[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       EVERETT & DARLA SANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 19, 2011

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to honor businessman 
and community leader Everett Sanderson and his wife Darla for their 
efforts on behalf of Southeast Texas, particularly for their assistance 
to first responders during the critical first days after Hurricanes 
Rita and Ike.
  In the span of three short years, from 2005 to 2008, the upper Texas 
coast was struck by two monstrous hurricanes that caused billions of 
dollars of damage and took multiple lives. Countless homes and 
businesses were destroyed. Debris and downed trees and power lines 
filled the streets, making travel extremely dangerous. Power and water 
services were off. It was a dire situation, indeed.
  Tens of thousands Southeast Texans evacuated to safer ground, but a 
handful of individuals rode the storm out in order to start the clean 
up and restoration immediately. These first responders worked unending 
shifts with little resources available. A hot meal was difficult to 
find, until the Sandersons stepped in and opened their damaged 
restaurant for the brave souls who decided to stay.
  Everett Sanderson was born and raised in Nederland, TX. A 1985 
graduate from Baylor University Law School, he has practiced in 
Jefferson County since. He is an active member of the community, 
serving on the Nederland Independent School Board of Trustees, 
Jefferson County Bar Association Board of Directors, and the Mid-County 
YMCA Board of Directors, among many others. He was named Mr. Nederland 
in 2006. Sanderson and his wife Darla have two children, Jordan and 
Michelle.
  In 2003, the Sandersons found time to open a restaurant in Nederland, 
Sanderson's Restaurant and Bar. It was an instant hit, serving 
everything from seafood to barbeque to salads and everything in 
between. It was here, in the first hours after the hurricanes passed, 
that they decided to open their doors for first responders from the 
police, fire departments, Red Cross, FEMA, and other organizations. 
Pulling in resources from wherever they could, the Sandersons provided 
food and some peace of mind. One day during the aftermath of Hurricane 
Rita, they served over 6,500 first responders.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I would like 
to commend Everett and Darla Sanderson for their hard work and 
dedication to make the first responders feel at home during this trying 
time. The Sandersons' hearts are bigger than their chicken fried steak, 
and if you have seen their chicken fried steak, you would know that is 
quite the compliment.
  And that's just the way it is.

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