[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E428-E429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION VALENTINE

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                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the students of R. 
T. Barrera Elementary School, Pearsall Intermediate School, and La 
Vernia High School for writing valentines to our Armed Forces stationed 
in Bosnia. These valentines were sent to our troops through the 
Operation Valentine program, a nationwide valentine writing campaign 
designed to boost the morale of our men and women serving in the U.S. 
military in Bosnia. Through the pens and pencils of these children, 
more than 150 valentines of love and support were sent to uplift our 
troops.
  A 1st grade student from R. T. Berrera Elementary School wrote, ``I 
am a first grade student in Roma, Texas. Thank you for being so proud 
of our country. We miss you and we want you to come home.''
  A student from Pearsall Intermediate School wrote his valentine 
addressed to ``Dear soldier.'' He went to say, ``I am from Pearsall, 
TX. I am 9 years old. I like football. My favorite team is Dallas 
Cowboys. They are champions. We miss you. We are proud because you are 
peacekeepers. * * * ''
  La Vernia High School also expressed support. Members of the La 
Vernia High School Student Council wrote 50 valentines to both mobile 
forces and land forces stationed in Bosnia. One of these valentines, 
written by an 11th grade student council member, stated: ``Happy 
Valentine Day * * * you are admired and appreciated for everything you 
have accomplished and sacrificed for our country, you are respected and 
supported (no matter what you might do). Never forget that you are a 
leader and looked-up to by me and the rest of our Nation. Stay safe * * 
* and always remember that you are in our prayers.''
  These wishes are just a few of the scores of valentines that young 
people across my district wrote to our soldiers involved in the Bosnian 
peacekeeping mission. I commend all the schools for supporting our 
Armed Forces, and I am honored to share their remarks with my 
colleagues today. I speak from experience--letters from home, 
expressing love and support for a soldier while stationed overseas, 
uplifts morale and keeps spirits high. I trust these valentines will do 
just that.

[[Page E429]]



     SALUTE TO ALL ISLAND HANDICAPPED SPORTS, INC. SLED HOCKEY TEAM

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                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a very special group of 
athletes, the All Island Handicapped Sports, Inc. sled hockey team. 
This outstanding collection of sportsmen has done themselves, and all 
of Long Island, proud, representing New York at the Wendy's 
International Sled Hockey Tournament in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
  The team defeated Hamilton, 3 to 2, on a goal by Tony Fitzgerald, 
assisted by Larry Northorn, and two goals by Vic Calise with assists 
from Larry Northorn, Rich Northorn III, James Abatino, and Tony 
Fitzgerald.
  Downing Kitchener/Elmvale, 3 to 1, the team was led by scorers 
Fitzgerald, Larry Northorn, Calise, and William Schwarz. Defeating a 
determined Chicago squad 4 to 2, the team reached the gold medal round 
against a very tough Kingston, Canada team.
  Although downed 7 to 0 by Kingston, the New York team earned the 
tournament's silver medal. Throughout the tournament, the New York team 
got stellar goal tending from Ryan Bora, hard-hitting defense from Dr. 
Stephen Mordecai, William Schwarz, Chuck Albert, and Donald Saracen, 
and excellent line play from Joey Messing, Vito Giambruno, Zachary 
Lynn, Gregory Nelson, Anthony Donaroma, Jonathan Rotkin, and Mark 
Turan.
  Every member of the team can be proud of earning the tourney's silver 
medal. As a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, I would like to offer the All 
Island Handicapped Sports team the following encouragement: wait 'til 
next year--I know you can bring home the gold.

                      New York Sled Hockey Roster

       James Abatino #62, Chuck Albert #8, Ryan Borja #20, Victor 
     Calise #9, Anthony Donaroma #3, Anthony Fitzgerald #22, Vito 
     Giambruno #83, Zachary Lynn #1, and Dr. Stephen Martucci #2
       Joseph Messina #52, Gregory Nelson #13, Lawrence Northorn 
     #60, Richard Northorn III #14, Jonathan Rotkin #5, William 
     Schwarz #16, Donald Sorokin #32, and Mark Turan #99.

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