[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MS. KARYN POREMPSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commitment 
to service of Ms. Karyn Porempski, the serving Department President of 
the American Legion Auxiliary for 2009/2010.
  During her time as Department President, Karyn has worked tirelessly 
to assist our veterans and communities throughout New York. The 
Department Presidents Project, which she oversees, is divided into two 
programs. The first, the Creative Arts, New York project, works to 
incorporate the arts into Veterans Affairs recreational therapy 
programs. The project raises funds to purchase medals, certificates, 
program books, and art supplies, and allows veterans to enter their 
work into a national competition.
  The second of Karyn's projects is designed to provide help for 
veterans of the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation 
Enduring Freedom. The project works alongside the Veterans 
Administration to provide much needed services that might otherwise 
fall through the cracks because of red tape or budgetary constraints. 
The funds she raises for this project will help to provide 
transportation, grocery cards, and refreshments for group events.
  Karyn is expected to raise an impressive $50,000 in funding for these 
projects. These donations did not come easily, but instead are the 
result of many trips throughout New York.
  Karyn's enthusiasm and commitment to the American Legion extends 
throughout her family as well. Her husband Joseph is a past Post 
Commander and District Commander. Karyn's two daughters Holly and 
Tracey are members of the Auxiliary, her granddaughters Rebecca and 
Jenna are junior members, and her grandson Jared is a member of the 
Sons of the American Legion. Her father, sister, and, until recently, 
mother were also members of the American Legion; Karyn lost her mother 
this past year.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow Members to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Karyn Porempski for her over forty years of service to the American 
Legion Auxiliary, our veterans, and western New York.

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