[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 96 (Thursday, June 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1297-E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF UNSUNG HEROES HELPING HEROES, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Unsung Heroes Helping Heroes, Inc., an outstanding organization that 
provides assistance to sick and injured 9/11 responders and works to 
help secure proper health care and compensation for the thousands of 
men and women who are

[[Page E1298]]

struggling with serious health problems caused by 9/11. In particular, 
I would like to recognize the achievements of the Co-Founders of Unsung 
Heroes, John Sferazo and Marvin Bethea, as well as the organization's 
treasurer, Mike Arcari, and secretary, Julie Hernandez.
  John Sferazo arrived at Ground Zero on the morning of September 12th. 
A structural iron worker, John immediately began removing crushed 
vehicles from the site. For the next 30 days, John cut through and 
removed iron and steel to try to rescue or recover those trapped under 
the pile. John suffered significant damage to his lungs as a result of 
his work and has not been able to perform his regular job since August 
1, 2004. Since that time, he has poured his considerable energies into 
helping others, primarily through his work as the President of Unsung 
Heroes Helping Heroes.
  An independent paramedic with a private hospital, Marvin Bethea was 
dispatched to Ground Zero on September 11th by the New York City Fire 
Department. Marvin was a block away from Ground Zero when the first 
tower fell. He was buried in the lobby of a nearby bank building, but 
was able to get out and attend to the medical needs of people nearby. 
When the second Trade Center tower collapsed, Marvin was again covered 
in debris. Marvin returned to Ground Zero on September 14th to continue 
giving medical assistance to victims and to rescue workers. Five weeks 
later, he suffered a stroke attributed to 9/11. Like his friend and 
colleague John Sferazo, he has since worked tirelessly, despite major, 
persistent health problems, to help others.
  In a few short years, Unsung Heroes Helping Heroes has established an 
impressive track record of advocacy on the city, state and federal 
levels. In 2006, the organization worked with the State of New York to 
extend the deadline for 9/11 responders to apply for workers' 
compensation benefits. I was proud to work with Unsung Heroes in our 
successful campaign to provide the very first federal funding for 9/11 
health care needs. In support of their very worthy cause, John and 
Marvin have organized countless press conferences, rallies and 
fundraisers, and have lobbied officials on all levels of government.

  Madam Speaker, as John and Marvin and their colleagues would no doubt 
tell you, we are in the middle of a gathering health crisis. The deaths 
of at least eight 9/11 responders have been widely documented in the 
media, although I believe that there are many more untimely deaths out 
there that have yet to come to light. I strongly believe that we must 
act now to make sure that tragedies like these never happen again. If 
we fail to meet our obligation to care for those sickened or injured by 
9/11, I fear that no one will be either willing or able to help in the 
event of a future disaster.
  I believe that all Americans should be proud of leaders like John 
Sferazo and Marvin Bethea and their colleagues at Unsung Heroes Helping 
Heroes, who have dedicated themselves to making sure that in America, 
we will take care of those who take care of us. Madam Speaker, I ask 
that my distinguished colleagues join me in saluting Unsung Heroes 
Helping Heroes, Inc.

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