[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING CHELSEY HOFER AND ANGEL MILLENDER, WINNERS OF THE 2010 
                     CONGRESSIONAL AWARD GOLD MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
two of my constituents, Chelsey Marie Hofer and Angel Millender, the 
recipients of the 2010 Congressional Award Gold Medal, the United 
States Congress' only award for American youth. Earning this award 
requires at least 400 hours of community service, including 200 hours 
of both personal development and physical fitness activities, and a 
four-night expedition or exploration. Since 1979, the Congressional 
Award has inspired our Nation's youth to set and achieve personally 
challenging goals that build character and foster community service, 
personal development, and citizenship.
  I have done a lot during my lifetime, yet I was amazed to see how 
much these two have accomplished at such a young age. Having 
volunteered at organizations like the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts 
of the USA, and People to People International, Ms. Chelsie Marie Hofer 
has shown great humility and perseverance. As Ms. Hofer said: ``I 
learned that by setting goals and working hard, I can achieve 
anything.'' Mr. Angel Millender is passionate and determined. He took 
the initiative to be of service at his local hospital's Intensive Care 
Unit to assist individuals dealing with traumatic experiences. Mr. 
Millender also surrounded himself with positive young men by joining 
the ``Men of Tomorrow'' youth group. Both award winners traveled 
internationally for their ``Expedition Experience''--Ms. Hofer to Japan 
and Mr. Millender to Panama, where they embraced the local culture and 
history.
  Madam Speaker, Martin Luther King, Jr., said: ``Life's most 
persistent and urgent question is, `What are you doing for others?' '' 
The recipients of the Gold Medal are shining examples of a sense of 
civic duty at an early age. I congratulate both Ms. Chelsey Hofer and 
Mr. Angel Millender of West Palm Beach, Florida, on this incredible 
achievement. I am inspired by their energy, passion and commitment to 
service their community.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 23rd Congressional 
District of Florida's recipients of the 2010 Congressional Award Gold 
Medal for all they have done to serve the Palm Beach County community 
and I wish them much success in their future endeavors.

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