[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S7535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                2 NOT 1

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, on Friday, October 19, 2013, the 2 
Not 1 Annual Fatherhood Conference is being held in Louisville, KY.
  The motto of the non-profit is ``Changing the Lives of Children, One 
Father at a Time!'' The group's purpose is to educate low-income 
individuals and communities on the subject of fatherhood and the 
barriers that impede the successful interaction of father and child.
  Shawn Gardner, the President and Founder of 2 Not 1, has put together 
the conference which is expected to be a big success. Private groups 
such as 2 Not 1 are doing some excellent work to help disadvantaged 
kids.
  I have been provided the names of the winners to be announced at the 
event and want to recognize these individuals for their good work. The 
following people are receiving awards on Friday night:
  Ebony O'Rea, Female Supporter of Fatherhood;
  John Marshal, Community Dad; and
  Mike Warner, Father of the Year.
  The mission of the group is to promote the safety and wellbeing of 
children by implementing strategies to keep fathers involved and 
families together. Cheers to those receiving awards and to all the good 
people working to improve the lives of kids who are missing male 
guidance in their lives.
  I share the belief that fathers matter in the lives of their children 
and am encouraged that this organization is helping to strengthen 
families by equipping fathers with parenting strategies.
  I am grateful to be a parent of three sons. My own family life is 
pretty challenging right now as I work hard to serve our Nation in 
Washington and fly home on the weekends to spend time with the boys or 
answer homework questions over the phone.
  We know that life is not perfect, and that some children will still 
grow up without fathers. Sometimes, our best efforts fall short but 
with persistence, determination, and grace toward one another, we can 
make a huge difference in the lives of children by mentoring 
fathers.

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