ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 124
(Senate - July 23, 2019)

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From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO STEVE ANTOLINE

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, it is an honor to recognize the 
legacy of Steve Antoline as fearless leader in business, a dedicated 
philanthropist, and a proud West Virginian who has made substantial 
contributions to our home State.
  One of the greatest milestones we achieved when I was West Virginia's 
Governor was when the Boy Scouts of America committed to bringing a 
world-class scouting facility to the Mountain State, and Steve was a 
vital part of that process. Today, the Summit Bechtel Reserve is 
homebase every 4 years for tens of thousands of Boy Scouts from across 
the country. I assembled government officials, business leaders, and 
private volunteers into what I called the West Virginia Project Arrow 
Task Force in order to convince the National Executive Board of the Boy 
Scouts of America of what we already knew--that the ideal place for 
this facility was in the adventurous terrains and magnificent mountains 
of West Virginia. The Boy Scouts and West Virginia truly are a perfect 
match--an organization that builds character, inspires reverences, and 
promotes the values of hard work and compassion, and a State whose 
people live and breathe those values every day.
  Steve was able to create and manage so many wonderful programs 
through the camp. He worked on the Reaching the Summit Boy Scout 
Community Service Initiative, organizing and garnering support for more 
than 34 projects that utilized countless hours of community service for 
Nicholas County. Also in Nicholas County, he serves as the chairman of 
the Young Life Wild Ridge Camp Executive Committee and also as a 
sponsor of the Young Life organization for the county. With Steve's 
input, Young Life is currently in the early stages of building the Wild 
Ridge Camp, which will host more than 22,000 children per year, 
providing educational opportunities to develop leadership skills, civic 
responsibility, and moral values.
  As one of the founding fathers of the Summit Bechtel Reserve Scout 
Camp, I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to his legacy than the 
Steve Antoline Family Conservation Center and Trail. The coal from that 
property helped build the Panama Canal. The timber that from that 
property helped build the boats that helped win WWII. It has so much 
historical value, and now it builds the tallest timber--our future 
leaders. And as Scouts walk by the newly dedicated bronze tribute in 
honor of Steve's legacy, it is my hope they are inspired by the man who 
has surrounded them with opportunities here in West Virginia.
  The Conservation Center will offer hands-on exhibits, projects, and a 
laboratory for Scouts and youth to further understand and promote 
conservation efforts. This project is being designed and built by 
Steve, along with collaborative efforts from the Boy Scouts of America 
and West Virginia University.
  Beyond the camp, Steve has contributed greatly to the surrounding 
region. He has founded and operated various companies that include 
operations in natural gas, production, excavation, contracting, 
property development and biosciences research companies. Among his many 
accomplishments for West Virginia is Superior Highwall Miners, Inc., a 
business based in Beckley that grew into the world's largest 
manufacturer of highwall mining equipment. His efforts brought in 
countless jobs and showcased West Virginia's vast potential across the 
globe.
  Steve serves as cochairman of the new WVU Children's Hospital 
Building Campaign and also serves on the hospital's advisory board. He 
is the owner of New River Labs, LLC and KEM Research Group, LLC, a 
cancer research company performing state-of-the-art diagnostic services 
for esophageal, cervical, melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, and many 
other forms of cancer. At Summit Resources, Inc., Steve serves as owner 
and president, specializing on excavation, land management, and 
investment. Other organizations he has been involved with include the 
Remember the Miners Organization, the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research 
Foundation, Summersville Youth Athletics, Raleigh County, YMCA, Beckley 
Chamber of Commerce, and the Fayette and Nicholas County chapter of the 
American Red Cross.
  Put simply, Steve is a West Virginian, through and through. He knows 
our communities inside and out and has strived throughout his endeavors 
to give back to the people of West Virginia, particularly to our future 
leaders. He has a passion for providing our State's youth with every 
opportunity possible to achieve success. With thanks to his efforts at 
Summit Bechtel and beyond, countless opportunities have been created 
and will continue to come to fruition in the days and years ahead.
  I wish the very best for Steve and his family: his wife, Jamie; his 
children, Emily, Madison, and Kristopher; and his grandchildren Nina 
and Hunter. I am honored to join them and all West Virginians in 
celebrating Steve's lifelong commitment to excellence in the Mountain 
State.

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