[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARY LOU PLATT

                                 ______


                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a woman who 
has worked tirelessly to make the lives of our disabled veterans a 
little brighter. Mrs. Mary Lou Platt of Westford, NY, is the New York 
State president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the 
Milford Unit #1566.
  The American Legion Auxiliary has been helping veterans and their 
families for more than 75 years and Mrs. Platt has proudly kept up that 
tradition. President Platt has developed a program called RAVE which 
stands for recreation, audio and visual entertainment.
  Many hospitalized veterans spend endless hours in their rooms or on 
hospital grounds. Some used to enjoy reading, but now find it difficult 
or impossible due to poor eyesight. Others used to enjoy listening to 
music on their radios, but can now only hear faint sounds. Even 
watching television can be difficult for many of these veterans.
  President Platt has traveled extensively throughout New York's 62 
counties helping veterans with her program. RAVE has provided veterans 
with large print books for easier reading, audio books for those who 
can no longer read, and VCR's and videos. RAVE even provides some video 
games and equipment to stimulate veterans both physically and 
emotionally. This program has benefited veterans in New York State VA 
medical centers and nursing homes.
  Our veterans have sacrificed too much for their country to be left as 
prisoners of unproductive and frustrating lives. President Platt is 
trying to see that this does not happen. I think we should all RAVE 
about President Platt and the efforts of the American Legion Auxiliary.

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