[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 105 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CHRISTINE ROUTOS--LIFETIME SERVANT OF NEW 
                          HAMPSHIRE'S VETERANS

                                 ______


                            HON. DICK SWETT

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 3, 1994

  Mr. SWETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Christine 
Routos of New Hampshire, a woman who devoted her life to serving her 
fellow citizens. Her passing certainly has left a void in the hearts 
and minds of anyone who had the honor of knowing this compassionate 
woman.
  Mrs. Routos served 6 years, from 1944 until 1950, at the Federal 
Regional Office in Manchester, NH. She continued her service at the 
V.A. Medical Center from 1950 until her retirement in 1990. Over her 46 
years of service, she rendered emotional support, assistance, and 
guidance to patients, working above and beyond her duties as a ward 
secretary.
  Constantly striving to improve the patients' surroundings, Mrs. 
Routos desired to create a therapeutic environment that was both 
informative and artistic. In doing so, she often sacrificed here 
personal time and funds to enhance the ward's atmosphere. She helped to 
increase the patients' morale and keep them in touch with current 
events. To contribute to the wards' home-like atmosphere, she shared 
tapes and records reminiscent of the World War II era, encouraging 
patients to congregate and share memories of the old days.
  In 1988, Mrs. Routos was awarded the Administrator's Hands and Heart 
Award and remains to this day the only nonclinical employee to have 
been a recipient. She has also received numerous Superior Performance 
Awards and was honored as the New Hampshire Federal Employee of the 
Year in 1987. These endeavors and awards are only a sampling of Mrs. 
Routos' achievements on behalf of her community and her fellow 
citizens. To further honor the service of this fine woman and to 
cherish the memory of her boundless generosity, the employees of the 
Manchester V.A. Medical Center have planted a perennial garden in her 
memory outside of the nursing home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Christine Routos. Mrs. Routos exemplifies the kind of dedication and 
diligence that is so needed in our society today. Her legacy of service 
and love for humanity will certainly live on as an inspiration to all 
whose lives she touched.

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