[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E445-E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   REPORT FROM INDIANA--PORTER COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 1999

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my ``Report from 
Indiana'' where I honor distinguished fellow Hoosiers who are actively 
engaged in their communities helping others. Today, I want to mention a 
true gentleman from Porter County, Indiana who I had the privilege of 
meeting recently.
  Mr. Speaker, it has always been my strong belief that individuals and 
communities can do a better job of caring for those who need help in 
our society than the federal government. The wonderfully kind and 
committed Hoosiers who I have met traveling around Indiana has not 
changed my view.
  Ruthie and I have met hundreds of individuals who are committed to 
making our communities a better place in which to live and raise our 
children--we call them ``Hoosier Heroes.''
  I met a genuine Hoosier Hero in Porter County, Indiana recently. He 
is Pat Bankston who is on the Board of Christian Community Action which 
runs a homeless shelter for those who don't have a roof over their 
heads. Pat chaired the ``Raise the Barn'' effort at Sunset Hill County 
Park. He also serves on the Board of the Volunteers of Greater 
Valparaiso working to instill the spirit of voluntarism throughout the 
community. Pat's work has given so many people the most precious gift 
possible, hope.

[[Page E446]]

  He doesn't do it for the pay, which is zilch; he does it for the 
smiles and laughter. He is a true hero in my book, good works for 
others with no other motive than Christian charity.
  Pat deserves the gratitude of his county, state, and nation and I 
thank him here today on the floor of the House of Representatives.

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