[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO DUANE SCOTT SPENCER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of this 
body the passing of Mr. Duane Scott Spencer. Mr. Spencer is an unsung 
American hero.
  Duane Spencer's life was cut short on July 9, 2002, at the age of 36, 
when he died in an automobile accident while driving home from 
volunteering at a homeless veterans' shelter, ``The Home of the 
Brave.'' Mr. Spencer dedicated his life to the empowerment and progress 
of others through his commitment to the Paralyzed Veterans of America 
(PVA) and educational efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.
  Born on July 12, 1965, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Duane Spencer was 
the son of Earl ``Dean'' Spencer and Elsie ``Bobbie'' Stephens Spencer. 
Upon his graduation from high school, Mr. Spencer served his country as 
a member of the 82nd Airborne Division U.S. Paratroopers in Fort Bragg, 
North Carolina until an accident that left him paralyzed.
  Duane overcame this hardship, becoming a tireless disability 
advocate, teacher, and role model.
  Duane Spencer did not know the meaning of the word ``handicapped.'' 
As sports director for the Delaware/Maryland PVA he organized and 
participated in wheel chair basketball and softball, received countless 
gold and silver medals in the PVA games, and enjoyed trap-shooting and 
fishing. Duane served on the Delaware/Maryland PVA board of directors 
for several years and later became the Volunteer Liaison Officer for 
the PVA National Office here in Washington, DC. In this role, he was a 
frequent visitor to Capitol Hill, advocating for veterans, paralyzed 
veterans, and the disabled.
  Duane will be missed. In addition to his parents, he is survived by 
his wife of 13 years, Nancy J. Spencer, his step-daughter, Adena J. 
Hash, two grandsons, Ryan A. and Trent B. Johnson, and sisters Robin 
and Sherrie Spencer.
  The state of Maryland and our great Nation are proud to recognize 
individuals, such as Mr. Spencer, who overcome and rise above hardship, 
challenge the concept of personal limitations, and demonstrate true 
courage. Duane Spencer broke barriers in his life while volunteering to 
help others. In death, as in life, Duane is an American hero.

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