[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTE TO KEVIN LEVEILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a 
young man from my home town of Ventura, California who dedicated 
himself to making the world a better place to live. Kevin Leveille 
sacrificed for the care and concern of creatures great and small. He 
was dedicated to helping his fellow man and to preserving the 
environment. He passionately gave of his time, his love and eventually 
his life for this cause.
  Kevin was a Peace Corp volunteer living in the Ivory Coast of Africa 
in the town of Tanda. But only two months before he was to finish his 
tour of duty which started in 1996, Kevin was tragically murdered 
during a robbery of his home. He is survived by his dear mother, Vicki 
Lopez, and his father, Paul Leveille.
  At the age of 26, Kevin loved life--but not only his own. Kevin was a 
sensitive young man, always concerned about the vulnerable. His father, 
Paul, described his son as a peace loving young man who one time 
attached a bell to the family cat so it couldn't kill outside birds. 
Kevin recognized the value of every living thing, no matter how small 
and no matter how far away.
  Kevin sojourned to Africa two years ago on a quest to share his 
knowledge and talents with those abroad. An honors graduate from 
Ventura High School, and armed with a bachelor's degree in 
environmental engineering and applied mathematics, Kevin set sail to 
apply his knowledge on a foreign shore as a volunteer. During his time 
in Tanda, Kevin worked to ensure the townspeople had cleaner water and 
a better sanitation system. He was also training incoming volunteers, 
as he was planning to further his academic education by returning to 
the United States to pursue a masters degree.
  Kevin's mission was selfless. He took himself out of his comfort zone 
and lived in a foreign land among strangers. He took himself out of the 
safety of his homeland and subjected himself to foreign rule. He gave 
of himself receiving no pay and little recognition. He was simply doing 
what he thought should be done without letting material interests cloud 
his vision.
  There is no doubt Kevin Leveille was a fine American and a fine human 
being, setting an example of honor and service.
  This is a life that once touched people here and around the world--
but now, he is a spirit who inspires by showing us the real meaning of 
love, duty, and dedication.

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