[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             STAND DOWN '97

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
program and the outstanding group of individuals who run it each year 
in Long Beach, CA. Stand Down '97, a comprehensive program designed to 
help homeless veterans reenter mainstream society, will be held in Long 
Beach on June 20-22.
  The seventh annual Stand Down will add to the 3,500 homeless veterans 
who already have been served in previous years by the tireless work of 
hundreds of volunteers and a dedicated core group of committee chairs. 
Stand Down provides a wide range of services to homeless veterans, 
including medical and legal assistance, employment counseling, mental 
health services, financial counseling, showers, haircuts, and 
counseling for substance abuse, AIDS, stress, and exposure to agent 
orange. The veterans also receive donated shoes and clothing, shelter, 
and all the food they can eat, in addition to being treated to two 
variety shows.
  These committee chairs do not seek recognition for their 
contributions, but I would like to take the opportunity to applaud 
their work. They are: Gus Hein, Gary Quiggle, Randy Scottini, Sergeant 
Dave Anderson, Pam Welty, Kenny Elmore, William Frink, Dr. Becky Gill, 
Tom Crochet, Earl and Volney Dunavan, Dr. Bob Delzell, Frank McGrath, 
Ted Mandl, Paul Ashby, Lori Debose, Don Richardson, Dr. Cal Farmer, 
John Ek, Mary Lou Hein, Mike Campbell, David L. C. David, Dave Holden, 
Howard Hargrove, Craig Mandeville, and Al Hamilton.
  The ultimate thanks to each of these individuals comes from the 
smiles on the faces of the homeless veterans at the end of this 
outstanding 3-day event.
  I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to each of the 
committee chairs and other volunteers. Each has made invaluable 
contributions to the veteran population and the community at large. 
Homeless veterans not only need our help, they deserve it. Veterans 
have a hallowed place in American society for the sacrifices they made, 
and we owe them all the help we can give. Stand Down '97 will give a 
needed and well-deserved hand-up to homeless veterans in our area.

                          ____________________