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




        HONORING FREDERICK RICHARDS--AN OUTSTANDING HOOSIER DAD

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I am proud to have the opportunity 
today to honor Frederick Richards, an outstanding Hoosier dad, whose 
dedication to his 16-year-old son, Corey, was demonstrated in an 
inspiring essay his son 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 are working hard to be good 
fathers. Corey wrote a touching essay illustrating his father's 
commitment to his country and his family.
  Despite being overseas while serving our country in Camp Phoenix, 
Afghanistan, as an inspector general, Frederick worked hard to stay in 
touch with his son and let him know how much he cares. A hero to our 
country and his son, Frederick has taught Corey to understand the 
difference between right and wrong and instilled in him the importance 
of helping people in need.
  As a nation, we have far to go to reverse the trend of absentee 
fathers, but there are millions of men, including Frederick, who are 
already going the extra mile for their children, and they deserve our 
thanks this Father's Day. By holding men like Frederick up as 
responsible fathers, I also hope to encourage other men to play a 
bigger role in their children's lives.
  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 Frederick. By 
building strong family bonds, he has earned not only his son's love but 
serves as a role model for the community as well.
  Today, I want to thank Frederick for his devotion to his son and for 
setting an example for all of us of what it means to be an outstanding 
dad. It is my honor to read Corey's essay into the Congressional Record 
of the United States:

       ``My dad is an `Outstanding Dad' because he is a great role 
     model. He is caring, loving, and helpful. My dad is always 
     open for a conversation and always willing to listen. He is a 
     hard worker and looks out for people in need.
       ``My dad is an `Outstanding Dad' because he has served in 
     the war. He was located in Afghanistan at Camp Phoenix and 
     was Inspector General. Even though my dad wasn't here, he was 
     still extremely supportive of me. Not only is he my dad, but 
     he is my hero too.
       ``My dad is an `Outstanding Dad' because he knows right 
     from wrong. He doesn't just give me whatever I want, he makes 
     me work for it. If I do something wrong, he will help correct 
     me. I look up to my dad everyday and he truly is an 
     `Outstanding Dad.' ''--Corey Richards, age 16.

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