[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H6690-H6691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF U.S. ARMY SPECIALIST PAT TINNELL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Gosar) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, today I stand to recognize the memory of 
U.S. Army Specialist Pat Tinnell, and to say thank you to all those 
involved in creating the Pat Tinnell sports complex in Lake Havasu 
City, Arizona. The world-class skate and bike park, which is nearly the 
size of a football field, is dedicated to the 25-year-old American 
hero, Pat Tinnell, who loved his family, his community, and BMX bike 
riding.
  Pat volunteered to serve our Nation and gave his life in Iraq in 
April of 2006, protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

                              {time}  1145

  A special thank you to those who made this park a reality through

[[Page H6691]]

countless fundraising events. Everyone in the community deserves a 
thank you, including Lake Havasu City Mayor Mark Nexsen and those who 
served on the Memorial Sports Park committee and gave of their time and 
talent, national figures like skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, BMX rider 
and philanthropist Rob Dydrik, and Joe Ciaglia from California Skate 
Parks, who designed this beautiful facility.
  Finally, thank you to the family and loved ones of Pat Tinnell and 
young Colin Sasseen, who both lost their lives all too soon. I hope 
this park serves as a reminder that your sons' memories will not be 
forgotten.
  Today's youth are our greatest asset as a Nation. It is the youth who 
will continue to lead this Nation in the coming years, serve in our 
Armed Forces, fight fires, be teachers, doctors, and maybe you will 
even be our next BMX superstar, have a show on MTV, and make your mark 
in philanthropy.
  Leadership comes in all forms. In fact, Rob Dydrik said that his 
success was the American Dream. The American Dream looks a lot like 
work, and work results in success.
  It is my hope that the memories of Pat and Colin are honored by all 
those who visit the park.
  Thank you and God bless.

                          ____________________