[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF SHELL EXPLORER POST 9999, DEER PARK, TX

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the members of Shell 
Explorer Post No. 9999 in Deer Park, TX, for their many achievements 
and contributions to our community.
  The Shell Explorer Post is sponsored by the Shell Oil Refinery 
located in Deer Park, TX, and is part of the East Central Exploring 
District of the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 
The post is open to young men and women, ages 14 to 20, who wish to be 
part of a vibrant, growing, fun-filled organization that explores 
career opportunities and encourages community involvement.
  Shell Explorers learn the value of community service, develop an 
awareness of our fragile environment, and establish an understanding of 
the strength we have as a people that fosters pride in themselves and 
their ability to do good work, both as individuals and as a team.
  During the 1994-95 season, they brought their hard work and dedicated 
service to a wide assortment of community projects.
  To help improve our environment, the Explorers cleaned up a stretch 
of beach front for the fifth year in a row. They then turned their 
attention to the Armand Bayou Nature Center where they helped to build 
gates, repair fences, and clear brush vines. Through such activities, 
the Explorers learned about the ecosystem and wildlife while helping to 
beautify our community for all of us.
  Senior citizens hold a special place in the hearts of the Explorers, 
and they go out of their way year after year to help better their 
lives. Whether it be removing old broken sheetrock, helping a carpenter 
to install a new kitchen counter and sink, patching or painting, the 
Explorers are always there to extend their valuable services.
  Besides doing handiwork, the Explorers can always be relied on to 
share a friendly smile. During the Christmas holiday, they delivered 
hot, hearty meals to homebound seniors in Pasadena, Deer Park, La 
Porte, and the Deer Park Activities Center. The Explorers also brought 
Christmas cards and kind words for those who lived far from families 
and were alone for the season.
  The Shell Explorers are particularly proud of their $1,000 donation 
to the Boys and Girls Harbor Youth Facility in Morgan's Point, TX. 
Through several car washes, the Explorers had raised this money to 
finance their yearly activities. However, they later learned that the 
Boys and Girls Harbor Youth Facility, which helps orphans and troubled 
youth, was in need so the Shell Explorers donated the funds to help the 
Facility.
  Career opportunities are also a focal point for the Explorers. They 
visited KRBE Radio to learn the tricks of sound mixing, the art of 
promotions, and other career opportunities for those interested in a 
future in broadcasting. The Explorers invite guest speakers to discuss 
their careers as well as to instill the value of good study habits and 
the importance of a college education.
  The Shell Explorers provide an example of good citizenship for all of 
us. Through the years, they have learned that by serving others they 
serve themselves and each member has gone forth with the knowledge that 
he or she had made a difference.

                          ____________________