[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       BOOTS AND HOOVES--HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM'S AIRPORT RANGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, if a person is traveling down Farm to 
Market Road 1960 in Houston, Texas and glances over toward the massive 
airport grounds, it will not be uncommon to see men and women on 
horseback providing security for the airport perimeter. These are the 
Houston Airport Rangers. They will be celebrating their 10th 
anniversary on December 7, 2013.
  In 2003, the Houston Airport System and Texas horse riding 
enthusiasts embraced the concept of a citizen-based crime prevention 
program designed to add an extra layer of security at the fence-line 
securing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and in return, 
horse enthusiasts would have exclusive access to thousands of acres of 
riding trails. Kind of like border patrol, just with boots and hats and 
on horseback!
  IAH Airport is the only airport in our country with a dedicated 
volunteer rangers program. It's Houston's largest airport and the 
eighth busiest airport in North America. In 2012, nearly 40 million 
passengers traveled through the airport. More than 13,000 acres 
surround the airport, so it makes sense to have the right folks saddle 
up and patrol the trails on a regular basis.
  The number of rangers has increased every year, and nearly 100 
members have qualified for an Airport Ranger badge. Rangers share a 
passion for patrolling the range and keeping the peace--this passion 
has created a spirit of camaraderie amongst members. As Rangers ride 
their horses along the airport perimeter, they alert TAH security 
personnel of any suspicious or dangerous activity in their patrol area. 
Rangers keep track of their patrol hours--thousands of volunteer hours 
have been recorded since the program launched ten years ago. These 
Rangers are a special breed. But, would we really expect anything less 
from Texans?
  Mr. Speaker, join me in honoring the Airport Rangers program for its 
10 years of dedicated service and commitment to make Harris County, 
Texas a safer place to live. I do not know of another crime prevention 
program of this caliber that is completely run by volunteers. Next 
month, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a Texas style 
celebration: Texas country music, barbeque and horseback riding--sounds 
like heaven.
  Happy Trails, y'all.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________