[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 107 (Thursday, July 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR FORT HUACHUCA BROWNIE TROOP 2181

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                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the leaders and 
members of Fort Huachuca Brownie Troop 2181, from Sierra Vista, 
Arizona, for their initiative in coordinating and conducting the Fort 
Huachuca Sun Oven Cook-off. This event will take place on the U.S. 
Army's Fort Huachuca on Saturday, July 18.
  On that day, using specially designed solar ovens and only the power 
of the sun, the 18 members of Troop 2181 will prepare a spaghetti feast 
and then cakes for auction. In doing so, they will raise funds to 
purchase solar ovens for needy members of their community while 
simultaneously educating people about the benefits and capabilities of 
solar energy.
  Solar energy is the most abundant and widely available energy source 
on our planet. It is also clean, safe, and affordable. As the United 
States and other countries across the globe look for ways to secure a 
more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future, solar technologies 
have an important role to play. I applaud the members of Troop 2181 for 
their leadership in demonstrating the benefits of solar energy in their 
community and for using the proceeds to help those in need.
  In performing this project, the members of Troop 2181 will learn 
valuable lessons about the power of public service and the many 
benefits of solar energy. They will learn about areas where help is 
needed in their community, and they will learn that they can make a 
positive difference.
  I wish to single out a few people who deserve special recognition for 
their leadership in making this project a reality: Ken Robinson, 
Command Information Chief for the Fort Huachuca Public Affairs, was 
influential in paving the way for this project; Valerie McCaffrey, 
Chair of Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture, helped secure the solar 
ovens at cost; and Kristen Engasser has performed exemplary service as 
leader of Troop 2181.
  I applaud all of these community leaders for empowering the young 
people of Southern Arizona and helping them develop critical leadership 
skills that will allow them to create a better world.

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