[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING LT. COL. EDWARD COOK AS THE 2014 EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY 
                         VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL B. MAFFEI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Col. Edward 
Cook as the 2014 recipient of the Exceptional Community Volunteer Award 
at the United Way of Central New York Achievements in Caring 
Celebration at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse, New York.
  Lt. Col. Edward Cook, a member of the 174th Attack Wing based in 
Syracuse, is the standard bearer of dedication and commitment in 
serving his local community. Lt. Col. Cook lead a team of volunteers to 
collect food and toys during Drop Off Day for the Salvation Army's 
biggest event of the year--Christmas Bureau. Lt. Col. Cook coordinates 
all the logistics with his team to deliver food and toys, first to the 
Salvation Army, then to the Oncenter distribution point. The process 
culminates with Distribution Day, where Lt. Col. Cook once again leads 
his team to serve over 2,700 families who are most in need in Central 
New York.
  The level of commitment shown throughout the Christmas Bureau process 
is remarkable, particularly this past year's Drop Off Day, where Lt. 
Col. Cook and his team braved below zero temperatures outside to make 
sure the logistical intake of food and toys ran smoothly.
  This operation would simply not happen without Lt. Col. Edward Cook 
and his team. Lt. Col. Cook is present at every planning meeting 
throughout the year, and is always one of the first to step up to the 
plate for any other volunteer opportunity that may arise.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Lt. Col. Edward 
Cook as this year's recipient of the Exceptional Community Volunteer 
Award. We can only hope that all of us strive to have the same selfless 
dedication that Lt. Col. Edward Cook exhibits not only in protecting 
our freedom with the 174th Attack Wing, but in and around the community 
that we call home.

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