[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             TROOP REWARDS

  (Mr. JOLLY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
organization from the Tampa Bay area.
  Troop Rewards is a group that helps our veterans heal from the 
psychological stresses of war and reunites them with their families in 
a safe and relaxing environment.
  In 2009, the founder of Troop Rewards, Tom Burkett, received a phone 
call from a private first class overseas inquiring about the cost of 
returning home to Clearwater Beach and having a short rest with his 
family.
  Tom replied, How can you be charged anything when you have spent the 
last year risking your life for our country?
  This donation was the first of many for Mr. Burkett, and it inspired 
him to start the nonprofit Troop Rewards organization. Since then, 
Troop Rewards has helped more than 100 military members readjust to 
life after deployment by reintegrating them with their family in a 
moment of rest and relaxation through the foundation's recovery 
vacations. With destinations ranging from Maine to Florida, returning 
military troops have the opportunity to spend time with their family--a 
reward they have rightfully earned.
  Mr. Speaker, Troop Rewards reflects one of our highest priorities as 
a nation: to repay a debt owed to those who have sacrificed so much for 
us.
  I rise today to commend Troop Rewards and their many partners in this 
effort, including the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, Florida, and the 
Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
  May God bless these fine organizations, and may God bless our troops.

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