[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6968]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO RYAN REGNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Park Service 
Ranger Ryan Regnell for his heroic actions that helped save eight lives 
and to commend him for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior 
Valor Award.
  On July 25, 2003, Ranger Ryan Regnell was on boat patrol in the 
Boulder Basin of Lake Mead when 50-mile-per-hour winds and four-to-six 
foot waves formed. He observed a boat in distress and went to their 
aid. When he arrived he found three adults, three children and two 
infants in a vessel that was taking on water and in danger of sinking. 
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Ranger Regnell attached a 
tow line to the boat and towed the troubled vessel to Lake Mead Marina. 
He then called for back-up from Nevada Division of Wildlife. En route 
to the marina, the tow line snapped twice due to the extreme marine 
conditions and the heavy load. Due to Ranger Regnell's skill, courage 
and decisive action, the boat and all eight occupants were safely 
delivered to shore.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ranger Ryan Regnell for his heroic 
actions, courage and professionalism. I further congratulate Ranger 
Regnell for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. 
I thank him for his distinguished service and wish him the best in all 
of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________