[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13844]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE RESCUERS OF KEITH KENNEDY

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the dedication of 
all those involved in the safe and miraculous return of Keith Kennedy, 
an autistic man from Shoreview, MN, who spent this past week alone, 
without food or shelter, lost in the woods of northwestern Wisconsin.
  His safe return has been called a miracle, but this miracle would not 
have been possible without the commitment of the hundreds of 
volunteers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and medics who 
selflessly gave their time and continued to search for Keith, even when 
all hope seemed lost.
  Special recognition must go to Gary Ruiz and Jim Cotroneo, two St. 
Paul firefighters who found Keith against all odds. Their efforts, and 
the efforts of their colleagues who joined them in this search, ensured 
a joyful ending to what could so easily have been another tragedy.
  I cannot fail to mention Keith's parents, Bruce and Linda Kennedy, 
whose spirit of hope was by all accounts an inspiration to those who 
participated in bringing Keith home safely. Their bravery and the 
bravery of their son are an inspiration to us all.
  I believe this story shows once again the willingness of Minnesotans, 
and of our friends in Wisconsin, to go beyond what is asked of them to 
come together as a community and support those in need. My hope is that 
the actions of all those who gave of themselves so that Keith could 
return home, will inspire others to do the same.

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