RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND LASTING IMPACT OF GEORGE OSTROM

On 2026-04-27, Representative Ryan K. Zinke (R-MT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND LASTING IMPACT OF GEORGE OSTROM" in the House. The speech addressed the environment.

RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND LASTING IMPACT OF GEORGE OSTROM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E370] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND LASTING IMPACT OF GEORGE OSTROM ______ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Monday, April 27, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy and lasting impact of George Ostrom, a legendary voice of Montana's Flathead Valley. Mr. Ostrom's life was anything but ordinary, filled with adventures and excitement. As a young man, he worked with the United States Forest Service, served as a paratrooper during World War II, became one of the early smokejumpers protecting our Nation's wilderness, and regularly climbed mountains in his backyard, Glacier National Park. His passion for the outdoors and deep understanding of Montana would shape the rest of his life and career. George Ostrom, who passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 96, was known to many as ``the voice of the Flathead Valley.'' A natural- born storyteller, Mr. Ostrom, when not creating his own remarkable stories, shared community stories around the Flathead for more than six decades through radio and newspaper. Mr. Ostrom remained active in journalism into his late 90s, becoming a staple voice on the airwaves, eventually owning and operating KOFI radio and later contributing to KGEZ. For many in the Flathead Valley, the day did not truly begin until they heard George Ostrom on the radio. Beyond radio, Mr. Ostrom built the Kalispell Weekly News into one of the largest weekly newspapers in Montana and spent decades writing columns that captured the stories of the region. His work helped document the history of Montana and showcase our state's identity for future generations. Mr. Ostrom's love for Montana extended beyond journalism; he played a role in conservation efforts, including contributing to the development of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and remained a passionate advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Montana. George Ostrom's experiences and remarkable stories are all overshadowed by his biggest accomplishment: his family. He shared his love for adventure with his wife Iris and his four children. Mr. Speaker, George Ostrom's life reflects the very best of Montana and the American spirit. He was a pioneer and a storyteller whose voice inspired people across our great state. His legacy is not only found in the stories he told, but in the stories he created. Reflecting on his remarkable life, we are reminded that individuals like George Ostrom help define the character of our Nation and his voice will continue to echo throughout Montana. ____________________