[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO HILDA DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Hilda Davis, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer 
Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's 
Veterans Advisory Council.
  Hilda Davis's husband belongs to the Elks Association's Essex Lodge 
No. 1866. The lodge visits the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation Extended 
Care Center, BRECC, frequently, and Hilda's involvement in these visits 
has increased throughout the years. Not only does Hilda do extensive 
work for the veterans at the BRECC, but she volunteers at other lodges 
when they invite veterans to their facilities for various events.
  Hilda spends several hours a month volunteering at the BRECC, but she 
also spends many more hours doing behind the scenes work for BRECC 
events. For every holiday and party, Hilda makes sure she buys 
decorations and other festive items that can be used for events with 
and for the veterans.
  During her spare time, Hilda also writes letters to different 
businesses and organizations asking for donations, either monetary or 
items that can be used for events for the veterans or given directly to 
the veterans themselves. Whenever Hilda learns of a female veteran 
patient at the BRECC, she makes personal comfort kits to take them. 
Because the BRECC facility does not have a canteen, Hilda will also 
periodically make snack bags to bring to the patients when the lodge 
makes their monthly visits to the veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Hilda 
Davis. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through 
her ongoing efforts, she has brought joy and delight to the hundreds of 
veterans she has worked with. Hilda has gone above and beyond the call 
of duty to aid those who have sacrificed to serve our great Nation.

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