[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING DENNIS SHEPHERD--2010 SODEXO HERO OF EVERYDAY LIFE

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                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2010

  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, in this world of such negativity, I think 
it is important to bring attention to the good things people do for 
others..
  My constituent, Dennis Shepherd of Hubert, NC, has been declared a 
``2010 Hero of Everyday Life'' by the Sodexo Foundation. The Sodexo 
Foundation is a committed force that contributes to ending hunger in 
America.
  Every year since 2000, the Sodexo Foundation has recognized Sodexo 
employees who invest their time, talent, and service spirit in helping 
some of the 49 million people who are at risk of hunger in the United 
States. Nominated by a colleague, friend, or employer, selected Heroes 
are honored by the foundation and a donation is made to their local 
hunger-related charities of choice.
  After serving 22 years in the United States Marine Corps, Dennis has 
been instrumental in the success of Sodexo Servathon at the USMC by 
organizing and delivering food donations to the Onslow Community 
Ministries Kitchen and Jacksonville Food Bank. Since 2004, Dennis has 
collected and delivered 18,000 pounds of food.
  After Dennis finishes his regular work day, he volunteers at least 10 
hours a week, doing charitable jobs including cutting grass and baking 
cakes to help gather food donations, supplies, and money for local 
charities. Dennis also engages in creative activities such as posting 
advertisements to help spread the word and encouraging others to help 
support people in need throughout the community.
  Since 2004, Dennis has collected donations valued at $20,000 for 
children and families in need. The award from the Sodexo Foundation has 
continued to open doors to Dennis' work. So far in 2010, he has already 
raised $17,000--plus a $5,000 grant that he received as part of the 
Heroes of Everyday Life award.
  Dennis has been married to his wife Naomi for 19 years. He met Naomi 
while stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the 16 years he spent there 
with the United States Marine Corps.
  Dennis also finds time to be a devoted father to his three children, 
Jonathan, Christina and Vega.
  People like Dennis Shepherd make our world a better place to live, 
and I am proud that Dennis and his family live in the 3rd district. We 
could all learn from Mr. Shepherd's example and do more for our 
communities.
  May God continue to bless Dennis Shepherd and his family, may God 
bless our men and woman in uniform, and may God continue to bless 
America.

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