[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1352-E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN M. BRITTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAUL TONKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, New York State American Legion Auxiliary 
President, Susan M. Britton, has served with distinction during her 
term in office from July 2008 through July 2009. Mrs. Britton traveled 
to all 62 counties in the great state of New York, inspiring the 
members of the American Legion Auxiliary to honor and serve the 
veterans of New York State.
  Susan Briton is a 35 year member of Clarke White Unit 589, American 
Legion Auxiliary in Albany County. She has remained an active and vital 
member of the organization, volunteering her services to veterans at 
the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany and at the Albany VA Fisher 
House.
  This year Department President Britton has chosen ``Operation 
Purple'' as her special project. Operation Purple began in 2004 and is 
sponsored through the National Military Family Association (NMFA). 
Operation Purple is the only program open to children of personnel from 
all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces (``purple'' representing 
inclusion of the branches). The program focuses on helping military 
children deal with the challenges and stress that come with deployment 
by providing free weeks of summer camp at different locations to bring 
children together in a fun and healthy environment.
  As word has spread about Operation Purple, there is a pressing need 
for additional support to allow as many children as possible to attend 
this specialized program. All funds donated will support resident 
children within New York State. There are two camps, located in Lewis 
and Orange counties.
  Special fundraising projects have been conducted to support Operation 
Purple, including those by the American Legion Family, which include 
The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the 
American Legion. To date, over $60,000 has been raised to provide 
military children in New York with the opportunity to attend one of 
these camps.

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