[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF PATRICIA CICHOWICZ

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor of Patricia 
Cichowicz for her unflagging dedication to serving Northeast Ohio 
veterans.
  Born to Emmett and Ann Holleran, Patricia excelled at school and 
developed a deep consideration for the most vulnerable in our midst. 
During her undergraduate and graduate studies, Patricia taught 
elementary school at St. Stanislaus and St. Vincent de Paul. After 
graduation, her devotion to our community's children continued as she 
taught special education at St. Thomas More.
  Eager to spread her generosity to other members of the community, 
Patricia sought opportunities to serve other vulnerable populations. 
Her search brought her to cross paths with Martin Virsis and Joe Paul, 
two men on similar journeys to serve the community. They began Mobil 
Martin, an ambulette business that transports disabled veterans around 
the community. Since 1996, when Mobil Martin comprised three vans and a 
dining room office, they have been a vital resource for Cleveland's 
veteran community.
  Despite the sacrifices that veterans make in service to their 
country, once they leave active duty their efforts can go unrecognized. 
Patricia and everyone at Mobil Martin recognized the injustice inherent 
in the treatment of veterans, and set to ensure they have the resources 
to meet their needs. Since Mobil Martin's inception, Patricia's 
dedication has been evident in everything she has done, from helping 
the organization in its infancy, to ensuring all the veterans had shoes 
or lap blankets.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Patricia 
Cichowicz for all her contributions to the Cleveland community. May her 
commitment to veterans serve as an example for us all, that we may 
repay their service with our own compassion.

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