[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     CHAPLAIN PRECIADO AND THE VFSC

                                 ______


                        HON. MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the laudable work 
of a nonprofit, charitable organization in my congressional district, 
the Veteran Family Service Corp. [VFSC]. Started 4 years ago during the 
Persian Gulf war, the VFSC has helped thousands of veterans find food, 
clothing, shelter, and drug and alcohol treatment.
  Through the tireless work of Chaplain Robert Preciado, the founder 
and president of the Veteran Family Service Corp., hundreds of indigent 
veterans and their dependents in the San Gabriel Valley receive moral 
and material support every other Wednesday. The VFSC provides 9 to 12 
tons of food monthly, directly to veterans, homeless shelters, and food 
pantries in the community.
  The VFSC, through its food bank, gives veterans who are down and out 
a helping hand. Chaplain Preciado offers hope to people who have run 
out of hope. I have stood with Chaplain Preciado and seen first hand 
the admirable work he does.
  During natural disasters, the Veteran Family Service Corp. has 
extended its services to nonveterans. The VFSC, for example, provided 
much-needed relief to victims of the Northridge earthquake. With the 
help of countless volunteers, the cities of Baldwin Park, Irwindale, 
and Azusa, as well as the California Army National Guard 40th Infantry 
Division, the VFSC provided over 27 truckloads of provisions to 
earthquake victims. The VFSC has also provided help to flood victims in 
the South Bay area in January 1995.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I salute Chaplain Preciado and the 
Veteran Family Service Corp. for providing food, clothing, assistance, 
and hope to veterans and their families in need.


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