[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING JOSEPH LITTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph 
Little for being honored by the Council for Opportunity in Education 
for his educational achievements and career accomplishments. I am 
especially pleased to recognize Joseph because he is not only a worthy 
recipient, but a proud veteran and former Army Ranger. This recognition 
stems from the outstanding success Joseph has achieved while 
participating in Arizona State University's Veterans Upward Bound 
program.
  When Joseph was discharged from the Army after the Vietnam war, he 
had severe physical and emotional injuries. It took Joseph 50 surgeries 
and 30 years outside the education arena until he was ready to return 
and realize his dream. Despite his doctors and vocational 
rehabilitation counselors telling him he would never be able to earn a 
degree, Joseph earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in 
social work from Arizona State University. This recognition represents 
the tireless determination and stellar work ethic that led Joseph to 
overcome adversity and become the first member in his family to 
graduate from college.
  Joseph has worked at the Phoenix Veterans Center since 1998 and puts 
his education to good use by working with veterans with post-traumatic 
stress disorder. He is currently helping fellow veterans ranging from 
those who served in World War II to those returning from recent 
conflicts.
  As a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am particularly 
proud to see Joseph chosen as one of six winners out of a national pool 
of 52 nominees. When our veterans return home to Arizona and need a 
helping hand, I feel confident knowing that he is there to assist them 
with whatever problems they may have. Joseph is an inspiration to me 
and to an increasing number of veterans. He personifies the persistence 
necessary to achieve one's dreams and the altruism that is a product of 
an inherent moral obligation to help others who are faced with the same 
obstacles he was able to overcome.
  Once again, I congratulate Joseph for all that he has accomplished, 
and I am confident we will continue to see wonderful things from him in 
the future.

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