[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OPERATION TRIBUTE

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                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Operation 
Tribute for its substantial impact in spreading holiday joy to the 
children of military families.
  Operation Tribute donates gifts to thousands of children in military 
families during the holiday season. Beginning just 4 months before 
Christmas 2007, founder Marc Badeau and his ``Operation Holiday Cheer'' 
raised more than $100,000, translating into 9,000 gifts that were given 
to 2,500 children across Maine.
  One year later, the organization changed its name to Operation 
Tribute and expanded to over 800 communities throughout New England and 
New York. That year, $650,000 was raised to purchase 23,000 gifts. Marc 
has continued to expand the program along the East Coast and is aiming 
to reach all 50 States within the next 5 years.
  For many military families, the holiday season can be a time of great 
sadness as children miss one or more parents stationed overseas. 
Through the giving of these gifts, Operation Tribute provides these 
brave children with an important measure of joy and hope. No one has 
had to make greater sacrifices in defense of our Nation than our armed 
forces and their families, and this is just one small way that we can 
give back to them.
  The value of this program cannot be overestimated, and I wish Mr. 
Badeau and Operation Tribute the very best of luck going forward.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Operation Tribute and 
its founder Marc R. Badeau.

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