[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING KAREN FONTENOT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR.

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen Fontenot, of 
Duson, Louisiana, who has dedicated her life to helping veterans 
throughout Southwest Louisiana.
  She answered her country's call during the Vietnam Conflict, serving 
as a nurse in the Philippines.
  It was while trying to help move and carry male patients twice her 
size that Karen first injured her back. It was an injury which left her 
permanently disabled, unable to walk without the assistance of a cane, 
and in constant pain. Karen's caring and tender nature was injured, 
perhaps more severely than her physical being. She suffered with every 
young man she saw torn apart by the horrors of war.
  Upon returning to her family and domestic life in Southwest 
Louisiana, Karen remained true to her fellow veterans. In an area which 
lacked Memorial Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies, Karen led a movement 
to establish those events. She was aided by some fellow veterans, but 
the brunt of the effort fell on her. For more than a decade, Karen has 
organized ceremonies to honor those she served alongside as well as 
those who came before and after her.
  When the Iraq War led to the deaths of several local, young men, 
Karen added a special tribute to the Gold Star Mothers. These families 
led by the mothers who have lost their child gather with dozens of 
other veterans and their families to pay tribute to those who have died 
and those who live.
  In addition to the beautiful ceremony, Karen invites all of those 
attending to a catered lunch at the local Armory. Each of the Gold Star 
Mothers receives special gifts, and those who have made special 
contributions are recognized and receive a tribute.
  Karen Fontenot broke her back to care for young men injured and 
killed in the Vietnam conflict and returned home with the intent that 
all men and women who have sacrificed for their country will be 
remembered. If it is up to her, none of their sacrifices will be 
forgotten or overlooked. Karen Fontenot is a patron saint of veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Karen for 
her achievements and dedication to our nation's veterans.

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