On the recordOctober 23, 2013
Madam Speaker, today I stand to recognize the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Pat Tinnell, and to say thank you to all those involved in creating the Pat Tinnell sports complex in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The world-class skate and bike park, which is nearly the size of a football field, is dedicated to the 25-year-old American hero, Pat Tinnell, who loved his family, his community, and BMX bike riding. Pat volunteered to serve our Nation and gave his life in Iraq in April of 2006, protecting the freedoms we hold dear. {time} 1145 A special thank you to those who made this park a reality through countless fundraising events. Everyone in the community deserves a thank you, including Lake Havasu City Mayor Mark Nexsen and those who served on the Memorial Sports Park committee and gave of their time and talent, national figures like skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, BMX rider and philanthropist Rob Dydrik, and Joe Ciaglia from California Skate Parks, who designed this beautiful facility. Finally, thank you to the family and loved ones of Pat Tinnell and young Colin Sasseen, who both lost their lives all too soon. I hope this park serves as a reminder that your sons' memories will not be forgotten. Today's youth are our greatest asset as a Nation.…





