[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H8970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2245
       HONORING VETERANS AND THEIR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Regula). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Pearl Harbor 
Day, to honor those who fought for us in World War II and those who 
lost their lives this day 65 years ago. Also I am honored to pay 
tribute to two extraordinary veterans from Winston-Salem, North 
Carolina who continue to work tirelessly for our country and its 
veterans.
  These distinguished men have served our Nation with bravery and 
honor, and years after they have retired from active duty their 
commitment to community and other veterans remains an important part of 
their lives.
  Sergeant George W. Carter served in the United States Army during the 
Korean War and earned the Silver Star for gallantry against an armed 
enemy. In addition to earning the Silver Star, Mr. Carter was awarded 
the Bronze Star with two V's, along with the Purple Heart, Army Good 
Conduct Medal, Occupation of Japan Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal and several other medals. After the war, Mr. Carter served 5 
years in the Reserves and then returned to the trucking industry, from 
which he retired in 1994.
  In 1999, Mr. Carter was employed by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs as a security guard. At the age of 76, Mr. Carter retired from 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, but did not retire from service to 
his country.
  In 2003, Mr. Carter began volunteering at the Winston-Salem 
outpatient clinic 3 days a week. He often picks up Krispy Kreme donuts 
at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at the outpatient clinic at 6 a.m. to set up 
coffee tables, napkins and snacks before the first patients arrive.
  Today, December 7, 2006, Mr. Carter at 79 years old is still serving 
his country. In the last 3 years, he has volunteered over 2,000 hours 
to serve, console and support veterans.
  Another distinguished gentleman is Mr. Howard Petree, a World War II 
and Korean War veteran who also continues to serve his country and 
community with honor and dedication long after his active military 
service.
  He served in the United States Army stateside in World War II after 
being drafted in 1943. In 1946, Mr. Petree served in the Army Field 
Artillery with a T-4 rank. He also served in the Korean War as a First 
Class Supply Sergeant. After being honorably discharged in 1952, Mr. 
Petree worked in a local municipality as a commercial water repairman 
for 32 years.
  In 1997, Mr. Petree became one of the first volunteers at the 
Winston-Salem Outpatient Clinic. He volunteered from 6:45 a.m. until 12 
noon 3 days a week until 2005. In 2005, he reduced his volunteer time 
to 2 days a week.
  Mr. Petree also volunteers setting up coffee tables, napkins and 
snacks before the first patients arrive. He serves coffee, as well as 
answers questions for veterans and shares his experiences with them.
  Today, Mr. Petree at 84 years old is still serving his country out of 
a selfless personal obligation to help others and to connect and assist 
other veterans. In the last 8 years, he has volunteered over 4,000 
hours.
  It is appropriate to honor these two gentlemen today. Years after 
their active military service, they continue to work with veterans and 
support those who have defended our country from tyranny and 
oppression, just as they themselves did. Although these men may no 
longer wear the uniform on active duty, their obligation and love of 
this country continues.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. George W. Carter and 
Mr. Howard Petree for their steadfast and faithful service to this 
Nation and their continued work with the very men and women who have 
made this the free country that it is today. The Winston-Salem 
Outpatient Clinic is lucky to have such fine men who are a inspiration 
to us all.

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