[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING DENNIS BOUCHER 2014 PAUL BUNYAN ``SERVICE ABOVE SELF'' 
                            AWARD RECIPIENT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. SEAN P. DUFFY

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2014

  Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, on ``National Paul Bunyan Day,'' it is 
fitting to announce the incredibly deserving winner of the 2014 Paul 
Bunyan ``Service Above Self'' Award. Wisconsin's 7th District is home 
to the final resting place of Paul Bunyan, but the legend of this 
larger-than-life lumberjack is alive and well. Paul Bunyan is a symbol 
of might, the willingness to work hard, and the resolve to overcome all 
obstacles. This year's Paul Bunyan ``Service Above Self'' Award winner 
is Dennis Boucher of Marshfield. He embodies the larger-than-life 
spirit of Paul Bunyan and has gone above and beyond to improve our 7th 
District community.
  Rural homelessness is a prevalent issue in our area. About 2 years 
ago, a group of community leaders, including Dennis, got together to 
brainstorm ways to address this issue. Discussions led to the local St. 
Vincent de Paul Society, which had a plot of land available that could 
be used to build transitional housing.
  Dennis took up the mighty challenge of leading the effort to 
establish a transition housing facility for those in need in 
Marshfield.
  According to his nominator, ``From the moment of his involvement, 
Dennis has never wavered. He has, with quiet confidence and supreme 
faith, pushed the project forward such that today there is a fourteen 
apartment family homeless shelter in Marshfield. Currently, there are 
nine families housed there; soon to be eleven.
  ``Dennis has spent hours as a volunteer, charitable donation 
coordinator, construction worker, janitor, cook, and now as a volunteer 
to provide oversight to the shelter as we build a base of volunteers 
and paid staff to assure 24/7 supervision of the facility. There is no 
task too big or too small for Dennis to address with all of his energy. 
Dennis Boucher's impact on our community will continue for years to 
come.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize this honorable man. On 
behalf of this body and my constituents, I'd offer to Dennis our 
congratulations and thanks for his invaluable commitment to our 
community and the people we strive to serve.

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