[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 18 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING GREG STRADER FOR RECEIVING THE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, I rise today to recognize Greg Strader, founder of Be Ready 
Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE).
  We have been reminded frequently that the threat of natural disasters 
is always imminent, and vigilance is crucial. Greg Strader has devoted 
his career to natural disaster emergency preparedness. In serving with 
the American Red Cross for more than 32 years, he has responded to 
natural disasters in various capacities; whether it is hurricanes, 
tornados, floods, fires, or plane crashes, Mr. Strader has always been 
willing to give of himself to assist others.
  Following the devastation to the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricanes Ivan 
and Dennis, Mr. Strader saw a need for improved disaster response. His 
experience led him to found BRACE, whose mission is to minimize loss of 
life, injury, property damage, environmental impact, and economic 
damage caused by natural disasters. BRACE's response to the BP 
Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup is an excellent example of the 
organization's invaluable contribution. In less than 36 hours, Mr. 
Strader assembled more than 1,900 volunteers who contributed over ten 
thousand volunteer hours in efforts to minimize the disaster's adverse 
impact.
  I commend Greg Strader and BRACE for their efforts in making the 
northwest Florida community safer, stronger, and better prepared to 
expeditiously address the devastation of natural disasters and 
congratulate them on receiving the Presidential ``Champions of Change 
Award.'' My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Strader, the staff of BRACE, and 
their families all the best for continued success.

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