[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING HEALTH4HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 2010

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Health4Haiti, an 
international aid group founded by Pueblo surgeon Dr. James Smith. For 
many years, Dr. Smith has been traveling to Haiti in the wake of 
devastating hurricanes to provide crucial surgeries to impoverished 
people across the country. In November of 2009, Health4Haiti and Dr. 
Smith were awarded the International Humanitarian Service Award in 
recognition of their remarkable dedication and service to the Haitian 
people.
  We are all familiar with the incredibly destructive earthquake that 
struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The images from that terrible series 
of days will stay with us forever. However, the disaster was also an 
incredible demonstration of the compassion of the people of Colorado's 
Third District. When the first reports from Haiti came in, several 
Pueblo residents immediately mobilized to visit Haiti and offer their 
assistance. These incredible Pueblans were among the first U.S. Search 
and Rescue Teams to arrive. All doctors and nurses, they immediately 
began treating wounded Haitians, saving lives and delivering vital aid 
and comfort. I would like to commend Dr. James Smith, Dr. Ginger 
Vaughn, Dr. Benjamin Massey, Debbie Valdez, Eric Miller, and Mary Anne 
Woods for their generosity and humanity in the face of overwhelming 
tragedy.
  This group of people and Health4Haiti have inspired countless others 
to serve those less fortunate, and I honor them for their work.

                          ____________________