[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 11086-11087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING ROBERT DEAN MOORE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
inspirational life and dedicated service of Robert Dean Moore. It has 
been my great honor to know Robert for many years and to consider him a 
friend. I have always appreciated his guidance and insight on issues 
impacting American Indian tribes in South Dakota and throughout Indian 
Country.
  Robert was born on May 3, 1963. He was an enrolled member of the 
Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a proud graduate of Sinte Gleska University in 
Mission, SD. Robert passed away on May 29, 2010. His family, friends, 
and extended community have lost a great leader and dear friend. His 
funeral was held on June 5, 2010, and the outpouring of memories and 
tributes at the service reflected the widespread impact that Robert had 
on so many lives.
  Robert represented South Dakota as a delegate to the Democratic 
National Convention. Robert was an incredibly talented singer, and in 
1996 and 2008, he gave powerful renditions of the National Anthem to 
the delegates. I was also fortunate enough to have him sing during my 
first swearing in ceremony in the U.S. Senate in 1997.
  In the early 1990s, Robert served as a staff member for my colleague, 
Senator Tom Daschle. It was during his time in Senator Daschle's office 
that Robert developed an in-depth understanding about Federal 
Government and the legislative process. Robert advised Senator Daschle 
on Indian affairs and excelled in that position. He would utilize this 
valuable perspective to benefit the Lakota people for the rest of his 
life. Robert also worked to raise awareness in Congress about the 
Federal trust responsibility and the unique government-to-government 
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Later, 
Robert moved to Denver to work for the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, FEMA, in their tribal government division. He worked with 
tribes in Great Plains region on disaster mitigation and in other times 
of need.
  Robert was elected to a 4-year term on the Rosebud Sioux Tribal 
Council in 2004. His passion for advocating for the Sicangu Lakota and 
other tribes of the Great Sioux Nation was never more apparent than 
when he worked on health care issues. He was a leader for American 
Indian health issues on the national level, often representing the 
tribes of the Great Plains region both to the National Congress of 
American Indians and to the Tribal Technical Advisory Committee for the 
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. I am truly sorry that Robert did not 
live to see the effects of increased reimbursements for Medicaid nor 
full implementation of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; however, 
those who witnessed his efforts will never forget his tireless 
involvement.
  I greatly admired Robert's understanding of the cultural value and 
importance of family. He was a dedicated son, showering his parents, 
Marrles and Frances, with genuine care and love. Robert's countless 
accomplishments, from his memorable vocal talents to his unfailing 
public service, will live on for many years to come. Robert 
demonstrated an admirable love of life and commitment to others, which 
ought to serve as an inspiration for all of us.
 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I pay honor to Robert Dean 
Moore of Mission, SD, who passed away on May 29, 2010, after a 
courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, Reverend 
and Doctor Marrles and Frances Moore, and his brother and sister-in-
law, Reverend Jack and Nancy Moore.
  Robert dedicated his life to improving the health and well being of 
all Native Americans, including members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, of 
which Robert was an enrolled member. This mission led him into public 
service, where he was elected as a Rosebud Sioux tribal councilman as 
well as being a member of the Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairman's Health 
Board. Robert was not only a vocal supporter of enactment of the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act earlier this year, he was also a strong 
advocate for better research, education, and prevention of tribal youth 
suicide.
  In addition to his dedication to public service and the betterment of 
his people, Robert lived his life with a strong foundation in his 
faith. He was also blessed with an exceptional vocal talent that 
allowed him to touch many across the country through performance.
  Robert Dean Moore's devoted service to the people of the Rosebud 
Sioux Tribe and the rest of Indian Country is an inspiration to us 
all.

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