[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMENDING SENATOR ALAN K. SIMPSON

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, in Wyoming's 120 year history, only 21 
people have served as U.S. Senator for our State. One stands out as a 
compassionate, skilled and illustrious figure. United States Senator 
Alan K. Simpson is a lifelong public servant who is dedicated to his 
family, to Wyoming, and to the United States.
  Al Simpson has fought to uphold the values and ideals of our country 
for most of his life. Whether he was serving in the U.S. Army in 
Germany, the Wyoming House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate 
Chamber, his commitment and contributions were evident. When the Nation 
calls on Al Simpson to serve, he is always there to work and fight for 
our best interests.
  United States Senator Alan K. Simpson served in this Chamber from 
1979 to 1997. Fortunately for Wyoming and our Nation, his service did 
not end when he retired. He has enthusiastically served numerous groups 
and organizations, which all have benefitted from his presence. From 
his beloved alma mater, the University of Wyoming, to the world 
renowned Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Al Simpson devotes his time, 
talent and treasure. When Al sees an unmet need in our community, he 
works to see that it is addressed. Wyoming--and America--are better 
because of him.
  This year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming have selected 
Al Simpson as their Man of the Year. While Al has received many honors 
throughout his life, to be honored by the Boys and Girls Clubs is very 
special to him.
  The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming plays a vitally important 
role in our State. They serve all youth regardless of economic 
circumstances. They continue to expand thanks to the generous support 
of the McMurry Foundation, the Martin Family Foundation, the Daniels 
Fund, the Casper Star Tribune and the Reader's Digest Foundation. Their 
inspiration and work has spread to adjacent counties.
  The work of the Boys and Girls Clubs' dedicated staff and volunteers 
creates a positive environment for all children. As a result of the 
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, hundreds of Wyoming youth will 
have the opportunity to gain the experiences and build the skills 
needed for success. Their mission is the same as Al's--to make our 
community and our Nation a better place.
  This award is special to Senator Al Simpson because his life's 
success is due in large part to the strength of his family. He lovingly 
called his mother Lorna `the velvet hammer.' His father Senator and 
Governor Milward Simpson was Al's model for public service and civic 
leadership. His big brother Pete Simpson explains, ``The extent to 
which we became men we owe to our father.'' Even Pete helped mold Al 
into the man who continues to have a positive impact on Wyoming and our 
Nation. Al readily admits that he and Pete were a spirited duo and gave 
their parents heartburn. Certainly, Al would have benefitted from the 
influence of a Boys and Girls Club! However, he was fortunate that the 
strong love and solid support of his parents carried him through a 
tumultuous adolescence.
  It was Al's good fortune that Ann Schroll accepted his proposal for 
marriage. Over the years, Ann has been a guiding force for Al. He 
regularly says he would not have accomplished anything without Ann by 
his side.
  Many years ago, in a high school commencement address, Al said, ``The 
real reason I made it in life is because there were other people who 
believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. They were people 
willing to give me a second chance. Those are the people I never forgot 
in life: parents, teachers, many people who took time with me, and for 
me. . . . `` Just like Al had folks who stood by him and held him 
accountable, the staff and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Clubs of 
Central Wyoming believe in our youth. Al Simpson is a wonderful choice 
for the 2010 Man of the Year award. He is thankful for the support he 
received as a youth and is committed to give all young people in 
Wyoming a second chance.
  It is because of his strong family values and his sense of duty to 
his community that the Boys and Girls Clubs Man of the Year is so 
meaningful to Al Simpson. This award tells this great statesman that 
Wyoming is thankful for his leadership.
  I am so proud to call Al Simpson my friend. He is a respected mentor 
and adviser. It is fitting and terrific that the Boys and Girls Clubs 
of Central Wyoming have named him Man of the Year--and I ask that my 
colleagues join me in sending our congratulations to Al for this well-
deserved honor.

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