[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MARY ANNE CASADEI

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Anne 
Casadei, President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New 
York Inc. for her outstanding efforts in assisting veterans and 
children. Ms. Casadei's dedicated service and leadership has helped 
enhance the quality of life for many veterans and children in the Rome, 
New York area. I applaud Ms. Casadei's achievements and those of the 
American Legion Auxiliary.
  I am inserting into the Congressional Record, an article that 
outlines Ms. Casadei's accomplishments for the review of my colleagues.

 Article by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New York, Inc.

       Mary Anne Casadei is a resident of Rome, New York. She is 
     currently serving as President of the American Legion 
     Auxiliary, Department of New York.
       As a member of the largest women's patriotic organization 
     in the world, assisting veterans is a top priority. She 
     volunteers at the Rome Veterans Administration Clinic and 
     Memorial Hospital. Mary Anne is the founder and Coordinator 
     of the Griffiss Independent Veterans Effort Program (G.I.V.E. 
     Program), which supports the Griffiss VA Clinic with 
     donations and supplies.
       One of the major programs that the American Legion 
     Auxiliary deals in, involves Children and Youth. Not only has 
     President Casadei been the recipient of State and National 
     Awards for her auxiliary efforts, she has also served as a 
     Youth Director for the Rome Family YMCA. As Youth Director 
     she led programs for youth at risk and for developmentally 
     delayed participants from age 8 to adults. In addition, 
     President Casadei is involved in the Family Nurturing Center 
     of Central New York State as a facilitator of parenting 
     programs. She is also involved at the Court Street Diagnostic 
     and Treatment in the Social Work Development.
       As President of this great organization her focus is on 
     Parkinson's Disease. No one knows the causes of Parkinson's 
     Disease; therefore monies raised will go toward much needed 
     research. The Parkinson's Alliance goal is to find a cure by 
     2005. Due to the generosity and commitment of the Tugman 
     Family Foundation, all donations received by the American 
     Legion Auxiliary during Mary Anne's year as Department 
     President will be matched dollar-for-dollar. ``We have an 
     amazing opportunity to make a difference,'' said President 
     Casadei. President Casadei's passion for this program can be 
     attributed to the love and support she has for her ailing 
     mother who suffers from Parkinson's disease. Ms. Casadei and 
     her family have seen this disease ravage her mother's body 
     and take away her independence. However, she and her family 
     remain confident that a cure for this dreadful disease will 
     eventually become a reality. The Veteran's Administration has 
     recently allocated funds to six VA facilities to be used 
     directly for Parkinson's research. These allocations are a 
     crucial component in the quest to find a cure for this 
     devastating disease.
       President Casadei is also a strong supporter to an 
     amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban burning of 
     the American flag. Traveling throughout the 62 counties in 
     New York State, President Casadei has vowed to protect the 
     American Flag from physical desecration. The prominence of 
     the American flag in just hours following the September 11th 
     attacks on America is a matter of visual record that will 
     stand for some time. Americans revere the Flag as a symbol 
     that unites us all across our great nation.
       President Casadei's leadership and loyalty is evident not 
     only to the American Legion Auxiliary but throughout her 
     community; to her family and friends; and especially to the 
     veterans that sacrificed their lives while defending our 
     country.

     

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