W. Sturges. Chief Sturges died on September 
30, 2007, in New London, Connecticut, at the age of 88.
  A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Chief Sturges was a renaissance 
man whose commitment to community and Nation knew no bounds. During his 
early life, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps and joined 
the U.S. Army's intelligence division during World War II, where he 
subsequently earned a Bronze Star for his outstanding service.
  After the war, Chief Sturges worked tirelessly for Federal 
recognition of the Mohegan tribe, which finally occurred in 1992. 
Because of his efforts, he was elected ``Chief for Life,'' which he 
faithfully worked as an ambassador of goodwill during the extraordinary 
growth of Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino as a world-class destination.
  While his passing brings sadness to the Connecticut community, his 
legacy and contributions will be remembered for generations to come. I 
ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents to honor his life 
and offer condolences to his family.

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