[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND LASTING IMPACT OF GEORGE OSTROM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2026

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since 
our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy and lasting impact of 
George Ostrom, a legendary voice of Montana's Flathead Valley.
  Mr. Ostrom's life was anything but ordinary, filled with adventures 
and excitement. As a young man, he worked with the United States Forest 
Service, served as a paratrooper during World War II, became one of the 
early smokejumpers protecting our Nation's wilderness, and regularly 
climbed mountains in his backyard, Glacier National Park. His passion 
for the outdoors and deep understanding of Montana would shape the rest 
of his life and career.
  George Ostrom, who passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 96, 
was known to many as ``the voice of the Flathead Valley.'' A natural-
born storyteller, Mr. Ostrom, when not creating his own remarkable 
stories, shared community stories around the Flathead for more than six 
decades through radio and newspaper. Mr. Ostrom remained active in 
journalism into his late 90s, becoming a staple voice on the airwaves, 
eventually owning and operating KOFI radio and later contributing to 
KGEZ. For many in the Flathead Valley, the day did not truly begin 
until they heard George Ostrom on the radio.
  Beyond radio, Mr. Ostrom built the Kalispell Weekly News into one of 
the largest weekly newspapers in Montana and spent decades writing 
columns that captured the stories of the region. His work helped 
document the history of Montana and showcase our state's identity for 
future generations.
  Mr. Ostrom's love for Montana extended beyond journalism; he played a 
role in conservation efforts, including contributing to the development 
of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and remained a passionate advocate for 
preserving the natural beauty of Montana.
  George Ostrom's experiences and remarkable stories are all 
overshadowed by his biggest accomplishment: his family. He shared his 
love for adventure with his wife Iris and his four children.
  Mr. Speaker, George Ostrom's life reflects the very best of Montana 
and the American spirit. He was a pioneer and a storyteller whose voice 
inspired people across our great state. His legacy is not only found in 
the stories he told, but in the stories he created. Reflecting on his 
remarkable life, we are reminded that individuals like George Ostrom 
help define the character of our Nation and his voice will continue to 
echo throughout Montana.

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