[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING DIANA WHALEY AS A RECIPIENT OF THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE 
                                 MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LINCOLN DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2009

  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Diana 
Whaley of Rockwood, Tennessee, a registered nurse and American Red 
Cross Disaster Health Services Manager of the Knoxville Area Chapter. 
Ms. Whaley has dedicated her life to public health, committing herself 
to the education of her peers, the betterment of her patients and the 
protection of Americans in disaster situations.
  For her courage and service, the International Committee of the Red 
Cross will honor Ms. Whaley this year with their prestigious Florence 
Nightingale Medal. This award is the highest international distinction 
that a registered nurse can receive from the Red Cross. Every two 
years, the Red Cross recognizes just 28 nurses in the world, with just 
three award recipients in the United States. Award recipients must have 
shown exceptional devotion to caring for the victims of a crisis, or 
have shown extraordinary service to public health and nursing 
education.
  Recipients of this award often work as a Red Cross or Red Crescent 
nurse in challenging and, at times, dangerous environments, caring for 
the most vulnerable in times of crisis. The Medal is named after the 
founder of professional nursing, Florence Nightingale, and embodies the 
spirit of service by which we have all come to know the Red Cross.
  I am proud, on the occasion of this preeminent award, to have the 
opportunity to commend the work of Diana Whaley, a great citizen of 
Rockwood, Tennessee. It is my privilege to honor Ms. Whaley for her 
work and lifelong dedication, and for reminding all of us of the power 
each of us has to improve the lives of the afflicted and the less 
fortunate.

                          ____________________