[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING WAYNE BURKE

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a true 
Nevadan and friend, Wayne Burke, who has been honored by the Nevada 
Indian Commission as American Indian Community Leader of the Year. As 
tribal chairman for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Wayne led the tribal 
council through many successes for the betterment of Nevada. Wayne's 
untimely passing is a great loss, but his legacy of community and 
economic development in the Silver State will never be forgotten.
  In addition to serving the State of Nevada, Wayne bravely served our 
Nation in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 until his honorable discharge 
in 1997. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Wayne understood the 
importance of supporting those who defend our Nation. He was a member 
of Numu Tookwasu--Pyramid Lake Veterans and Warriors Association--and a 
staunch advocate for Native American veteran affairs. His vision helped 
launch Nevada's first annual American Indian Veteran Summit this year, 
which invited members of the 27 tribes of Nevada to learn about access 
to veteran benefits and healthcare. His legacy will help raise 
awareness and resources for Native American veterans for years to come.
  As tribal chairman, Wayne promoted an award winning Pyramid Lake 
economic development and tourism plan. His advocacy for the recovery 
and restoration of the Pyramid Lake fishery helped to secure over 1,000 
acres of water, the most in any one-month period. Under his leadership, 
the Pyramid Lake Tribe has enjoyed a record number of visitors to 
Pyramid Lake and, subsequently, numerous tourism awards. In August 
2012, Wayne became the first Native American leader to serve on the 
Nevada Commission on Tourism.
  The citizens of the Silver State were privileged that such a 
passionate and dedicated leader called Nevada home. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to his wife, Leticia; and children, Alex, Christian, and 
Soleil. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life 
of a devoted Nevadan and honoring his esteemed accomplishments.

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