[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN AND MARY ANNE COX, AND JIM AND PAULETTE 
        PHILLIPS, FOR THEIR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HEROES RUN/WALK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK S. CRITZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
fortitude and abiding generosity of two sets of parents of fallen 
heroes.
  John and Mary Anne Cox lost their son, Army Specialist Gregory Cox, 
in Iraq in September of 2004. Less than 2 years later, in February of 
2006, Jim and Paulette Phillips lost their son, Marine Lance Corporal 
Steven Phillips, in the same war.
  In the face of such horrific personal loss, the parents of Army 
Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips chose neither to languish in 
their own sadness, nor make their own emotional convalescence the focus 
of their lives. Instead, in the spirit of the selflessness of their 
courageous sons, they chose to create an event devoted to enriching the 
lives of others.
  The event, the annual Heroes Run/Walk, will take place for the fifth 
time this Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Green Cove Yacht Club in 
Millsboro, Pennsylvania. The majority of the proceeds from the event 
will benefit the memorial funds that have been established to honor the 
sacrifices of Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips. Specialist 
Cox's fund provides support to graduates of Greene County High Schools 
entering the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or intending 
to pursue a field of study that will lead to a career in public 
service. Lance Corporal Phillips' fund provides support to the 
computer-aided technology drafting program at Greene County Career and 
Technology Center. Part of the proceeds from the Heroes Run/Walk will 
also be used to fund the transportation of veterans living in Greene 
County who are receiving treatment at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh 
Healthcare System.
  Last year, the race's over 400 registrants raised in excess of 
$15,000. Sponsors and organizers of the event expect a strong turnout 
again this Saturday, and are eager to once more honor the memory of 
Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips.
  The Heroes Run/Walk is a testament to its founders, John and Mary 
Anne Cox, and Jim and Paulette Phillips, and demonstrates their 
capacity to turn tragedy into an amazing gift for others. They deserve 
both our support and appreciation.

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