[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1275-E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING PAM BRUNETTE ON HER EXEMPLARY VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO OUR 
                        MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to an 
outstanding citizen of South Bend, Pamela Brunette, a woman who has 
selflessly devoted her time, talent and energy to our Marines. Her 
impact on the lives of our troops and their families is immeasurable, 
the result of her unflagging efforts to boost their morale during some 
of the most trying periods of their lives.
  Like so many, Pam was shocked by the assault on our country that took 
place on September 11, 2001. She took positive action in a way that 
would help those sent to defend our lives, liberty and honor. Pam 
learned about Adoptaplatoon, whose mission it is to ``Support America's 
men and women deployed abroad, while they protect our country.'' 
Believing in this mission, Pam joined Adoptaplatoon to support those 
who sacrifice so much on our behalf.
  Pam first adopted a platoon of soldiers who were deployed to Kosovo 
and Bosnia. As part of her service to these men and women, Pam 
communicated with them regularly, through letters and emails, bringing 
a glimpse of ``home'' to many of them. Even as Pam's adoptees returned 
from duty, she continued her efforts by caring for newly deployed 
service members.
  When Marines from Engineer Company B deployed for Iraq for the first 
time in 2003,

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Pam stepped forward and adopted the entire company. She coordinated the 
efforts of other volunteers to ensure that each Marine was assigned a 
supporter to communicate with them throughout their deployment. In 
addition, Pam wrote them herself, and sent care packages. Pam provided 
so much love, support and appreciation to these troops, that she is now 
called ``Mom.'' In addition, many of these soldiers and their families 
include her in their personal celebrations. To Pam, this is the 
greatest honor of all.
  Pam continued to support Engineer Company B when they were redeployed 
in 2005. In addition, she helps them with the annual Toys for Tots 
drive. She continues to encourage others to join Adoptaplatoon and 
support our service men and women. Pam believes our military is the 
best in the world, and they should receive the best we can give. She 
takes it upon herself to give them her best.
  Because of her outstanding commitment to Adoptaplatoon and our 
troops, Pam has been awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award 
from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. This 
award is given to volunteers in recognition of their service to their 
community and their country.
  So, today, on behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Second District, I 
thank Pam Brunette for her years of selfless dedication to our men and 
women in uniform. As she continues to work to bring a sense of 
appreciation and concern to our military personnel and their families, 
let us pay special tribute to this woman who truly expresses support 
for our troops through her action, dedication and commitment.

                          ____________________