[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DALE ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2024

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, 
service, and dedication of Dale Anderson to the 5th Congressional 
District of Colorado. For eighteen years, Dale Anderson has served on 
my Congressional staff in many roles, each marked by a distinguished 
pursuit of excellence and service to the Pikes Peak region with 
personal integrity, sacrifice, and loyalty.
  Dale was born in Independence, Missouri where he was raised by devout 
Christian parents. After graduating from high school, Dale served in 
the United States Army for nine years where he developed his passion 
for the care of veterans. Following his time in the Army, Dale 
graduated from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Almost 
immediately after my election, Dale joined my staff as a Military and 
Veterans Affairs Laison. In that role, he advocated on behalf of 
countless veterans, active-duty military members, and their families, 
to numerous federal agencies. His work also included helping establish 
the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in 
Colorado Springs. Dale went on to serve as the District Director where 
he was responsible for coordinating all events, outreach, and 
constituent services strategy for 5th Congressional District.
  Dale was particularly adept at connecting with community leaders, 
mentoring the staffers under his command, building a team that 
reflected my values, effectively and compassionately serving our 
constituents, and faithfully representing me in the district. Keeping 
his finger on the pulse of the district and being proactive to meet the 
district's needs are some of Dale's many strong points, and one that he 
excellently performed throughout his time as District Director. In 
2018, Dale became my Chief of Staff, bringing to D.C. his extensive 
experience and knowledge of the district to accurately and purposefully 
lead my combined staff in service of our constituents.
  One of my early campaign promises was to establish a National 
Cemetery to provide a final resting place for our Nation's bravest 
heroes. The 10-year journey that culminated in establishing the Pikes 
Peak National Cemetery was at times arduous and difficult. Throughout 
the process, Dale was instrumental in building momentum, keeping morale 
high, and strategically crafting the plan which ultimately insured that 
the Pikes Peak region was able to honor our Nation's finest--including 
Dale's father, Mr. Gary Anderson.
  Perhaps the most pivotal moment in recent memory for the 5th 
Congressional District came in 2023 when it was announced that U.S. 
Space Command was to be permanently based in Colorado Springs. This 
basing decision was the culmination of years of work, much of it led by 
Dale Anderson. Dale was vital in organizing a combined and unified 
advocacy campaign which reinforced the principle that any basing 
decision should be made only with national security in mind. In 
addition, Dale ensured that my office was proactive in speaking out 
about the importance of U.S. Space Command being based in Colorado 
Springs, as well as utilizing media outlets, legislative measures and 
processes, and high-profile meetings. These steps ensured that national 
security and the 5th Congressional District were kept at the forefront 
of every piece of the decision-making process.
  The Black Forest fire in 2013 was one of the most devastating natural 
disasters in the Pikes Peak region. The fire killed 2 people, burned 
over 500 homes, and destroyed over 14,000 acres of land. While the 
destruction was immense, without the determination and persistence of 
Dale Anderson, I fear that the damage to life and property could have 
been worse. I directed Dale to call the National Inter-Agency Fire 
Center to coordinate getting the nearest firefighting planes in the air 
to help fight the fire. Dale immediately jumped into action, staying up 
through the night to ensure that our community was taken care of, and 
every resource was deployed to save as many lives as possible. Dale's 
actions that day and in the crucial days following proved that his 
connections, know-how, and persistence were invaluable assets in a time 
of crisis.
  Many of these same qualities of his were also evident in how our 
office provided help in the wake of the destructive Waldo Canyon Fire 
of 2012.
  Dale and his wife Jennie live in Colorado Springs and continue to put 
the 5th Congressional District before themselves in everything that 
they do. I would also like to thank Jennie, who gave her unwavering 
support for her husband, without which he could not have been as 
effective in his service to the district. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my 
colleagues join me in congratulating, honoring, and celebrating the 
eighteen years of dedicated service by My Chief of Staff, Dale 
Anderson, to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado and to the 
Nation.

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