[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14241]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     A TRIBUTE TO MR. LESTER R. CURTISS AND MRS. MADLYN L. CURTISS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOEL HEFLEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, with recent dedication of the WWII Memorial 
and the 60th anniversary of D-Day, all Americans were reminded of the 
courage and sacrifices made by members of the Greatest Generation. In 
particular, we've gained a greater appreciation from our fellow 
citizens that served in the Armed Forces and their families alike. 
Today I choose to honor Lt Col (U.S. Army retired) Les and Mrs. Madlyn 
Curtiss, who began their military service to our Nation that extended 
24 years and three wars. Colonel and Mrs. Curtiss are patriotic 
volunteers in the truest sense.
  Colonel Les Curtiss enlisted in the Army as a Private and rose 
through the ranks to Master Sergeant. He served in the 13th and 82d 
Airborne Divisions, and later in the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat 
Team during the Korean Conflict. He received his commission as a Second 
Lieutenant in 1952, and was the Distinguished and Honor Graduate of his 
Officer Candidate Class. In 1958, he transferred from the Infantry to 
the Signal Corps.
  As a Signal Corps Officer, Colonel Les Curtiss served as an Airborne 
Battle Group Signal Officer and Advisor to the 5th Military Region, 
Vietnam; Instructor at the Signal Officers Advance Course, Fort 
Monmouth, New Jersey; Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Element NATO, and 
Camp Commandant, Camp Voluceau, NATO, Paris, France; and attended the 
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
  Both Colonel Les Curtiss and his life's partner Madlyn believed that 
no word was ever spoken that has held out greater hope than Freedom; 
and nothing demands greater sacrifice, needs to be nurtured, and comes 
closer to bring God's will on earth. They both believed that Freedom is 
worth fighting for; and while her husband served in a variety of Army 
command and staff positions, Mrs. Madlyn Curtiss faithfully performed 
her duty as well.
  The World War II Generation made their mark in American History as 
soldiers; and they were undoubtedly very successful as veterans as 
well. In every field, they quickly assumed positions of leadership, 
often transforming entire industries, research fields, and professions, 
or creating new ones. After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Colonel 
Les Curtiss and his wife Madlyn moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, 
and pursued a life-long dream of teaching. He assumed a position on the 
faculty at Falcon School District #49. Mr. Les Curtiss taught Speech, 
Mathematics, World Geography, Government, and History. He also served 
as the Chairman of the Social Science Department and President of the 
Falcon Teachers Association.
  These two great American's were born in the immediate aftermath of 
WWI, they survived the Great Depression and answered their country's 
summons when totalitarianism and fascism threatened the world. As 
General George Marshall stated, ``they have made history, a great 
history for the good of mankind,'' and today I honor them for their 
service and commitment.

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