[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING SGT. ROB JONES AND THE COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICA'S HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2014

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a great American, 
Sgt. Rob Jones, who not only served our nation honorably in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, but continues to serve his fellow veterans here at home.
  Sgt. Jones grew up in the 10th District--in Lovettsville, Virginia 
and graduated from Loudoun Valley High School. After serving in the 
U.S. Marine Corps--where he was injured by an IED in 2010--he recovered 
and joined the U.S. National Rowing team, winning a bronze medal 2012 
Paralympics.
  Last October, Sgt. Jones began a long and difficult cycling journey 
across the country. His purpose was to shine a light on the struggles 
that young veterans face when they return home and to thank the 
military charities that have provided him with hope through his 
recovery. Specifically, Sgt. Jones has recognized three organizations 
that helped him through his recovery: Semper Fi Fund, Ride2Recovery and 
the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.
  The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, which is headquartered in 
my district, is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, non-partisan organization 
established in 2004 to provide severely wounded veterans of the wars in 
Iraq and Afghanistan with emergency financial assistance and other 
support services. The Coalition has done tremendous work in Virginia 
and across the country. Besides donating nearly $1 million in direct 
aid to veterans, the Coalition has provided thousands of dollars 
through grants to other notable veterans' organizations in Virginia. 
Under the leadership of David Walker, who serves as President and CEO, 
the Coalition has increased its efforts.
  Most recently, the Coalition hosted a meaningful tribute to veterans 
at the new Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, where they 
were joined by the Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran 
Wellness, another organization in my district that is also doing 
tremendous work.
  I look forward to seeing the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes 
continue to make a difference in so many lives. I also want to thank 
Sgt. Jones, for his inspirational journey and for his invaluable 
contribution to his fellow veterans. He proves that anything is 
possible and I wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

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