[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ``A TRIBUTE TO ERNIE ARMSTEAD, TOP SENIOR VOLUNTEER''

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                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, senior citizens across the 
country are setting an example for all of us of the value and virtue of 
volunteerism, but Ernie Armstead of San Bernardino is a standout even 
among these hard-working civic champions. The senior volunteers and 
those who work with them in San Bernardino County, who know the hard 
work of Ernie Armstead, were delighted this year when he was one of 
five recipients of the prestigious National Community Spirit Award from 
the American Association of Retired Persons.
  Mr. Armstead, who is retired from the Air Force and the U.S. Postal 
Service, has for the past six years been organizing programs to educate 
the senior population about everything from Medicare to legislative 
issues to how to get help with tax preparation. He now serves as 
community relations coordinator for 36 area AARP chapters, and has been 
a member of the County Senior Citizens Affairs Commission since 1995. 
He is chairman of the commission's Senior Housing Subcommittee, and as 
liaison between the commission and AARP.
  Among his accomplishments, Mr. Armstead created an innovative program 
in my hometown of Redlands known as Dinner and Dialogue, which brings 
together people in their 50s and 60s for a meal and discussion of 
issues that concern them. The popular dinners have brought in speakers 
from around the county to discuss senior programs and answer questions. 
It is one of many examples of opportunities Mr. Armstead seeks for 
seniors to create and expand networks across political, ethnic and age 
groups.
  Mr. Speaker, all of the people of San Bernardino County benefit from 
the hard work by exemplary senior volunteers like Ernie Annstead. I ask 
you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on being honored 
with the National Community Spirit Award, and wish him well in his 
continuing volunteer work in our county.

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