[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO NANCY RIVARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to pay tribute to one of my 
most extraordinary constituents, a beacon of kindness in the world, Ms. 
Nancy Rivard. This outstanding woman is a former airline attendant who 
single-handedly founded the Airline Ambassadors International (AAI), an 
extraordinary non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives 
of needy children from all over the world.
  Ms. Rivard's desire to establish this organization, dedicated to 
making a difference in the lives of needy children began over ten years 
ago. After years of trial, turmoil and rejection her dream finally 
became a reality when AAI was founded in 1996. Every year this 
wonderful organization makes a difference in the lives of over 100,000 
children in 25 of the world's most troubled countries by having its 
members hand-deliver food, clothing, medicine, school supplies and 
personal care products directly to the children in the receiving 
countries. Since its inception AAI has seen the ranks of its volunteers 
grow to more than 400 people who have contributed over 600,000 hours of 
their time.
  Mr. Speaker, this remarkable organization is made up of 4 different 
components. First, the Humanitarian Aid Program coordinates the local 
effort to collect and sort humanitarian and medical supplies. 
Volunteers arrange the pick up and packing of donations and then with 
the help of a participating airline, they ship the items to the 
countries that are currently receiving aid. From there the donations 
are hand-delivered directly to the children. The volunteers also are 
involved with facility refurbishing, holiday parties and planting 
trees. Second is the Children's Escort Program, which supplies 
volunteer escorts for children in need of medical care in the United 
States. AAI provides the adoption agency or nonprofit organization with 
a previously screened and qualified escort at a significantly reduced 
airfare. The child's airfare is provided through the ``Miles for Kids'' 
program. The third component is the Youth Programs. These programs give 
young people the chance to be involved in the humanitarian missions, a 
unique opportunity that offers adolescences the chance to help needy 
kids their own age and experience kindness and compassion on a whole 
new level. AAI also co-sponsors an annual youth art competition that 
has received entries from over 60,000 children in approximately 62 
countries. Finally, the fourth component of AAI involves members 
volunteering at special events, locally, nationally and internationally 
with goals to better the world and bring goodwill into action.
  Mr. Speaker, Nancy Rivard's tireless work has helped countless 
children in their time of need. Her selflessness, passion and drive 
have not only given the world's needy children the chance to experience 
things they had only dreamed of, but more importantly, she has given 
these children a glimmer of hope. Her plan to build Airline Ambassadors 
into an organization of even more strength and ability is an ambitious 
plan, one that should be applauded. Nancy was recently presented with a 
well-deserved ``National Caring Award'' for her accomplishments with 
AAI.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to say that this remarkable woman is one of 
my longtime constituents and it delights me to think that I am 
representing such a fine example of the American people. I urge all my 
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Nancy Rivard, for this 
exceptional woman is truly an inspiration to all of us, proving that 
one person can make a difference.

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