[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE RIVERSIDE VETERANS CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend a group 
of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the Inland Empire's 
veterans in need. There is no more appropriate time than Memorial Day 
to recognize the men and women who serve at the Riverside Veterans 
Center in Riverside, California.
  The Riverside Vets Center was established in 1981 and has served over 
6500 veterans and their families. At the Riverside Vets Center, 
veterans receive needed counseling, are involved in outreach programs 
with local schools and community-oriented volunteer programs, work with 
homeless veterans and participate in social activities. Recently, a 
writing group established at the Center by Leonard Reims and several 
other veterans, created and published a moving and inspiring collection 
of poems entitled ``Windows to our Souls.''
  I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fine staff 
whose dedication, passion and commitment ensure that the necessary 
services are available to these veterans. The current and former 
members of the staff who have made a major impact on these veterans 
include: head counselor Thomas ``Buddy'' Hawkins, Max Greenwald, 
Eleanor Parham, Marion Wilson and Rosendo Reyes.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give special recognition to 
Bill Densmore with the Riverside County Vets Service Office, VFW Post 
9223 and the Vietnam Vets of America Chapter 47 for their active 
involvement and support of the Riverside Vets Center.
  On behalf of the veterans in California's 43rd District, thank you!

                          ____________________