[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ``DIGGER'' O'DELL, 2007 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald 
``Digger'' O'Dell upon receiving the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. 
It is with great admiration I congratulate Donald ``Digger'' O'Dell on 
behalf of all those who have benefited from his hard work and 
dedication.
  Digger O'Dell is a lifelong resident of Chelsea, Michigan. He served 
his country in the Korean War from 1952 to 1955, and continues to serve 
his country and his community through his continuous acts of kindness. 
Whether it is helping to roof a home, cleaning the snow off a sidewalk, 
or taking someone to the airport or hospital, he never seeks 
acknowledgement in the things that he does, because in his own words, 
``it's what human beings should do.''
  Mr. O'Dell is retired from Chelsea Proving Grounds and has been a 
part-time employee of Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home for the past 25 
years. He is a member of the Washtenaw County Veterans Honor Guard and 
performs on average 100 military funerals per year. Digger has been a 
member of the American Legion Post 31 and the VFW Post 4076 for well 
over 50 years.
  The most thoughtful act of kindness occurred this past year when 
Digger and his wife Margaret placed over 1,200 flags on graves of 
veterans in the Chelsea area. They have done this meaningful job for 
many years, but this year they had no assistance. As he continues to 
serve his country and his community, it is realized that Donald 
``Digger'' O'Dell is one of the unsung heroes of Chelsea.
  I personally thank Donald ``Digger'' O'Dell for his continued service 
to his country and the Chelsea community. May others know of my high 
regard for his selfless contributions and service to others, as well as 
my best wishes for him in the future.

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