[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E795-E796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that 
``everyone can be great because anyone can serve.''

[[Page E796]]

  I am pleased to rise today to honor six heroic and dedicated men and 
women who responded to this call of greatness. These six individuals 
have dedicated their lives to helping others in need by working in the 
emergency medical and ambulance services profession.
  Whenever we face a medical emergency, whether it is a family member, 
a friend or coworker, the first thing we do is call for an ambulance. 
According to some estimates, there are almost 960 million ambulance 
trips made each year in the United States.
  And the first people to respond to these emergencies are the millions 
of emergency medical professionals whose skills and training 
significantly improve the survival of the patient. As a result of their 
selfless acts, these courageous and devoted men and women save the 
lives of thousands of Americans each year. While these professionals do 
not expect to receive recognition for their work, they deserve our 
sincere gratitude.
  I am fortunate to have met with a number of medics from Oregon and 
have heard firsthand accounts of their tireless efforts to serve their 
communities on a daily basis. They are truly America's health care 
safety net.
  For the past nine years, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) has 
recognized those emergency, medical and ambulance service professionals 
who exemplify what is best about their field, and bestow upon them the 
Stars of Life award. These appropriately designated Stars of Life have 
been selected by their peers to represent them in Washington, DC as 
part of pre-National EMS Week activities. The highlight of their visit 
to our Nation's capital is an awards banquet where they are presented 
with this prestigious award. The American Ambulance Association is 
honoring 113 Stars of Life this year.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that, of these 113 Stars of Life, 6 are 
from my congressional district in Oregon.
  They are: Victor Hoffer, Randy Johnson, Dawn Poetter, Candy 
Schneider, Frank Wallender, and Bill Wildman.
  Our Nation is blessed by people like Victor, Dawn, Randy, Candy, 
Frank, and Bill who made a decision to devote their lives to helping 
other people and serving their communities.
  I am immensely proud of all of their accomplishments. I hope that 
they are also beaming with pride in what they have achieved. Oregon is 
privileged to be protected by such devoted and courageous men and 
women.
  Dr. King reminded us that everyone can be great. These six 
individuals have lived it.

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