[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17350]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO: JIM AND HELEN BERNAL

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to honor Jim 
and Helen Bernal of Fruita, Colorado for the unrelenting service they 
have given to their community. The Bernal family resided in Colorado 
long before the state had been admitted into the Union, part of a proud 
legacy spanning eight generations. For their part, Mr. and Mrs. Bernal 
have been committed to making the town of Fruita a better place to 
live. Married 48 years ago in Antonito, Colorado, Jim and Helen have 
displayed great teamwork, working together and accomplishing tasks that 
many would deem impossible. Jim and Helen Bernal have raised eight 
children, and have 29 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 
Although they may have an eventful home life on their 600-acre farm 
just outside of Fruita, the couple remains busy with a variety of 
different projects.
  Jim and Helen Bernal are part of a fourteen member board that is 
working to finance and build a community center in Fruita, Colorado. 
Working diligently to utilize any resources that might further their 
cause, the couple has placed recycling barrels around the community to 
help raise money for the project. They have also organized and 
participated in a variety of fundraising events that have raised a 
total of $57,000. Jim Bernal is also an avid drummer, and his band 
performs several times a month for senior citizens in nearby 
communities. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Helen serves as the 
coordinator and booking agent for the band.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great privilege that I recognize Jim and 
Helen Bernal before this body Congress and this nation today. The 
Bernals have been widely praised throughout the community for their 
optimism and determination and I am proud to join in that admiration 
for such an inspirational couple. Thank you, Jim and Helen, and please 
keep up your good work.

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