[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRANDI HINDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GEOFF DAVIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 7, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a young 
combat veteran whose efforts in an Afghani hospital embody the 
characteristics of a true humanitarian.
  From May 5, 2007 to September 11, 2007, Brandi Hinds served as an 
Emergency Medical Technician with the 455th M.D.O.S. at Bagram Air Base 
in Afghanistan. While providing medical care in the local Afghani 
hospitals, Brandi noticed the day to day struggles that the Afghani 
people face, particularly the children. Brandi made it her mission to 
restore some normalcy to their lives in the midst of the chaos. Instead 
of writing home and asking for items that she needed, Brandi selflessly 
requested that friends and family members send items for the young 
children at the hospital. Shortly thereafter, packages began to arrive 
from home filled with toys and other small novelty and recreation 
items. Brandi's efforts brought joy to the many children she 
encountered. After her departure, Air Force Chaplain CPT Terri Gast 
continues to distribute the gifts to the Afghani children. What began 
as the desire of one individual to make a small difference has grown 
into a program fittingly named ``Brandi's Kids.''
  Brandi's service and sacrifice has inspired the many whose lives she 
has touched. Today, Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives 
to recognize Brandi's tireless dedication to the children of 
Afghanistan and thank her for her service to our great Nation.

                          ____________________