[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MR. LANCE GROMME, RECIPIENT OF THE 2015 VETERAN OF THE YEAR 
       AWARD FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. 
Lance Gromme of Colville, Washington for receiving the 2015 Veteran of 
the Year Award for the State of Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars 
(VFW). I want to recognize Mr. Gromme for his contributions and his 
tireless effort to improve the lives of our Eastern Washington 
veterans.
  This annual award honors a veteran from Washington State who has 
committed him or herself to the ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
and who shows an undying devotion to bettering the lives of the 
veterans within their community. Through the years, Mr. Lance Gromme 
has demonstrated this commitment and is well deserving of this award.
  Mr. Gromme's devotion to serving his fellow veterans began forty 
years ago when he became a life member of the American Legion while 
still active duty in the United States Army. After his retirement, 
Lance continued to show his dedication by becoming a life member of the 
VFW. After joining the Colville, Washington post in 2009, Mr. Gromme 
quickly became a leader among his peers. After just one year of 
involvement at the Colville post he assumed the positions of Quarter 
Master, Service Officer, and Fundraising Coordinator. In addition to 
meticulously managing finances and running all major fundraising 
events, Mr. Gromme spends countless hours diligently working for 
veterans.
  In his role, Mr. Gromme was instrumental in encouraging the Stevens 
County Commissioners to establish a Veterans Resource Phone line to 
assist veterans with a wide range of needs and issues. Moreover, when 
it came to his attention that some veterans were not receiving the 
services they needed, he joined with the Northeast Washington Hunger 
Coalition to help those veterans in need. Mr. Gromme is a true 
testament to what an involved and devoted community member looks like 
and continually goes above and beyond to better the lives of his fellow 
veterans.
  So today I acknowledge these accomplishments and congratulate Mr. 
Lance Gromme on being a constant leader in his community and on 
receiving the distinct award of Veteran of the Year for the Washington 
State Veterans of Foreign Wars. I applaud your work and continued 
advocacy for the veterans in Northeastern Washington.

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