[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8122]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEBBI FISHER AND RAINIER THERAPEUTIC 
                                 RIDING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Debbi Fisher, 
founder and Operations Director of Rainier Therapeutic Riding. Her work 
gives active duty servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis McChord and 
veterans in our community a facility for therapeutic riding and relief 
from mental and physical injuries.
  Debbi founded Rainier Therapeutic Riding in Yelm, Washington in 2008 
after nearly 40 years of riding and horse training experience. As the 
widow of a Marine Pilot and Air Force Colonel, and the mother of a son 
in the Marines and daughter in the Air Force, she aspired to use her 
skills to help those who have served our country. She has described 
horses and servicemembers and veterans as perfect companions.
  Rainier Therapeutic Riding is now the largest provider of equine 
therapy to military personnel in the country, serving 75 people a year 
at no cost to the individual or the government. They work with the 
Warrior Transition Battalion and Air Force Medical Flight at Joint Base 
Lewis McChord to give those suffering from post-traumatic stress 
syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other injuries a place to 
rediscover a happiness for life.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the work of 
Debbi Fisher and all of the volunteers at Rainier Therapeutic Riding. 
By giving back to our servicemembers and veterans who have sacrificed 
so much for our country, Debbi has helped many to vastly change their 
outlook and improve their happiness.

                          ____________________