[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. JOSEPH RIHEL

                                 ______
                                 

                     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 Joseph Rihel as a dedicated volunteer for the 
Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. To salute his service, Mr. Rihel 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.
  A retired Baltimore City firefighter and reservist in the U.S. Navy, 
Mr. Rihel continues to serve his county and community as a volunteer at 
the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. Mr. Rihel has driven more than 
20,000 miles transporting veterans to their clinic appointments and 
back home. To date, he has given more than 1,700 hours of volunteer 
time to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation.
  Time and again, Mr. Rihel has gone above and beyond expectations. 
When an illness disrupted the regular driving schedule, he worked 
overtime to keep the office moving. After a major snow fall, he cleared 
the snow off the vans, then moved them to a snow-free area so that 
Veteran patients and other drivers could access them safely. Mr. 
Rihel's colleagues describe him as ``phenomenal.''
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Joseph 
Rihel. His 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 Mr. Joseph Rihel 
on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

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