[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5713-S5714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING DENNIS MANSFIELD--AN OUTSTANDING HOOSIER DAD

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I am proud to have the opportunity 
today to honor Dennis Mansfield, an outstanding Hoosier dad, whose 
dedication to his 11-year-old daughter, Alison, was demonstrated in a 
heart-warming essay that she wrote recently.
  Last month, in anticipation of Father's Day, I asked young people 
from across Indiana to write essays about their own outstanding fathers 
as a way of recognizing Hoosier men who working hard to be good 
fathers. Alison wrote a touching essay illustrating her father's 
commitment to helping her achieve her God-given potential, by 
encouraging her to excel in school and teaching her how to be a good 
citizen.
  As a nation, we have far to go to reverse the trend of absentee 
fathers, but there are millions of men, including Dennis, who are 
already going the extra mile for their children, and they deserve our 
thanks this Father's Day. By holding men like Dennis up as responsible 
fathers, I also hope to encourage other men to play a bigger role in 
their children's lives.
  Despite holding a demanding job in a hospital emergency room, Dennis 
always makes time for his daughter and has instilled in her the value 
of helping others. There is no question that the world would be a far 
better place if every child was able to have the support of a father 
like Dennis. By building strong family bonds, he has earned not only 
his daughter's love but serves as a role model for the community as 
well.
  Today, I thank Dennis for his devotion to his daughter and for 
setting an example for all of us of what it means to be an outstanding 
dad. It is my honor to read Alison's essay into the Congressional 
Record of the United States:

       I think my dad is outstanding for three reasons. First, he 
     is always there for me. Even when he is busy, Dad can always 
     find time to do something fun with me.
       Second, Dad has taught me many important things. He has 
     been a great teacher from riding a bike, to being a good 
     citizen, to medical terminology and good character.

[[Page S5714]]

       Third, Dad is also a good role model. He works in the 
     emergency room and sometimes has to work at night and sleep 
     during the day. I think it would be very stressful to handle 
     emergencies and keep a calm demeanor, but he always does. Dad 
     does this because he wants to help people. I admire him for 
     that.
       Dad is outstanding because he is there for me, has fun with 
     me, teaches me, helps others and because he is simply a great 
     dad!--Alison R. Mansfield, age 11.

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