Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jacqueline Autry, who will receive the Honorary Congressional Horizon Award on September 27, 2002 at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage. The Honorary Congressional Horizon Award is presented annually to individuals who have personally contributed to expanding the opportunities for all Americans, and who have set an exceptional example for young people through their successes in life.
Success has always followed Jackie Autry. As a young woman in 1959, she started her career at Security First National Bank, working first as a switchboard operator, then as an Assistant Manager of Operations, and then Manager. At the young age of thirty-two, she was appointed to the position of Vice President, where she remained until July 17, 1981, when she married the American cowboy legend, Gene Autry.
Mrs. Autry has clearly demonstrated her selfless devotion to the community of Los Angeles. Her invaluable contributions to the community include serving as President of the Palm Springs chapter of the American Red Cross and serving as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Eisenhower Medical Center and Hospital. She has also served as President of Community Blood Bank of the Desert and currently serves as Director and President of the Autry Foundation.
Mrs. Autry also has the venerable distinction of being the only woman ever to serve on the Major League Baseball Executive Council and Board of Directors. She continues to serve the sporting community while acting as Honorary President of the American League of Major League Baseball.
Over the years, Mrs. Autry's remarkable breadth of involvement with the community has been a benefit and an inspiration to many. I am proud to honor the contributions of Mrs. Autry. It is through her accomplishments that we are inspired to believe in the power of each American to make a difference in our nation. In acknowledgement of her service, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the achievements and contributions of Jacqueline Autry.