[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1699-E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CHARLES MYERS: RECOGNIZING A VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to praise both an organization 
and an outstanding individual who significantly contributed to make 
that organization viable. The Yulan American Legion Ambulance service 
and Charles Myers have diligently served their community for more than 
50 years with both service and skills beyond the call of any ambulance 
company or volunteer.
  The Yulan American Legion Ambulance service was incorporated as a 
volunteer emergency medical provider in 1948 by American Legion Post 
1363 of Yulan, NY. That these Legionaires recognized the need for an 
emergency medical provider years before the rest of the country is 
nothing short of extraordinary. Their service had its humble beginnings 
on November 7, 1948, with its first dispatch. Yulan's Ambulance Corps 
responded in its 1936 Packard Ambulance and began the history of a 
program that has grown over the past 50 years.
  The tale of the Yulan American Legion Ambulance company is not the 
only story that began that night. Charles ``Chuck'' Myers, then a young 
serviceman, was on that ambulance car. This also began Mr. Myer's 
history as one of the most dedicated Emergency Medical Technicians in 
New York State. In the first half of this century there was not much 
training available for members of volunteer ambulance companies. The 
usual training these men and women received did not extend very far 
beyond basic CPR and First Aid, and it was not until the 1960's that 
the State began to organize classes which taught the skills of 
emergency medicine. Mr. Myers was one of the first participants in 
these pioneering new classes more than 30 years ago. Mr. Myers devotion 
to the American Legion Ambulance company is just as strong today as it 
was on that night back in 1948.
  The civic accomplishments of Mr. Myers did not end with his service 
on a volunter ambulance company. Mr. Myers is also an instructor of 
American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Not only is he now captain of the 
American Legion Ambulance company but he is also a member and one time 
captain of the Yulan Fire Department. He has served as a commissioner 
of public works and as a lay minister in the Yulan Congregational 
Church. His fellow citizens know him for acts of kindness such as 
personally delivering equipment, crutches, and hospital beds, in his 
spare time. If the recipients need instruction in the use of these aids 
Mr. Myers' provides it and, in the event that the sick are unable to 
return the equipment, he offers to pick up the equipment in their 
homes. Mr. Myers' devotion to his community is heart warming. He has 
logged more than 5,000 hours of service to the American Legion 
Ambulance company alone, and has served on more than 2,800 ambulance 
calls. There is no telling how many lives Mr. Myers is personally 
responsible for saving.

  But Mr. Myers is more than a list of titles and accomplishments. He 
is a husband of 52 years to his devoted wife, Ruth, and a loving father 
to his son, Robert. He is also an avid collector of toy ambulances. He 
has displayed his collection at hospitals, trade shows, and even here 
in Washington, to help promote awareness for emergency medical 
services. We would be hard-pressed to find a man who has shown more 
devotion to his community, his state or his country, than Mr. Myers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in applauding 
both this man and the Yulan American Legion Ambulance Corps on the 
occasion of the 50th anniversary of their joint achievements.

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