[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1927]]
                        TRIBUTE TO MARY C. RUSSO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THELMA D. DRAKE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of Mary C. Russo. Acknowledged by the Virginia Beach City 
Council, Ms. Russo's great volunteer work, dedication, and leadership 
proved her a strong recipient for this recognition.
  Mrs. Russo is a devoted, tireless volunteer who has dedicated more 
than 30 years of service to the Virginia Beach area. In 1978, Mrs. 
Russo was appointed the first Coordinator of the Virginia Beach City 
Council's Volunteer Council. Serving in the capacity of Director of 
Volunteers, she has contributed more than 10,900 hours of service. 
Additionally, Mrs. Russo has been honored by numerous appointments to a 
variety of national, State, and local boards, commissions, and 
agencies.
  Through Mrs. Russo's work, the Volunteer Council has grown to over 
25,000 volunteers who have collectively recorded over 1.1 million hours 
of work, valued at nearly 15 million dollars. The program has been so 
successful that the city of Miyazaki, Japan has sent staff and citizen 
delegations to train under Mrs. Russo.
  With this award, Mrs. Russo has joined an elite group of citizens who 
have greatly impacted the United States. I am certain that her 
incredible accomplishments, dedication to our country and evident 
leadership talents will continue to speak highly of her, as they do 
now.

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