[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JACQUELINE KONOPKA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2008

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, volunteers who work on behalf of 
public safety officers thicken and strengthen the Thin Blue Line.
  Tens of thousands of police officers daily risk the ultimate 
sacrifice in order to serve a greater good. These public servants have 
a friend behind the scenes working on their behalf in the Law 
Enforcement Assistance Connection Inc.
  Today, I call the House's attention to Jacqueline Konopka, a 25-year-
old constituent from Newnan in Georgia's Third Congressional District. 
Jackie has gone above and beyond to aid the Law Enforcement Assistance 
Connection.
  A flight attendant for AirTran Airways, Jackie became involved with 
LEAC after meeting the organization's founder and leader on one of her 
flights. Terry Hunt's description of his work on behalf of law 
enforcement on that fateful flight won over a new and tireless 
volunteer. But Konopka says she's an easy sell when it comes to aiding 
public safety officials. ``As a flight attendant,'' she says, ``public 
safety is my No. 1 priority.''
  Today, Hunt sees Konopka's work as integral to his organization's 
mission: ``Jacqueline Konopka has shown me the true meaning of life and 
inspired me to achieve and overcome personal and professional 
obstacles. A loyal friend and adviser, Jackie is someone I admire for 
her perseverance, leadership skills, drive and dedication in all she 
has done and continues to do. She is extremely special to me--in fact, 
it's not a stretch to say that had it not been for her willingness and 
selflessness to advance LEAC's goals, this organization would not 
function.''
  LEAC takes part in various activities to promote the welfare of law 
enforcement authorities, including the Annual Benefit for the National 
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Gala in Washington, the Annual 
Charitable Golf Classic to support the Law Enforcement Assistance 
Connection; and A Matter of Honor Annual Golf Event and Gala for the 
National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington.
  Konopka helps plan and organize these events, but she describes her 
efforts on behalf of the LEAC as mainly ``serving as a support for 
Terry.'' Nevertheless, she's breaking new ground on her own by 
spearheading a ``night out'' for victims of violent crime. Konopka says 
she wants the event, planned for 2009 in Washington, to call attention 
to the fact that 1 out of 3 in this country are sexually assaulted at 
some point in their lives.
  Madam Speaker, I hope the House will join me in thanking and 
congratulating Jacqueline Konopka and the Law Enforcement Assistance 
Connection Inc. for all that they give and all that they do to support 
the public servants who do so much for all Americans.

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