[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   A TRIBUTE TO HELEN KLEGBERG GROVES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen Kleberg 
Groves, who will be honored on October 3, 2009 at the Autry National 
Center's Annual Gala, ``Celebrate the Spirit: Women of the West.'' The 
Autry National Center's mission is to tell the stories of all the 
diverse peoples of the American West, and that is reflected in the 
themes of their Galas--this year's theme, `Celebrate the Spirit: Women 
of the West' reflects the often neglected stories of Western women.
  Helen Kleberg Groves is a true Texas cowgirl, a mother, a 
grandmother, an author, and a philanthropist with a heart as big as the 
King Ranch, her family home. Groves was born in San Antonio on October 
10, 1927, the child of Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg. She 
was reared on the 825,000-acre ranch in South Texas, where she learned 
about ranching, line breeding, genetics, and working cattle from her 
father.
  She attended Henrietta M. King High School in Kingsville; St. Mary's 
Hall in San Antonio; and Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia. She 
also attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. In addition to 
raising five daughters and a son, Groves made time for civic work while 
spending a lifetime in ranching and livestock. For more than 30 years, 
from 1956 to 1988, she was on the board of directors of King Ranch Inc.
  She is president of the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg 
Foundation, established in 1950 by her parents. The foundation has 
funded countless projects in Texas and across the country, particularly 
in the areas of biomedical research, health services, higher education, 
and veterinary and wildlife projects.
  Ms. Kleberg Groves has been called an ambassador to the equine 
industry for her support of equine research and contributions to the 
development of the American Quarter Horse.
  Known as the ``First Lady of Cutting,'' Groves has spent decades 
breeding, raising, and riding cutting horses. She began competing in 
cutting horse events in 1972 and took many championships until she 
retired from competition. She is a member of the National Cutting Horse 
Association Hall of Fame, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and the Texas 
Cowboy Hall of Fame.
  Among her numerous honors is the Order of Australia from the Governor 
General of Australia. She was only the second American to receive this 
award. She is emeritus director of the U.S. Equestrian Team and a 
lifetime vice president of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers 
Association.
  I ask all Members of Congress to join me in paying tribute to Helen 
Kleberg Groves, an inspiring individual--and true Woman of the West.

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