[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS HARLANDALE MEMORIAL POST 4815

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 15 years 
of dedicated community service by the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
Harlandale Memorial Post 4815 and Post Commander Edward C. Torres. This 
San Antonio-based non-profit organization has and continues to serve 
its dedicated senior citizen community.
  VFW organizations have a respected reputation for not only serving 
their fellow community veterans but also the community as a whole. 
Annually, on average, the VFW and its supporters contribute more than 
13 million hours of volunteerism within their respective communities. 
With a history dating back to over 110 years ago, the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars organization and their auxiliaries live up to its mission 
``to honor the dead by helping the living.''
  The Harlandale Memorial VFW Post 4815 and Ladies Auxiliary continues 
to follow this noble tradition. For the past 15 years, this post hosts 
the areas senior citizens every third Friday of the month. They offer 
these respected members of their community the opportunity to engage 
and interact with others while at the same time providing a safe and 
entertaining place to gather. They prepare and serve both a continental 
breakfast and hot, full course lunch to those in attendance and provide 
free entertainment in the way of bingo games with prize-giveaways. They 
also host seminars regarding community and safety information which are 
not likely as readily available elsewhere to these residents. The 
particular groups in attendance are generally from two area nursing 
homes so this provides one of the few occasions they have to leave 
their residences. This one, special day allows a luxury these people 
may not know otherwise. It is fun, entertainment, and a chance to 
socialize outside of their daily set.
  Under the leadership of Commander Edward C. Torres, the Harlandale 
Memorial VFW Post 4815 and Ladies Auxiliary are an integral part of 
their community. They provide a precious service to oft time overlooked 
citizens which help to not only enrich and strengthen community bonds 
but to enrich and strengthen lives.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Commander Edward C. Torres and the Harlandale 
Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4815 for their hard work and 
excellence in service to their community.

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