[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO LARRY WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments 
and service contributions of Larry Williams, Veterans Services 
Coordinator for U.S. VETS-Las Vegas.
  Mr. Williams has risen above the challenges of life and has triumphed 
over adversity to become a leader in the ranks of the U.S. VETS and as 
a 2005 AmeriCorps alum. AmeriCorps is the only national service 
collaboration serving homeless veterans. Before his service with 
AmeriCorps, Larry was a recipient of their charity. On July 29, 2003, 
an AmeriCorps member reached out to him, providing guidance and 
service. Larry attributes this simple act of compassion from Ron Bass 
as his turning point from hopelessness to a renewed life and future.
  Just 3 months later, in October 2003, Larry was able to begin his 
journey of recovery upon entering the U.S. VETS-Los Angeles program. It 
was here over a 10-month period that he started to regain his 
independence and embark upon his own service within the Compensated 
Work Therapy Program. During this time he began to dream of helping 
other people in the way he had been helped by becoming an AmeriCorps 
member himself. Within a year, after being reunited with his wife and 
children in Las Vegas, Nevada, that dream of helping others came true.
  Larry's service in AmeriCorps Outreach allowed him to meet with 
homeless veterans and non-veterans alike on the streets of Las Vegas, 
in shelters and in desert camps. It is estimated by the Veterans 
Administration that there are 4,300 homeless veterans in Las Vegas 
alone. With one in every three adult homeless males being classified as 
a military veteran, Larry's personal journey has made the time and 
attention he renders a priceless contribution in helping to alleviate 
these unfortunate statistics. As Veterans Service Coordinator for U.S. 
VETS in Las Vegas, he provides clinical support services to 
approximately 450 veterans in a given year while also providing the 
support needed to help them plan for successful and stable living. 
Larry also provides residential and moral support for formerly homeless 
Veterans living at U.S. VETS.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Larry Williams for his 
shining example of hope and service. He truly is a success story that 
deserves to be told. I applaud his service and dedication and wish him 
the best in his future endeavors.

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