[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF CURTIS RELIFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work and 
inspiring courage of Curtis Reliford. Mr. Reliford's life story 
reflects the best of the American Spirit and reveals the incredible 
generosity to our nation's people.
  Mr. Reliford experienced a troubled youth in his native Louisiana. In 
his early years, he was lured down the self destructive, illusionary 
path of drugs, alcohol, and money, all resulting in dead ends and 
unhappiness. Twenty one years ago, after much contemplation and 
perseverance, Curtis decided to move to California, with the hope of 
creating a better life for himself. In Santa Cruz, CA Curtis has found 
himself by aiding those who need a hand. He is an active member of the 
NAACP, and created his own business as a landscaper, a skill he used, 
and will continue to use, in Hurricane destroyed New Orleans. Through 
strong determination, great self-sacrifice, and enduring dedication, 
Mr. Reliford began his long healing process. He believes, and has 
proven, his calling to aid those who require and ask for assistance.
  The fruits of Mr. Reliford's life transformation have been truly 
spectacular, not only benefiting our local community, but touching 
people's lives on a national level. Mr. Reliford is a small business 
owner and has started a non-profit community support group ``Brothers 
teaching Brother.'' Most recently, Mr. Reliford has turned his sights 
back on his native Louisiana. Due to his selflessness, Curtis has been 
awarded the Jefferson Award from the County of Santa Cruz. His 
commitment to the assistance of others is inspiring. He also shows no 
signs of stopping.
  After witnessing the devastating destruction wrought by Hurricane 
Katrina, Mr. Reliford, inspired by his daughter's proclamation of 
``Daddy, you can do anything!'' decided to focus his nurturing spirit 
on the people devastated by Katrina. He began taking donations in 
Downtown Santa Cruz, in order to raise funds for those who lost their 
homes. Enough was collected to make a life altering trip down to 
Louisiana. Mr. Reliford has now completed three relief trips to the 
Gulf Coast, but he believes his work will not be complete until every 
person who lost their home receives full assistance. Mr. Reliford is 
setting up a new organization, ``Follow Your Heart Action Network'', 
dedicated to bringing continued help to people in the South.
  Mr. Speaker, it is people like Curtis Reliford that make the United 
States the great country that it is, and it's truly an honor for me to 
represent individuals like Mr. Reliford. The service of local members 
of the community is an asset to this nation, and I applaud Mr. 
Reliford's contributions. Curtis Reliford's dedication to advancing the 
condition of human welfare throughout our nation has had a positive 
impact on countless individuals, and for that reason I rise in honoring 
him.

                          ____________________