[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16250]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO U.S. MARINE RICK ABERNATHY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to recognize and congratulate U.S. Marine Rick 
Abernathy. Rick is the proud owner of Ric's Kountry Kitchen in the 
country of Bahrain.
  Last week, I enjoyed dinner at Ric's Kountry Kitchen. As a 
participant in the Congressional Delegation to Afghanistan, chaired by 
Mr. Hoekstra of Michigan, I had a chance to learn about Mr. Abernathy 
during the delegation's stop in Bahrain.
  Rick is by all accounts a great American and seems to have a loyalty 
to the Great State of Texas. Rick established Ric's Kountry Kitchen as 
an oasis of sorts in the Middle East. The establishment is a little 
piece of America--a favorite spot for Americans traveling, living and 
working in the region. The restaurant has become the unofficial 
gathering spot for Americans abroad in or near Bahrain.
  Mr. Speaker, Rick, through his enterprise, has become a fine 
ambassador for our country. Frequented by locals, too, Ric's is 
somewhat the face of America in Bahrain. Adorned with symbols of 
Liberty, freedom and faith, the restaurant conveys a powerful message 
of wholesome Americanism in a region where it is clearly needed. The 
American Flag is displayed proudly at Ric's. The food is great, too.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in extending the 
heartiest congratulations and best wishes of the House to Mr. Rick 
Abernathy and to the customers, employees and supporters of Ric's in 
Bahrain.

                          ____________________