[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 4 (Friday, January 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E14-E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MARGARET ANDERSON, NATIONAL PARK RANGER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 13, 2012

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a fallen 
constituent, a National Park Ranger who will be remembered for her love 
of the outdoors and her co-workers, her dedication to community and 
family, and as a hero.
  Mr. Speaker, Ranger Margaret Anderson was killed on January 1 while 
performing her duties at Mt. Rainier National Park. The senseless and 
heartbreaking act of violence ended the life of a public servant and 
law enforcement officer who respected and enjoyed her colleagues and 
the natural world. Washington State has a long tradition of outdoor 
enthusiasm and it is because of Rangers like Margaret Anderson that the 
people of the State explore our natural resources safely. She worked at 
Mt. Rainier for four years. She served as a Ranger at other locations 
previously and met her husband while performing her duties. As friends 
and colleagues around the country react to her death, Mr. Speaker, the 
same words get repeated: sweet, kind, selfless, loving. She respected 
and loved her colleagues and the same respect and love was returned.
  Margaret and her family lived in Eatonville, Mr. Speaker, a small 
community in the 8th District near Mt. Rainier. Her friends, neighbors, 
and relatives recall a woman who volunteered her time for many causes, 
and doted on her two little girls. Her husband--like Margaret, a park 
ranger at Mt. Rainier--and her two girls, ages 1 and 3, need a 
community of support. I'm heartened to know that community, because 
there is no doubt the family will get it in Eatonville. While Margaret 
was with us, she cared for her family and her community. Now, her 
community will help care for her family.
  The manner of Margaret's death will not soon be forgotten. 
Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, neither will her spirit and life. I urge 
members of this House to keep Margaret's husband Eric and her two 
daughters Anna and Katie in their prayers. As Eric, Anna, Katie, and 
the rest of Margaret's family move forward in life, I want

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them to know that Margaret is a hero and her sacrifice will never be 
forgotten.

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