[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CHISHOLM TRAIL CHAPTER ON THEIR 90 
                            YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Chisholm 
Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross as they celebrate 90 years of 
service in Texas, including my district in the Fort Worth area.
  Chartered in 1916 in response to World War I, the American Red Cross 
Chisholm Trail Chapter has been present during both local and national 
events in U.S. history. The passionate volunteers and staff that make 
up the Chisholm Trail Chapter provide care, comfort and lifesaving 
skills to residents in my District. Headquartered in Fort Worth, the 
Chisholm Trail Chapter serves its neighbors by providing a variety of 
services throughout 23 counties, from the Tarrant County line to San 
Angelo.
  The Chapter's variety of programs and services extend to all members 
of the Fort Worth community at home, in school, and in the workplace. 
Last year, over 111,000 people were helped by the WHEELS Transportation 
Service. This program assists older Americans and people with 
disabilities who need to help keeping their medical and vocational 
appointments by providing necessary means of transportation.
  Constantly striving to ensure the health and safety of my 
constituents, the Chapter provides training in first aid, CPR, 
swimming, lifeguarding, and babysitting. Last year, the Chapter 
enrolled over 41,000 people in their Health and Safety Programs.
  I am particularly impressed with their Armed Forces Emergency 
Services program. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the 
Chisholm Trail Chapter helps military members and their families stay 
in touch by providing timely, accurate and verified information 
following the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of 
a child or other critical family matter.
  The Chisholm Trail Chapter has touched me personally as well. On 
March 28, 2000, an F-2 tornado formed and took aim at Tarrant County. 
Five lives were lost and homes and businesses were destroyed. The 
tornado began just west of downtown and made a direct hit on the Cash 
America building, where my office was located. From there, the storm 
intensified into an F-3 twister and leveled an Arlington neighborhood.

  The Chisholm Trail Chapter responded in force to the tornadoes, 
meeting the physical and emotional needs of thousands of families. An 
American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle made its way to my office 
building several times each day for nearly two weeks, distributing 
meals and bottled water to the work crews attempting to salvage what 
was left from the debris.
  In addition to meeting local community needs through essential 
programs and services, the Chisholm Trail Chapter has responded to the 
needs of our nation and the world by sending volunteers into a 
terrorist attack site following the events of September 11, 2001, and 
raising nearly $2 million locally to help south Asian tsunami victims 
in 2004. Prior to landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the Chapter deployed 
local volunteers to Louisiana.
  The Chisholm Trail Chapter met the call to serve those left 
devastated in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita by opening eight 
shelters, housing 1,200 evacuees and providing 576,137 meals. During 
the months of September and October 2005, the Chapter served over 7,000 
families and offered 6,606 mental health contacts to those in need of 
emotional assistance. This coordinated response exemplifies the 
Chapter's dedication to guaranteeing the health and well-being of those 
who have experienced the effects of natural disasters.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 
American Red Cross Chisholm Trail Chapter on its 90th birthday. With 
congratulations and gratitude for the excellent work they do to enrich 
our lives, I am pleased to acknowledge their service to our communities 
throughout the Fort Worth area and all corners of this great nation.

                          ____________________