[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JOHN ALEXANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                     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 service of John Alexander for his remarkable dedication as a 
volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation 
Center. To salute his service, Mr. Alexander was awarded the 2009 
Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory 
Council for Maryland's Second 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 the Disabled American Veterans Representative for the Loch Raven 
VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Alexander is an 
active fundraiser and friend. Mr. Alexander makes certain he is aware 
of all patient needs and makes requests to the DAV to purchase items 
not routinely supplied by the VA. His fundraising efforts have enabled 
Loch Raven VA residents to receive televisions and body pillows for 
hospice patients. It also enables residents to travel out-of-state to 
participate in the Golden Age Games, a recreational ``Olympics'' style 
event.
  Twice per month, Mr. Alexander visits the residents and spends time 
talking with them. Annually, he coordinates Veterans Day at the Golden 
Corral, advertising, greeting guests and raffling a television. It is 
an event that community veterans thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes working 
10-hours straight, Mr. Alexander is always kind and compassionate, 
upbeat and pleasant. His colleagues describe him as an ``awesome human 
being.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. John 
Alexander. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed 
Forces is an inspiration to us all, and is deserving of the utmost 
gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. John 
Alexander on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

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