[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3752]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RICHARD MILANOVICH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great 
tribal leader, role model, and veteran Richard Milanovich. Richard, 
Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, passed away on 
March 11, 2012, at the age of 69.
  Richard was born on December 4, 1942, and spent his childhood living 
with his mother, LaVerne Saubel, who was a strong advocate for Indian 
rights in her own right. LaVerne set an outstanding example for her 
son, and was a member of the all-female tribal council that persuaded 
Congress to allow self-governance for the Agua Caliente Band of 
Chauilla Indians in 1957. Richard's upbringing in his mother's home 
instilled in him a passion for the Indian community.
  Richard lived with his mother until the age of 17, when he left home 
to join the United States Army. After his time in the service, Richard 
worked as a door-to-door salesman, selling items such as vacuum 
cleaners and encyclopedias, until joining the tribal council at age 35.
  Richard was one of the earliest patriarchs of Indian gaming in 
California. During his first few years on the council, he convinced the 
tribal council to purchase the Spa Hotel in downtown Palm Springs in 
1992. This purchase helped to revitalize downtown Palm Springs and 
paved the way for the future economic stability of the Agua Caliente 
band of Chuilla Indians, as well as other tribes in California.
  At the time of his passing, Richard was the Chairman of the Agua 
Caliente band of Chuilla Indians. Richard's 30 years of service to the 
tribe left a lasting impact not only on his tribe, but California at 
large. Richard was not only passionate about protecting the future and 
stability of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, but he also 
gave back to his surrounding community through his advocacy for the 
gaming industry. Indian gaming is one of the surest ways to create 
economic development in a region; proving jobs and revenue for tribal 
self governance, maintenance, and education.
  Richard's strong advocacy at the state and national level for the 
rights of the Indian people and gaming allowed his tribe to gain 
respect and high standing among tribes across the country.
  Richard was known as a great mentor to the younger leaders; his 
tireless work on behalf of the Indian community left younger tribal 
leaders with a strong example of hard work and dedication. He taught 
young tribal members the importance of cherishing and understanding the 
past, in order to pave the way for a bright future for the Indian 
community.
  Richard is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their six children. He 
leaves with cherished memories and a loving family. My thoughts and 
prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto 
Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with 
Ruben's family at this time. Mister Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate, 
Richard Milanovich.