[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6053-S6054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DAVE AND LAURA WHELCHEL

 Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a 
remarkable foster couple from Harrisburg, NE, whom I recently nominated 
to be 2012 `Angels in Adoption' recipients. Dave and Laura Whelchel are 
the parents of two grown biological children, Chance and Jenna, as well 
as four adopted children, Reuben, Josefina, Arielle and San Juan, who 
are siblings. They are hoping to finalize the adoption of a fifth 
sibling, Kayleigh, by the end of the year. Each of the adopted children 
has come into their home with special physical, occupational or speech 
therapy needs.
  Dave and Laura's dedication to providing these children with the love 
and support they need is incredible. As I witnessed firsthand during a 
visit to their family farm in August, the Whelchels are doing an 
outstanding job ensuring their children are able to live full and happy 
lives.
  But the Whelchels' kindness and compassion does not stop with their

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children. Three years ago, the couple created Camp Grace, a summer camp 
for other children with special needs. Held monthly at the Whelchel 
farm, the camp is designed to help children work toward specific 
therapy goals. They also donate countless hours of their time 
coordinating with volunteers, therapists, and other families to ensure 
the camp's success.
  It is an honor to nominate Dave and Laura as `Angels in Adoption'. 
The award, which honors those who have enriched the lives of foster and 
adopted children in the U.S., is a small token of appreciation for the 
love and compassion they have shown their children over the years. I 
could not think of a more deserving family for this award. My hope is 
that more families will follow the wonderful example set by the 
Whelchels by providing loving homes to deserving children.

                          ____________________