[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING SHANNON MATHEW

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Shannon Mathew, a 
graduating senior from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who has 
received the Miami VA Healthcare System's James H. Parke Memorial Fund 
Youth Scholarship for her commitment to the veterans of South Florida. 
As a public servant and the son of a World War II veteran whose bravery 
motivated me to serve in Congress, I am so proud of Shannon's 
dedication to our community.
  Shannon has devoted every summer of high school volunteering at the 
Physical Medicine and Rehab Unit of the William ``Bill'' Kling VA 
Clinic. In addition to providing encouragement, emotional support and a 
warm smile to all the veterans receiving treatment at the clinic, 
Shannon also assists administratively in keeping the physical therapy 
department running smoothly. Her supervisors describe her as spirited 
and helpful and veterans seeking treatment at the center have said that 
her presence encourages them to push through their pain. Shannon will 
begin her undergraduate career at the University of Florida this fall 
and plans to volunteer at the VA clinic in Gainesville in her spare 
time.
  Representing a district home to veterans of every major conflict 
since World War II, I know very well the sacrifices that our military 
men and women and their families have made for our country and the 
importance of honoring them. Shannon Mathew's passion for serving our 
veterans is an inspiration to me and my district, and I have no doubt 
that she has a bright future in store.

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