[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF ERIC DELUCIEN AND NEW DIRECTIONS, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues a courageous 5-day journey passing through my district on 
the Central Coast today.
  Eric DeLucien, an Americorps volunteer, is undertaking a 500 mile 
fundraising bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, California, 
which will benefit New Directions, Inc.'s education fund. New 
Directions Inc., a nonprofit self-help program, provides free 
comprehensive rehabilitative services to homeless veterans with 
histories of chronic substance abuse and other disorders like Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Through this program, veterans receive the 
encouragement and job training they need to compete in today's job 
market.
  My late husband, Walter Capps, was empathetic to the plight of all 
veterans; I share his concern and commitment to this community. I hope 
that this bicycle fundraiser will increase public awareness to the 
problems facing many of our veterans today, and I would like to thank 
New Directions, Inc. for providing the opportunities and tools they 
need to succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, I conclude that the On the Road for Homeless Vets bike 
ride is a noble cause, and commend Eric DeLucien and New Directions, 
Inc. for their dedication to improving the lives of veterans in our 
country.

                          ____________________