[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 108 (Thursday, June 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING TODD SPANGLER OF WHITEFISH

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Todd Spangler of 
Whitefish for providing his community with personal protective 
equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  In March, Todd read about how a group in Billings created a 3D 
printer design for the ``Montana Mask.'' The developers released the 
design and free open-source software to the public so others could 
produce the mask.
  Around that time, Todd's wife, who works with a local 
ophthalmologist, told him the practice had about a week's supply of 
masks. Todd, a chemistry teacher at Whitefish High School, contacted 
people he knew with 3D printers. In no time, an informal group of 
educators, physicians, and dentists started making the needed masks.
  Using a 3D printer from Todd's classroom as well as others from 
Flathead Valley Community College, they got to work. In no time, the 
group produced 600 masks. Todd delivered the masks throughout the 
Flathead Valley, including to independent health care practices, 
providers at Kalispell Regional Healthcare, and first responders 
throughout the region.
  Todd says the effort helped him find purpose during the crisis. He 
admits being under quarantine was challenging for him and many 
Montanans but identifying a need and taking the initiative to help 
fulfill that need have guided him. When your families and friends need 
masks, Todd says, you must find a way to protect your loved ones and 
coworkers. For Todd, this crisis, while devastating for a lot of 
people, has brought out the best in so many.
  Madam Speaker, for taking the initiative and leading a project to 
protect Montanans in a time of crisis, I recognize Todd Spangler of 
Whitefish for his Spirit of Montana.

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