[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JUDY GUERRA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, across America you can find 
people who make a difference in their community. Usually in quiet 
unassuming ways every day they help change the lives of people with 
whom they work and the neighborhoods they call home. Tonight, I rise to 
pay tribute to one such person, an outstanding and unforgettable woman 
from Indianapolis, Judy Guerra. Living by the very simple credo, ``you 
get what you give'' Judy has made such a tremendous difference in her 
community.
  A mother of two, grandmother to seven, and a successful 
businesswoman, Judy truly embodies the spirit of community service and 
friendship that we strive to live by. Whether its sponsoring a local 
girls little league team, or opening her restaurants for fundraisers 
for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Children's Bureau of 
Indianapolis, Butler University's Armed Forces Scholarship fund or just 
the local Christmas food drive, if there is a need, Judy unselfishly 
and tirelessly gives of herself to meet the challenge headon.
  Judy Guerra does not belong to St. Joan of Arc or Christ the King 
Church but they are the lucky beneficiaries of her generous donations. 
Why? Because these churches are located in her neighborhood and giving 
back to all sectors of the community resonates deep within this 
Hoosier. When senior citizens on fixed incomes visit Judy's ``Just 
Judy's'' restaurant it's not unusual for them to receive a larger than 
normal serving of soup or extra sandwich to accompany the friendly 
service with a smile. If a local family finds themselves fallen upon 
hard times they know their troubles can be left at the door as Judy and 
her daughters will welcome them with open arms and perhaps a sampling 
of the day's ``new recipes.'' And what makes every small act of concern 
and each gesture of kindness so remarkable is that they are simply 
second nature to Judy, as unconscious as breathing. As her friend 
Maureen Cox said to me in an e-mail, ``If there is a national award for 
generosity, Judy Guerra is our person,'' and I heartily agree.
  Mr. Speaker, Judy Guerra is an amazing woman, an ordinary person who 
reaches beyond herself in every way to bring hope, and opportunity, 
friendship and caring to everyone around her. I am proud to call her a 
fellow Hoosier and privileged to honor her here today.

                          ____________________