[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MAGIC VALLEY VETERANS AND HOSPICE VISIONS

 Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I wish to pay special tribute to 
the outstanding service of veterans living in the Magic Valley of Idaho 
and thank Heidi Walker and all the staff with Hospice Visions for the 
work they do on behalf of veterans in the Magic Valley.
  Hospice Visions has chosen to honor 12 veterans this year in a 
veterans recognition ceremony hosted by Genesis Healthcare at their 
Twin Falls Center. Veterans from the River Ridge, Twin Falls and 
Bennett Hills facilities are among those being recognized. This year's 
honorees are: Dennis Asmussen, who served in the Navy in Vietnam; Bill 
Benedict, who served in the Army during World War II; Jon Hindes, who 
served in the Army in Korea and Vietnam; Levi Hussey, who served in the 
Marines in World War II; Benjamin Le baron, who served in the Navy 
during World War II; Jay Richards, who served in the Army during the 
Cold War; Byron J. Rowland, who served in the Navy during World War II; 
Rex Shirts, who served in the Navy during World War II; Vernon Skeen, 
who served in the Army during World War II; Gary Winder, who served in 
the Army in Vietnam; Vern Winmill, who served in the Air Force in World 
War II; and Marion Wood, who served in the Army in World War II. These 
veterans are being honored for their service to our Nation. Joining in 
paying tribute to these extraordinary Americans is a honor.
  Occasions such as this remind us of the many veterans who are such 
important parts of our communities. Our freedoms are preserved because 
of their selfless service. They not only gave all for our country, but 
also they continue to uplift our communities and other generations of 
returning veterans and their families. Thank you also to the families 
of those who serve our country. You make sacrifices every day in 
supporting your loved ones who served in the Armed Forces.
  The ceremony also provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable 
work of Heidi Walker and the staff and administrators of Hospice 
Visions for their dedication to assisting our Nation's heroes. I have 
the honor of presenting Heidi Walker and Hospice Visions with a Spirit 
of Idaho Award for going above and beyond in serving the Magic Valley's 
aging, ill, and homebound veterans. Your commitment to the men and 
women who have served and your work to ensure they receive recognition 
for their service are commendable. I understand Hospice Visions is a 
participant in the We Honor Veterans Program, a partnership between the 
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of 
Veterans Affairs to better serve veteran patients in hospice-like 
facilities. Heidi and Hospice Visions have given quality care to our 
Nation's veterans and have been a great support to their families.
  Thank you to the veterans of the Magic Valley for your service and to 
Heidi Walker and all those at Hospice Visions for your exemplary 
dedication to veterans and their families. We are blessed to have you 
as part of the community.

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