[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1446-E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
95th Anniversary of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Red 
Cross. The Red Cross gained national recognition in 1881 through the 
efforts of its founder, Clara Barton. The Inland Northwest Chapter of 
the Red Cross, established in 1914, has continued to carry out its 
founder's mission to provide disaster relief and to prevent, prepare 
for, and respond to emergencies on local, national, and international 
levels.
  Responding to its 1905 Congressional Charter to ``serve as a medium 
between the citizens of the United States and the Army and the Navy,'' 
the Inland Northwest Chapter has been active in providing relief in all 
major international conflicts of the past century. The organization 
demonstrated its dedication in WWI by raising funds and providing 
hospitality services and during the Second World War by providing 
clothing, supplies, medical aid, and a portion of much needed blood 
donations to members of our armed forces. Following the end of the 
Vietnam War, the Inland Northwest Chapter participated in a massive 
resettlement program for Vietnamese refugees.
  In addition to providing aid during international conflicts, 
volunteers from the Inland Northwest Chapter have assisted victims of 
national disasters since the Great Depression, when the Red Cross 
transferred wheat surpluses throughout the country. Recently, the 
organization has alleviated suffering after national emergencies such 
as the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the terrorist 
attacks of 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina.
  This year, the chapter is working to strengthen ties with local 
members of the military, by establishing an office at Fairchild Air 
Force Base and by making weekly visits to the Spokane VA Medical 
Center. Historically, the Red Cross has played a key role in helping 
deployed soldiers communicate with their families. This July, the 
Inland Northwest Chapter plans to expand their services by moving these 
communications in-house. Other ongoing chapter activities include 
education and preparation for emergencies and 24-hour support for 
disaster victims, especially those affected by house fires.
  Madam Speaker, I believe the dedication shown by the Inland Northwest 
Chapter of the American Red Cross and their ongoing efforts to prevent, 
prepare for, and assist in the most critical disaster situations are 
worthy of recognition before this body. I invite my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross 
by observing and celebrating 95 years of selfless dedication to 
service.

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