[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 116 (Thursday, July 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THANKING FIRST RESPONDERS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR SERVICE AFTER A 
                          DEVASTATING TORNADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2015

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the first responders 
and volunteers who have been working tirelessly in Cameron, Illinois 
after an EF2 tornado devastated this small town in my district. While 
the storm caused widespread property damage and several injuries, the 
good people from across the region who rushed to Cameron to help give 
me hope that this community will rebuild and become stronger than ever.
   First responders and volunteers stepped in at a time of great need 
and continue to provide safety, material assistance and comfort to the 
good people of Cameron. They came from all over the region bringing 
bottled water, tarps and even homemade blueberry pies to help this town 
of 600 people get back on its feet after 125 mile per hour winds tore 
through it last week.
   I spoke with many families who were affected by the tornado, and 
there was a recurring theme that resonated with me: Cameron was bent, 
not broken. With over 50 homes damaged, community members and other 
helpers have been working tirelessly to support these families and 
straighten out all the bends brought upon them by this disaster.
   Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to all the families this terrible 
tornado impacted and I am grateful for the brave and generous first 
responders and volunteers who pour their time, energy, and love into 
helping Cameron recover.

                          ____________________