[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 111 (Friday, July 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          HONORING DAN AGUILAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. ROONEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2011

  Mr. ROONEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise to pay 
tribute to a true American hero, Dan Aguilar of Palm City, Florida. Dan 
has been awarded the Silver Plaque International Alpine Solidarity 
Award, given to individuals who have risked their lives to save others 
in dangerous mountain accidents. Dan is a well-known mountain rescuer 
who deserves both the admiration and praise of this body.
  Dan grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he resided for 18 years. After 
graduating from Crozier Tech High School, he served in the U.S. Army 
for four years. Upon returning to the United States, he moved to Vail 
where he began his renowned career in mountain rescue. Dan's love for 
the mountains has seen him travel the globe and conquer the most 
dangerous alpine trails in the world. What's more, his mountain 
climbing adventures have taken him to Mexico, Ecuador, Alaska and 
Argentina. But it is not his accomplishments as a climber or mountain 
hiker that have earned him this prestigious award, but rather it is his 
courage as a mountain rescuer.
  In the early 1980s Dan suffered the crushing loss of a dear friend 
that completely changed his view of climbing. For some time he was 
unable to even fathom climbing again, but this experience eventually 
drove him to the line of work that has made him a living legend. 
Through his dedication and perseverance he became a valuable member of 
the Vail Mountain Rescue Group for nearly 2 decades.
  For Dan, saving the life of another seemed to come naturally. In 
fact, the Silver Plaque International Alpine Solidarity Award is not 
the first time he has received recognition for his devotion to helping 
others. He has also been awarded the Mountain Rescue Association's 
Outstanding Individual Service Award. In all, it is estimated that Dan 
has been involved in around 500 different rescue missions, since his 
involvement with Mountain Rescue. His advanced rescue skills have also 
been utilized in rescues on Mt. Rainier in Washington, the Pamirs in 
Russia, and the Aconcogua in South America.
  Dan's commitment and incredible compassion to help others have earned 
him a legendary reputation and the admiration of people around the 
world. According to Tim Cochrane, a fellow member of Mountain Rescue, 
``Aguilar is the first volunteer rescuer in North America to win the 
award.''
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the State of Florida and U.S. Congress, I 
congratulate Dan on this distinguished and well-deserved award. He is 
an American who deserves our gratitude and praise.
  Dan, your community, State, and Nation are proud of you!