[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3633]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CONNIE KUEHL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 2016

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
service of an esteemed and valued citizen of the Killeen, TX and Fort 
Hood area. Connie Kuehl has dedicated herself to Central Texas for 
nearly 30 years, diligently overseeing and directing countless 
organizations and community projects. Connie's immeasurable service and 
innovative vision for her community are qualities of an ideal citizen.
  Graduating from the University of Texas in 1973, Connie earned her 
degree in Education and Science. Pursuing her passion for SCUBA diving, 
she obtained an instructor license in 1979 and taught lessons for ten 
years. This was only the beginning of Connie's lifetime of sharing her 
time and talents with others. In 1990, she became Temple's first 
Tourism Director and worked tirelessly to promote the community through 
her service on multiple boards and organizations. Connie's ability to 
showcase the very best that Central Texas has to offer attracted the 
Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association's State Headquarters as 
well as the Pioneer Village and festival to Temple in 1992, where it 
remains today. She has also served as President for Altrusa of Central 
Texas as well as the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors 
Bureaus, where she earned the Texas Destination Marketing 
Certification.
  No matter where or how Connie serves, she exceeds the highest of 
expectations. Her desire to constantly improve and challenge her 
community has enabled the Fort Hood area to become involved in a wide 
range of activities and programs. Connie has helped promote creativity 
and the arts by developing the ``Take 190 West'' arts festival, a 
highlight of the Killeen cultural calendar. Connie's talents aren't 
limited to her extraordinary work ethic and commitment to service. She 
won 1st Place in District Nine for the Share Your Story, Share Your 
Dream writing contest and 2nd Place internationally.
  Like all of us in Central Texas, Connie was deeply affected by the 
2009 terror attack on Fort Hood. Knowing this tragedy was one we can 
never forget, Connie selflessly contributed her efforts and hard work 
into organizing the Fort Hood Memorial Dedication fundraising and 
ceremony. This poignant and moving memorial honors the lives of those 
lost that dark day and reminds all who visit of the sacrifices made in 
the name of freedom. Connie considers this project to be the highlight 
of her long career.
  Connie's invaluable service and capacity to take on multiple 
leadership roles has left a positive and lasting impact on both her 
community and those she has come in contact with. Citizens like Connie 
Kuehl are greatly valued, and she will be missed upon her retirement. 
She looks forward to spending time with her two sons, Shawn and Chad 
Bowman, granddaughter Emily, and new grandbaby on the way. I know 
Connie's family is very proud of her career and achievements and I wish 
her much joy and happiness in the future.

                          ____________________