[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING SAM KELTNER OF VIRGINIA BEACH

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                          HON. THELMA D. DRAKE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of Sam Keltner of Virginia Beach, and to commend him on 
becoming a Congressional Award Gold Medalist. This recognition by the 
United States Congress is the highest honor bestowed upon America's 
youth. It serves as a testament to Sam's strength of character and 
commitment to our national values of dedication to public service and 
the cherished qualities of personal growth, initiative, and 
achievement, all of which are cornerstones of the Congressional Award.
  Sam's volunteer efforts are tremendous, speaking very highly of him 
and his level of commitment to the community and to public service. In 
earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Sam worked on behalf of Real Life 
Christian Church to help others, providing moveable storage crates for 
the church and fellowship. In addition, he continues to be active 
within the Boy Scouts of America, BSA, Tidewater Council, serving as 
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader, completing the 
Venturing Scout program, receiving the BSA Tidewater Council Venturing 
Leadership Award, and participating in the Physical Fitness QUEST 
program.
  Sam has devoted time and energy to excellence in physical fitness, 
improving his speed in running and playing a diversity of sports. His 
incredible effort enabled him to reach a time of a little over 14 
minutes for a 5k run. By maintaining his own physical fitness, Sam 
continues to push himself to achieve more, and engage in new 
opportunities for advanced leadership experience including the 2006 
COPE Program, his membership with U.S. Track and Field, and his 
involvement with the First Colonial High School Varsity Cross Country 
Track Team.
  Sam has become a role model not only for his peers, but for the large 
community around him. Upon receiving the Congressional Medal, he joins 
a most elite group of our Nation's youth who have set and achieved this 
very commendable goal. I am certain Sam's incredible accomplishments, 
dedication to service, and evident leadership talents will continue to 
speak highly of him, as they do now.

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