[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF STAND UP EFFORTS OF STAND DOWN

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2007

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of Ventura County Stand Down, which this weekend will mark 
15 years of helping homeless veterans combat life on the streets.
  During the three-day, two-night Stand Down, veterans will live on the 
campus of the California Army National Guard Armory in military-style 
tents erected by the Seabees. They will have access to shower 
facilities, toiletries, new and used clean clothing, and hot meals each 
day.
  Working in conjunction with dozens of public and private agencies, 
Stand Down 2007 will provide homeless veterans with a myriad of 
services such as medical treatment, legal services, prescription 
lenses, employment counseling and referrals, VA benefits, drug and 
alcohol counseling, general relief information, transitional housing 
information, along with a range of other government and social 
services.
  It's a monumental undertaking. Ventura County Stand Down would not be 
a success--or have even been launched--without the skill and 
perseverance of Claire Hope, the founder and executive committee 
chairperson of Ventura County Stand Down. The daughter of a World War 
II veteran and mother of a veteran of Desert Storm, Claire Hope has a 
soft heart for veterans and a strong will to help those in need.
  She is not alone. About 300 volunteers help each year with the 
efforts. Another nearly 300 companies, corporations, and non-profit 
organizations are on board. About 20 service providers take part and 20 
committees oversee all aspects of the event, from planning, to 
execution, to cleanup, to follow-up.
  Many of the volunteers have been with Claire since the beginning. 
While I can't name them all, I would be remiss without noting several 
key people whose efforts have meant so much to our veterans. They 
include:
  Duane Dammeyer, Public Defender; J. Roger Myers, Legal Counsel; Bob 
Reeves, Grounds; Hal Nachenberg, VA Benefits and Services; Joseph 
Narkevitz and Robert Reed, PTSD & Intervention Counseling; Herb 
Williams, On-Site Activities; Bob Adams, Job Placement; Betty Zamost, 
Homeless Program VA Administration; Judge John Dobroth, Superior Court; 
Dr. Cal Farmer, Entertainment/Ambiance; Madeline Lee, Toiletries; Marie 
Williams, Transportation; Gene Ogden, Adopt-A-Veteran Program; and, 
Mary Ann Foushee, Social Security Administration.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
importance of Ventura County Stand Down and in thanking Claire Hope and 
her myriad of volunteers for their selfless efforts in helping those 
who served our country and who fell on hard times to have a fighting 
chance to resume a life of stability and peace. It's a yeoman's effort, 
and one worth undertaking.

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