[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16785]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. JOHN GAMBLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2009

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
respected leader of Southwest Colorado, Mr. John Gamble of Durango. Mr. 
Gamble has served the community of Southwest Colorado with distinction 
for 24 years and is announcing his retirement this month.
  In 1985, Mr. Gamble took over the new Southwest Colorado Volunteers 
of America in Durango, Colorado. Under his strong and steady 
leadership, the agency grew to provide many critical services to the 
community. At the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Gamble helped to open a 
domestic violence shelter to provide a safe haven for those in need. 
And, in the early 1990s, he led the effort to open a much needed 
homeless shelter. To fund all of these critical services, Mr. Gamble 
opened a very successful thrift store and led many colorful and 
profitable fundraising events. In his spare time, Mr. Gamble served on 
the Durango City Council, including a term as the mayor of that proud 
city.
  Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. John Gamble for his outstanding service 
and dedication to the residents of Southwest Colorado. Mr. Gamble 
clearly has a heart for service and the skills to get the job done. His 
community is a better place due to his efforts. While we will all miss 
Mr. Gamble's service and leadership, I ask that you join me in wishing 
him well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________