[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE WINNERS OF THE VALOR FOUNDATION'S NATIONAL FIRST 
                      RESPONDERS ESSAY COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the winners of the 
Valor Foundation's essay contest. I am honored to recognize the 
achievements of these students from Loudoun County and this excellent 
program in the 10th District of Virginia.
  The Valor Foundation is an organization dedicated to partnering with 
individuals and organizations to support local community fire, rescue, 
and law enforcement groups. The dedicated work of this foundation 
supports numerous public safety officers and their families during 
their times of need. To recognize and celebrate these individuals, the 
foundation held a youth essay competition to honor the first 
responders.
  To recognize the National First Responder Day, Loudoun County Middle 
School students were asked to submit essays describing, ``Why We Should 
Have a National First Responder's Appreciation Day.'' The Valor 
Foundation collaborated with Randy Kelly, CEO of INOVA Loudoun 
Hospital, to award five essay winners with savings bonds. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in congratulating these outstanding students for 
their achievements, as well as the dedication of the first responders 
of Loudoun County.
  I submit for the winning essays:

       Tommy Mai, Belmont Ridge Middle School:
       First responders are brave people. They sacrifice their 
     lives just to save other lives at any cost. Whether it's a 
     fire, medical emergency, or a shoot-out, they'll put anything 
     and everything on the line. Think about a jailhouse without 
     police guards, or a burning building without fire fighters 
     coming to the rescue, or hospitals without doctors, nurses, 
     and paramedics. Think about what would have happened during 
     9/11 without these brave people. Who can think of braver 
     people. They sacrifice their lives for their families, for 
     us, but more importantly, for America.
                                  ____

       Ananda Bhatia, Eagle Ridge Middle School:
       Every day a crime is committed. Every day a house catches 
     on fire. Every day a person is hurt, a purse is stolen-
     someone risks their life for someone else! Emergency 
     Responders help people when they need it most. When lives are 
     at risk-they're there for you. Without them, thousands of 
     people wouldn't be here right now. Someone who runs into 
     burning buildings deserves equal respect as someone in the 
     military. Fire fighters, police officers, medical responders, 
     deputies- they deserve respect-and a holiday of their own. I 
     believe Emergency Responders Day would be perfect-and I'm 
     sure many other thankful citizens agree.
                                  ____

       Diego Loya, Farmwell Station Middle School:
       Who was there to help the victims of 9/11 on that horrific 
     day? Who were first to rescue and help others during and 
     after that tragic event? These people are not the heroes we 
     normally think of with swords, spears or protective armor. 
     They are every day human beings doing what they love and 
     putting themselves in harm's way for their country.
       Police, ambulance workers, E. M. T's and firefighters are 
     examples of first responders. They risk their lives to help 
     others. Every day a fire starts or someone is hurt or the 
     police are needed in our communities. Without their presence 
     in our daily lives we would have so many worries. They 
     deserve a day of honor. They desire to be honored and 
     appreciated on First Responders' Day.
                                  ____

       Maddie Klaff, Seneca Ridge Middle School:
       Believe it or not, in 2007, a total of 181 law enforcement 
     officers and 118 fire-fighters lost their lives while on 
     duty. Because these people do their job, I can walk around 
     feeling safe and protected. These first responders spend 
     their time serving the public and are only minutes away in 
     times of crisis. Many of them do this voluntarily and without 
     pay.
       I believe we should dedicate a holiday in honor of those 
     who spend their days looking after us. Their lives are 
     dedicated to protecting ours every day, so we should dedicate 
     one day to recognize them.
                                  ____

       Kyle Brown, Simpson Middle School:
       Though situations like car accidents and medical 
     emergencies bring grief and sorrow, it is good to know that 
     there are people who are dedicated and trained to help. They 
     are known as first responders. These heroes are committed to 
     helping others who need them when they can't fend for 
     themselves. These unselfish people know that their lives are 
     sometimes at risk, but they care about the safety of others. 
     I stand for everyone when I say that these first responders 
     deserve a day on which their fellow Americans can show them 
     how much they appreciate their commitment to helping others.

     

                          ____________________