[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DONORS TO TSUNAMI RELIEF

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2005

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express our Nation's 
gratitude for the El Paso community, which provided generous donations 
and assistance to help rebuild the lives of those hurt by the massive 
tsunami that crashed ashore in South Asia on December 26, 2004.
  Just a few weeks after the Asian tsunami, I traveled to South Asia 
with colleagues from the House Armed Services Committee and the House 
International Relations Committee. As part of that trip, we traveled to 
Indonesia to deliver medical supplies to help contribute to the relief 
effort and assist those touched by the tragedy.
  The most crucial component of this mission in Indonesia--providing 
medical supplies--would not be a reality without the charitable 
donations of numerous El Paso hospitals, organizations and individuals. 
Through their contributions--which amounted to nearly one ton of 
supplies such as gauze, surgical masks, syringes and antibiotics--the 
El Paso community has made a direct contribution to the relief efforts.
  We owe a great debt of gratitude to the following individuals who, 
when the call for supplies went out, answered positively and 
enthusiastically and gave generously: Hank Hernandez, CEO of Las Palmas 
and Del Sol Healthcare; Doug Matney, CEO of Sierra Providence Health 
Network; Jim Valenti, CEO of Thomason Hospital; Jerry Wilson, District 
Manager of the Walgreen Company; Gerald Rubin, President and CEO of 
Helen of Troy; and Scott Wells of Cardinal Health.
  Sadly, our world is plagued by terrorism, the war in Iraq, and now 
the mounting death toll and devastation caused by the tsunami in South 
Asia. However, the collective outpouring of compassion and quick action 
from across the globe to aid those in this time of overwhelming need is 
cause for hope.
  EI Paso has also shown that it is committed to assisting the tsunami 
victims and helping them rebuild their lives. Our entire community 
should be proud of our contributions to this effort.




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