[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 47 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MATTHEW EVERETT GREENLEE, MARK ALLEN GREENE, 
                      AND ROBERT WAYNE VON BOKERN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. THOMAS MASSIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2015

  Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three of my 
constituents from Owenton, Kentucky: Matthew Everett Greenlee, Mark 
Allen Greene, and Robert Wayne Von Bokern. These three outstanding 
power linemen from Owen Electric Cooperative recently volunteered for a 
project in Haiti that, when completed, will provide safe, affordable, 
and reliable power to 1600 consumers.
   The goal of the project is to build a distribution system that will 
connect three towns in Haiti and establish its first electric 
cooperative, the Cooperative Electrique de l'Arrondisement des 
Cooteaux. Upon completion, this diesel-solar hybrid electricity 
distribution system will provide safe, affordable, and reliable power 
to rural consumers.
   Tragically, less than 15 percent of Haiti has regular access to 
electricity. So, Mr. Greenlee, Mr. Greene, and Mr. Von Bokern 
generously gave of their time for two weeks in the town of Roche-aa-
Bateaux to help solve this terrible problem. My constituents upgraded 
and installed new lines and service drops. They also trained locally 
hired linemen in proper construction methods, pole climbing techniques, 
proper handline use, and important safety practices.
   Electricity is essential to the quality of life for those in Haiti's 
rural communities. It assists in the provision of clean water, 
healthcare, education, and general economic opportunity. Therefore, I 
salute my constituents for contributing their time and efforts in Haiti 
on this critical project. Their selfless service for others truly helps 
make this world a better place.

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