[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. DIANE COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
the tireless service of Diane Collins for her remarkable dedication as 
a volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation 
Center and Chapter 451 in Dundalk. To salute her service, Ms. Collins 
was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the 
Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District.
  Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves 
to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation 
deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take 
the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and 
talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well-
being.
  As a member of the Disabled American Veterans Representatives for the 
Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Ms. Collins 
is an active fundraiser and friend, giving 506 hours of volunteer 
service to date. She makes certain she is aware of all patient needs 
and makes requests to the Disabled American Veterans to purchase items 
not routinely supplied by the VA. Once a month, Diane creates a fun 
activity for the residents, including parties with watermelon, 
cupcakes, fried chicken, strawberry shortcake and hot dogs. Through her 
chapter, a juke box was donated to the center.
  Ms. Collins does things simply because she believes they are ``the 
right thing to do.'' She exceeds expectations in all respects. To the 
veterans' delight, she brings young people with her to visit with them 
and regularly babysits for a severely disabled neighbor. Her colleagues 
say she exemplifies the VA's mission statement of creating an 
environment that fosters respect, compassion, and excellence.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Diane 
Collins. Her compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed 
Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost 
gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Diane Collins on 
her exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

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