[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ANDY'S ARMY

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andy's Army, a 
children's volunteer organization in Connellsville, PA. During their 
last week of school vacation, members of Andy's Army sacrificed 
swimming in the pool and playing outside to raise $10,000 for victims 
of Hurricane Katrina.
  Andy's Army, formed after the death of Andrew Peperak, a 26-year 
military veteran, performs community service in the Connellsville area. 
In late August, the members collected money to donate to the American 
Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. The group sold bottled water 
at a community parade and collected money at two busy city 
intersections for three days. They set their goal at $10,000 and did 
not give up until they achieved it.
  After accomplishing their goal, Andy's Army was invited to Heinz 
Stadium to present the donation to Red Cross representatives. The kids 
were greeted by members of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. 
Inspired by their enthusiasm and hard work, Pittsburgh Steelers' wide 
receiver Hines Ward matched their contribution and donated another 
$10,000 to the relief fund.
  The kids of Andy's Army have exhibited compassion and determination 
to help others who are less fortunate than themselves. Andy's Army 
participants Alex Peperak, Charles Peperak, Luke Peperak, Elizabeth 
Sparks, Andrew Sparks, Nicole Sparks, Tyler Sparks, Ray Craig, John 
Eutsey, Ashleigh Eutsey, McKenzie Wildey, Cassie May, Courtney McClain, 
Katie Wilbur, Ashleigh Hawk and Tiffany Sherbondy all deserve our 
thanks and congratulations on their hard work to give an extraordinary 
$10,000 contribution to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

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