[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2739-S2740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JACK AND JAN McGOWAN

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I highlight the importance of 
acknowledging and celebrating extraordinary efforts by ordinary 
Americans who have led the way in protecting and preserving America's 
natural resources. I am honored to congratulate two inspiring ``natural 
resource heroes'' in my State of Oregon, Jack and Jan McGowan.
  Jack and Jan McGowan have served as the executive director and 
associate director respectively of an organization called SOLV, which 
stands for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism. Jack and

[[Page S2740]]

Jan's 18-year career with SOLV has seen many changes to the 
organization. Founded in 1969 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall, SOLV has 
focused on bringing together government agencies, businesses and Oregon 
citizens to work together on programs and projects that were meant to 
enhance the livability of our State. When Jack and Jan assumed 
leadership of SOLV in 1990, they worked out of their home and operated 
a very small organization of volunteers. Today, SOLV is the largest 
volunteer non-profit agency in the Northwest and has provided 
inspiration to similar organizations around the country and the world.
  Oregonians pride themselves in doing their part to protect and 
conserve the State's treasures and natural resources. The first beach 
cleanup in the United States was held in Oregon in 1984. Since then, 
annual beach cleanups now occur all along the west and east coasts of 
our country and in over 100 countries around the world. Just last 
month, SOLV organized Oregon's 24th annual spring beach cleanup. All 
362 miles of Oregon's coastline were canvassed by almost 4,000 
volunteers who accumulated over 110,000 pounds of trash.
  As a young Boy Scout, I was taught that one's duty was to respect and 
protect the world around you. I believe that we have a responsibility 
to encourage efforts in conserving our natural resources by responsibly 
using them, not abusing them. Jack and Jan McGowan have made major 
contributions to a proud Oregon pioneering spirit of innovation and 
conservation. What they have given back to their community is 
invaluable, for they have taught us that everyone doing their small 
part can achieve huge successes. I wish Jack and Jan well as they 
pursue future endeavors in their retirement.

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