[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MARY ANN KECKLER, HERNANDO COUNTY, FL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise 
a hard-working woman, Mrs. Mary Ann Keckler, who is dedicated to 
supporting local veterans. Hernando County is fortunate to have Mrs. 
Keckler in our community.
  Mrs. Keckler served in the United States Navy from 1959-1962. She 
currently heads Hernando County's Veteran Affairs Roundtable and is 
commander of the local Disabled American Veterans.
  Mrs. Keckler has joined forces with Hillsborough County veterans 
advocates to raise money for Operation Haley House, the local version 
of the Fisher House. Donations to Operation Haley House will provide 
the families of injured American soldiers a place to stay when visiting 
loved ones undergoing long-term rehabilitation. Many area families are 
faced with the high costs of expensive room and board when visiting 
relatives at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa. Plans are 
currently under way to begin building what will be known as the Haley 
House to elevate this costly burden on military families.
  Mary Ann's efforts to improve the lives of injured American soldiers 
and their families deserves to be recognized.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to represent Mary Ann Keckler, and to 
honor her for working with our local veterans.

                          ____________________