[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RICHARD MILANOVICH

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MARY BONO MACK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  Mrs. BONO MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to a dear 
friend and great leader who was taken from us far too soon, Agua 
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman Richard M. 
Milanovich.
  For those who knew Richard, and for the countless others who did not 
but were touched by his impact on our community and nation, his passing 
leaves an enormous void. We shall greatly miss Richard's warmth, humor, 
humility, compassion and leadership. But most of all, we will miss the 
man: a beloved and caring leader whose dedication to his people was 
unmatched and never wavered.
  Richard Milanovich's character, and also his vision for a more 
prosperous future for his people, were shaped by the experiences of his 
youth and the circumstances confronting the Agua Caliente during an era 
when the fortunes of the tribe he would come to lead for over a quarter 
of a century were far more challenging and the future far more 
daunting. In his youth, he was profoundly influenced by the strong 
leadership of several remarkable women tribal council members, 
especially Chairman Viola Olinger and Vice Chairman LaVerne Saubel, who 
helped the Agua Caliente tribe reclaim control of its destiny and 
establish a model for future tribal land use agreements throughout our 
nation. Richard always felt a great connection to the Agua Caliente 
leaders who came before him, and the strength of his will and keen 
political insight were reflections of their determination and 
commitment to the tribe.
  As tribal chairman, Richard Milanovich earned the respect of not only 
his tribe but of all those who witnessed his tireless work ethic, sharp 
mind and gracious nature. He was revered throughout the nation as a 
tribal leader who achieved historic accomplishments that directly 
benefitted his people and numerous other tribes. He rose to become a 
legendary figure within Indian Country, and yet, he never lost his 
common touch and remained deeply grounded in the traditions and 
spiritual connection to the ancestral lands and heritage of his people.
  Richard loved life and lived it to the fullest. Even when fighting 
his last great battle, he deflected concern for his condition and 
looked first to the welfare of others. I recall his last visit to my 
office in Washington on behalf of his tribe, only days after he had 
undergone one of the grueling treatments he endured to keep the cancer 
at bay, and how the strength of his spirit willed the body to soldier 
on. I suspect that his comportment during this painful and exhausting 
time was a reflection of his distinguished service in the U.S. Army; 
service that provided him with an opportunity to travel the world and 
experience other cultures and political institutions, and reinforced 
his fierce love of country.
  Of course, one cannot speak of Richard without mentioning his love of 
family and friends. He was dedicated to his family, his wife Melissa 
and children Tammy, Travis, Scott, Trista, Sean and Reid, and he made 
friends wherever he went. Equally comfortable in jeans and boots or 
black tie, Richard instantly connected with people and was a much in 
demand guest at any social gathering--not merely due to his stature as 
a leader in our community but also for the good times that were sure to 
follow wherever he went. Witty and charming, he could disarm foes and 
captivate friends with a kind word or clever remark--all delivered with 
that trademark twinkle in his eye.
  The legacy Richard leaves will not be measured simply by the number 
of hotels and casinos the tribe operates or the political battles he 
won on behalf of his people. Richard Milanovich's legacy will be 
measured by the impact his indomitable spirit had on the tribe he led, 
the community in which he lived, and the country he loved so deeply.
  The Agua Caliente believe that the strength of their people is drawn 
from the sacred origins of the tribe in the mountains, canyons and 
desert in which they have resided for millennia. Richard Milanovich's 
spirit has passed from his physical body to reside with the spirits of 
the great tribal leaders who went before him. When I walk in the Indian 
Canyons of the Agua Caliente people, I shall feel strongly the spirit 
of my dear friend in the breeze on my face and the rustle of the wind 
in the palm fronds.
  My deepest condolences go out to Richard's family, the Agua Caliente 
people and the many others who loved him. Richard will be deeply missed 
by us all, but he will also remain with us forever in our hearts and 
memories. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to take a moment and 
join me in paying tribute to the memory of a truly great American and 
the late leader of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Chairman 
Richard Milanovich.

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