[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO TUMBLEWEED SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2009

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
recognize distinguished writer, speaker, and entertainer, Bob Lewis, 
better known as Tumbleweed Smith. Tumbleweed Smith is both creator and 
producer of the renowned radio program The Sound of Texas. August 1, 
2009 will mark the celebration of 40 prosperous years on the air, 
making The Sound of Texas the longest running syndicated radio program 
in Texas.
  In his 40 years of interviews, Tumbleweed Smith has accumulated the 
largest private collection of oral history in the United States. His 
one-man shows have been performed all over Texas, as well as six other 
states, and three other countries.
  In addition to being an influential entertainer, Tumbleweed Smith has 
won international recognition for his advertising and production work. 
His honors include two CLIO advertising awards, the Governor's Award 
for Tourism, the West Texas Chamber of Commerce Cultural Achievement 
award and two Freedom Foundation awards.
  The Texas House of Representatives has recognized Tumbleweed ``for 
creating a priceless resource of Texas folk tales, lore and wisdom.'' 
He was honored by the Texas House of Representatives in 1999 for his 
outstanding communication skills and radio service to West Texas. In 
2008 he was recognized by the Texas State Senate for celebrating his 
10,000th program of The Sound of Texas.
  Mr. Lewis resides in Big Spring, TX with his wife Susan and they have 
two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandsons. He writes a 
syndicated weekly news column and teaches radio production in the 
Permian Basin. Tumbleweed Smith is a true gem to West Texas. I am proud 
to honor his achievements and look forward to more of his unique and 
entertaining work in the future.

                          ____________________