[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRATULATING THE TOWER OF HOPE ON ITS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Tower of Hope on its great accomplishments and express my best 
wishes for its fourth annual gala.
  The Tower of Hope was created following the September 11th terrorist 
attacks in an effort to bring about hope and happiness to our wounded 
veterans. Through tireless and devoted work, the Tower of Hope raises 
funds to train assistance dogs and helps pair them with wounded 
veterans at no cost to our veterans.
  Thousands of those brave service men and women have been seriously 
wounded in combat, many of them suffering from brain injuries, single 
and double amputations, and other traumatic wounds. Providing them with 
assistance dogs helps them live more comfortable and independent lives.
  Madam Speaker, the Tower of Hope is dedicated to improving the lives 
of our veterans. Not only have they helped wounded veterans regain 
their independence, but they have also spread hope and love among those 
in need and their families. The Tower of Hope has helped veterans and 
countless others live normal lives, go to college, and support their 
loved ones. I have the highest respect for the important work they 
continue to do and the ideals they convey.
  My thoughts and wishes are with them on their fourth annual 
``Lighting the Path'' Gala. This event will help raise awareness of the 
importance of service dogs for wounded veterans and others with 
disabilities, and educate people about the benefits of such animals. In 
addition, I am proud of their upcoming initiative, ``100 Dogs in 1000 
Days,'' which will raise funds to train 100 service dogs and thus 
double the current number of service dogs available to wounded 
veterans.
  Throughout the years, this great nation has been shaped by our 
willingness to help our neighbors in their greatest time of need. This 
giving spirit that defines our country is embodied in the Tower of 
Hope. We owe it to our veterans to support the development of a program 
that inspires hope and strengthens our tradition of compassion to those 
who need it most.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Tower of Hope for its outstanding 
work, as well as all the volunteers and donors who have made these 
programs possible through their generosity. I wish the Tower of Hope 
the very best with their upcoming initiatives and stand ready to 
provide any assistance and will continue to advocate for America's 
veterans.

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