[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO TRAVIS HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Travis Hamilton for being named a 2013 Hero of the Heartland by the 
American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa.
   Each year, the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa recognizes 
Heroes of the Heartland by selecting everyday Iowans who have done 
extraordinary things to help their neighbors and communities. The 
Iowans honored with this prestigious award displayed selflessness in a 
variety of courageous, charitable and thoughtful acts. The Heroes of 
the Heartland program not only showcases the heroes among us, but also 
helps raise crucial funds to ensure that the American Red Cross is 
prepared and equipped to assist those that need food, shelter, and 
comfort during emergencies and difficult times.
   To be named a Hero of the Heartland, Travis Hamilton of Johnston 
dedicated himself to helping sick children through charity and a 
touching tale of personal sacrifice. Travis is the Director of the 
Guns-N-Hoses Hockey event, an annual hockey game pitting Des Moines-
area police against fire department and EMS employees to raise money 
for local charities. In the two years Mr. Hamilton has coordinated the 
event, it has raised $50,000 for Children's Cancer Connection and Make 
a Wish Iowa. Travis also coordinated the event Transplant for Trae to 
raise money for his son, who needed a kidney transplant at only 17 
months old. Travis was able to raise over $20,000, and he ultimately 
donated his own kidney to Trae. Through his examples of true 
selflessness, Mr. Hamilton continues to change lives and be a leader 
that our State can be proud of.
   Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hamilton's actions that earned him the title a 
``Hero of the Heartland'' are a testament to the humble, hardworking 
and helpful people who make up the great State of Iowa. I invite my 
colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Travis on a job 
well done, thanking the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa for 
their life changing efforts, and wishing all of those involved in the 
Heroes of the Heartland program continued success for years to come.