[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO WEST POINT'S SERVICE AMERICA PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, recently I had the honor of visiting with 
the Corps of Cadets, faculty, and staff at the United States Military 
Academy. I am very grateful to Lieutenant General William Lennox, Jr., 
Superintendent; Colonel Russell Howard, Social Sciences Department 
Head; Colonel Robert Gordon III, Director, American Politics Program; 
and, of course, to the Cadets for having me.
  In addition to being able to visit with cadets and their world-class 
faculty, I had the opportunity to learn of West Point's Service America 
Program. Serving one's nation can take many forms. I found it 
especially inspiring that as the West Point cadets, America's sons and 
daughters, are preparing to defend our freedoms, they have created 
still another way to serve our great nation.
  Under the leadership of Colonel Gordon and many others, since 1997, 
cadets have been serving young people during the summer months through 
the Academy's Service America Program in Bremerton and Spokane, 
Washington; Chicago, Illinois; and Austin, Texas. The cadets have 
partnered with state and local AmeriCorps programs, America's Promise, 
the National Civilian Community Corps, and private foundations.
  In the past six years, 161 cadets have participated in West Point's 
Service America Program. The cadets have spent almost 8,000 hours 
teaching children in the classroom and have tutored or mentored over 
1,000 youngsters. Their total community service exceeds 20,000 
volunteer hours. Cadets say Service America helps prepare them to 
become better officers. Cadets are refining their leadership skills 
through positions of authority in community projects, are working 
cooperatively with AmeriCorps volunteers in solving problems, and are 
mentoring young persons from diverse backgrounds and ages.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend West Point and the cadets for their selfless 
service to our country, both on and off the battlefield. I knew that 
West Point was a national treasure long before I visited there. Now 
more than ever, I know why.

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