[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF JACK AND DOLLIE HARVEY

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                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the devotion and 
commitment Jack and Dollie Harvey have shown their community.
  In their 40 years of marriage, they have worked together to help 
others. Their romance was born out of tragedy with each of them being 
widowed at a young age. Instead of dwelling on the hardships they faced 
in losing a loved one and, eventually, the challenges of merging their 
two families, they became more mindful of the needs of those around 
them. They helped rebuild after the 1976 Teton Dam collapse; 
``adopted'' the homeless; taught at a juvenile detention center; 
ministered in migrant camps throughout the Southwest; volunteered at a 
community recreation center; counseled the terminally ill and their 
families; organized and managed summer camps for children from low-
income families; entertained at nursing homes, state hospitals and city 
missions; and gave their time, money and energy to every opportunity 
for service that came their way.
  Like many other Americans their age, the Harveys have to stretch 
their Social Security check to cover their monthly expenses. But they 
don't worry so much about paying the bills. Quite often, their biggest 
concern is just finding the energy to breathe. Jack, 78, who suffers 
from a chronic respiratory disease, and Dollie, 71, a cancer survivor 
tethered to oxygen, squeeze their numerous doctor's appointments and 
her frequent transfusions and injections into a hectic schedule devoted 
to ministering to others.
  Sundays are busy days for the couple: teaching Sunday school, 
practicing for Christmas programs and guest preaching, their efforts 
continue to make a difference and inspire all of those who meet them. 
Their lessons have not been lost on their 8 children, 16 grandchildren 
and 3 great grandchildren, who include ministers, educators, law 
enforcement personnel, healthcare professionals, a social worker, 
military members and Arkansas and U.S. Government officials.
  Jack and Rollie long ago adopted the motto not to pass on peacefully 
but to charge ahead helping others until they drop--exhausted and 
totally spent--into the grave. Truly, it is this kind of commitment, 
this type of dedication, that makes America grew.

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