[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING LAURA KRAUS ON HER VOLUNTEER WORK WITH THE LEARN TO READ 
                                PROGRAM

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                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 2016

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Laura Kraus for her 
outstanding service to her country through her volunteer work with the 
Learn to Read program.
   Since 1975, Laura's volunteer work has exemplified her love for 
people and her tireless efforts to give back to the community. Her 
commitment was no secret: the neighborhood held banquets in her honor, 
television stations recognized her, and even the nation's leaders 
honored her service. President Barack Obama signed a letter of 
recognition and Neal Bush presented the Presidential Bronze Medal of 
Volunteering Service.
   Still, she found the most satisfaction seeing the impact from the 
people she helped themselves. Her work has always extended to those in 
the greatest need regardless of physical or psychological obstacles. 
Volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, Laura spent time with 
physically disabled members of the community through Horses for 
Therapy. In addition, victims of domestic abuse in a Hubbard House, a 
24-hour hotline and emergency shelter, were touched by her support as 
well.
   Laura began her training with the Learn to Read program as an 
intern, eager to assist adults and already willing to persist with 
compassion and patience through the challenges that were to come. Only 
a year and a half into the work with her first student, the impact that 
Laura had on her student was not only evident but incredibly touching, 
particularly for Laura herself.
   Anthony was only 23 years old when he became Laura's first student 
in the Learn to Read program, struggling to read because of a learning 
disability. Yet Anthony was dedicated to his goal to create a better 
future and he never failed to be prompt and respectful every session. 
After a year and three months of the hour and a half routine, he 
articulated a simple and profound truth representative of the impact 
Laura's work has had for many: ``Miss Laura, you have changed my 
life.''
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of Congress to join me in 
recognizing Laura Kraus for her tireless dedication to serving each 
person with the care and opportunities that they deserve as a citizen 
of this great nation.

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