[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO PHYLLIS MILLER

                                 ______


                        HON. MICHAEL J. KOPETSKI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 1994

  Mr. KOPETSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a constituent of mine, 
Ms. Phyllis Miller, as a recent winner of the prestigious Salem Area 
Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Miller is part of 
what makes the State of Oregon a great place to live.
  Ms. Miller has always set high standards for herself. After serving 
her country in medical evaluation hospitals around the world, she ended 
her U.S. Army career as the senior administrative noncommissioned 
officer at Walter Reed Hospital.
  Unable to retire her desires to help others, Ms. Miller became 
involved with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Medical 
Center 15 years ago. To date, she has logged more than 7,500 hours of 
voluntary service at the medical center. In addition, she continues to 
actively participate in the transportation program, which provides a 
vital link between the medical center and veterans who would have no 
other choice for transport to and from their medical appointments.
  Ms. Miller's commitment to veterans takes many forms. She sits on the 
board of the Veterans Rehabilitation Center, an organization which 
provides direct assistance to indigent veterans and their families. She 
has organized veteran job fairs at local community college campuses, as 
well as the most prominent Memorial Day service in the Willamette 
Valley, a ceremony I have had the privilege to observe. Through her 
leadership of the Greater Salem Area Veterans Organization, American 
flags decorated the city of Salem Civic Center as well as bridges 
across the Willamette River.
  Phyllis Miller's energy seems boundless. In addition to her work 
within the veterans' community, she is an ardent supporter of the 
physically and mentally challenged. She is a year round volunteer for 
the Oregon Games, and is the inspiration for their Phyllis Miller 
Volunteer Award.
  Ms. Miller also finds the time and energy to serve as an officer, 
board member, and active volunteer for the Special Olympics. The Oregon 
School for the Blind is another local organization which benefits from 
Ms. Miller's constant participation. She was also a prominent player in 
the establishment of the RAH House located in Salem, OR, and continues 
to volunteer her time to the brain damaged young adults living in this 
alternative residential housing.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Miller's accomplishments are beyond expectation. 
Though her own health is less than perfect, Ms. Miller continues to aid 
and comfort those less fortunate. Her dedication to helping others sets 
a high standard for those who follow her example. She deserves our 
thanks and congratulations.

                          ____________________