[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REPORT FROM WAYNE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my ``Report from 
Indiana`` where I honor distinguished Hoosiers who are actively engaged 
in their communities helping others.
  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 have 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 recognized this genuine Hoosier Hero in Wayne County at a Lincoln 
Day dinner speech. She is Violet Backmeyer, whose commitment and 
service to the needy has been just as strong and successful. By working 
tirelessly on behalf of the less fortunate, Violet epitomizes a Hoosier 
Hero.
  For the past 15 years, Violet has served as a Wayne Township Trustee. 
She has given invaluable service to the Salvation Army and various food 
pantries both providing aid to the desperately poor.
  Violet's work has given so many people the most precious gift 
possible, hope. She doesn't do it for the pay, which is zilch, she does 
it for the smiles and laughter. You are a true hero in my book, doing 
good works for others with no other motive than Christian charity.
  Violet Backmeyer deserves the gratitude of her country, state, and 
nation, and I thank her here today on the floor of the House of 
Representatives.

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