[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 168 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13682-S13683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FOUNDER'S AWARD RECIPIENTS

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize David 
Pigott, Tonya Denke, Russell Bruner, and Abbi Wells, all of whom 
received the Founder's Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Black 
Hills Workshop in Rapid City, SD. This is a prestigious award that 
reflects the recipients' hard work and dedication to achieving 
independent living. It also reflects the valuable role they have played 
in giving back to their local community. Also, I would like to 
recognize McKie Automotive group for receiving the Community Connection 
Award.
  David Pigott is a hard-working stocker at the Ellsworth Air Force 
Base Commissary. He is an excellent member of their staff and has been 
recognized for his hard work by being named the Employee of the Month 
twice and Employee of the Year in 2006. Due to David's success at his 
job, he was chosen to travel to Washington, DC, to meet with Members of 
Congress to discuss employment for individuals with disabilities.
  Tonya Denke is an enthusiastic food service attendant at Ellsworth 
Air Force Base's Bandit Inn. She is a dependable worker who is well 
liked by her fellow staff members and customers. Beyond her work, Tonya 
enjoys quilting, reading, playing the piano, and leads a very active 
lifestyle. Her accomplishments in the Special Olympics can be seen in 
her numerous gold and silver medals.
  Russell Bruner stocks shelves and performs custodial work for the 
Ellsworth Air Force Base Commissary. He has been an excellent employee 
ever since he started the position in 2001 as is shown by his framed 
Employee of the Month award. Outside of work, Russell loves to read, 
especially about history, and to travel. His adventures have taken him 
to Seattle, Alaska, Florida and Washington, DC, just to name a few.
  Abbi Wells works at the Black Hills Workshop on an assembly contract 
for Balanced Systems Incorporated of Sioux Falls. In 1994 she was an 
Easter Seals poster child. Abbi's brilliant smile and passion for life 
make her well liked by all the people she meets. In her spare time, she 
enjoys writing

[[Page S13683]]

short stories and volunteers at the United Blood Services, Rapid City 
Boys and Girls Club, National Federation of the Blind, and the Journey 
Museum.
  McKie Automotive Group received the Community Connection Award from 
the Black Hills Workshop. This award is presented to an organization 
that has gone above and beyond in their support by providing job 
opportunities to people with disabilities. McKie Automotive Group 
currently employs five members of the Black Hills Workshop.
  It gives me great pleasure to recognize David Pigott, Tonya Denke, 
Russell Bruner, Abbi Wells, and McKie Automotive Group and to 
congratulate them on receiving these well-earned awards and wish them 
continued success in the years to come.

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