[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 189 (Monday, December 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H14849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1945
             THE LEANES FAMILY--MILITARY FAMILY OF THE YEAR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I have the distinct privilege of 
representing many of this Nation's wonderful military families. The 
Third District of North Carolina is home to Marine Corps Base Camp 
Lejeune, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station 
Cherry Point.
  Every year, the National Military Family Association honors the top 
families from each of the seven uniformed services: Army, Navy, Air 
Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Public Health Service and the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. One family is chosen 
from these seven as the National Military Family of the Year.
  This year I am very pleased to say that the Leanes family from Camp 
Lejeune, North Carolina, is not only this year's Marine Corps Family of 
the Year but also the National Military Family of the Year.
  Sergeant Dennis Leanes and his wife, Kristy, are dedicated and 
committed to serving this country as well as their community. The 
Leanes' six children, Jordan, Syvannah, Bethany, Marissa, Emily and 
Karianne are following their parents' example in giving back to their 
community as well.
  In 2006, after 8 years of working in a civilian job, Dennis' love for 
his country led him to re-enlist in the Marine Corps, take a pay cut 
and uproot his family. The Leanes embraced life in the Camp Lejeune 
community and incorporated volunteering in their daily lives.
  Dennis and Kristy run Scout meetings, coach sports teams, lead family 
readiness meetings and help their neighbors in any way they can. Kristy 
also dedicates a major portion of her time to home schooling all six of 
the Leanes children.
  Jordan fixes bicycles and donates them to charity, Syvannah organized 
a wonderful ``Wounded Warrior Thank You'' project at church. Bethany 
volunteers her babysitting services for moms whose husbands are 
deployed. The three younger children, Marissa, Emily and Karianne, help 
out by baking cookies and bread for various projects and are quick to 
share with their neighbors.
  Dennis and Kristy have taught their children by example what it means 
to be brave and strong. They have taught their children the importance 
of volunteering and what it means to serve your neighbor and community. 
Our military families need to know that the Members of Congress and the 
people of this Nation appreciate them and all they do for our country.
  May God continue to bless our troops, their families, and this great 
Nation.

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