[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1599] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE RUSTY KEEBLE FOUNDATION AND ITS GANGFREE AMERICA CAMPAIGN ______ HON. AARON SCHOCK of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Rusty Keeble Foundation (RKF), which is dedicated to increasing gang awareness and reducing gang violence around the country. The RKF has launched an initiative entitled the GANGFREE America Campaign, which seeks to raise awareness by recognizing November as GANGFREE Illinois Month. This innovative initiative is aimed at fostering safe environments in communities across Illinois, including in Peoria, so that the children in those communities can continue to grow, learn, and reach their full potential free from the negative influences of gangs. Gang violence has been a blight on our communities for far too long. Currently, more than 1.4 million young people are involved with gangs, up 40 percent since 2009. In many areas across the United States, gang violence accounts for almost 50 percent of all violent crimes, and in some cities and suburban areas, that percentage is even higher. These staggering statistics are one representation of the effect of gangs on our communities and country, but the more potent manifestation of these numbers is the lost potential of the young people who get involved. Across our country, too many young men and women are seeing their future possibilities narrow into one act of violence, one drug deal, one prison term, after another. Initiatives like the GANGFREE America Campaign are taking the steps needed to correct our nation's gang-related problems and working to ensure brighter futures for our youth. The GANGFREE America Campaign's community-focused approach employs schools as well as law enforcement to unify and empower citizens against the formation and spread of gangs in towns and cities across Illinois as well as the entire country. It is my hope that with the help of organizations like the Rusty Keeble Foundation, we can eradicate the gang epidemic in the United States, and I am honored to rise today to recognize their courageous efforts. ____________________