[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JIM HARRIS OF WAUSAU, WI FOR HIS SERVICE TO OTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SEAN P. DUFFY

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you today to 
recognize Mr. Jim Harris of Wausau, Wisconsin for his exceptional 
service to others.
  Mr. Harris worked for more than 30 years in education. First, as a 
teacher in the Wisconsin Indian Teacher Corps, where he taught children 
of the Ho Chunk Tribe, and later as one of the first male kindergarten 
teachers in Wisconsin. Along his journey in education, Mr. Harris also 
spent two decades as a school administrator and an activist for public 
health.
  During his many years of service in education, Mr. Harris got to know 
the children of Hmong Refugees who fled war in their home country to 
seek a better life in Wisconsin. Our state has a vibrant Hmong 
community that Mr. Harris has grown close to. He founded We Help War 
Victims, a nonprofit organization, with his wife, Marty, also a public 
school educator. Founded over 30 years ago, We Help War Victims has 
been working with refugee families in the Wausau, Wisconsin area, 
providing dozens of Lao schools with their first libraries, and helping 
families receive access to medical care.
  Since 2006, the Harris' organization has been working with villagers 
in Laos to destroy land mines, bombs, rockets, mortars, and other 
unexploded ordnance. Mr. and Mrs. Harris's example directly inspired me 
to fight for this cause in Congress and their advice has directly 
affected the focus of my efforts. Countless farmers and families across 
Laos live in safer communities because of Mr. Harris's work and my 
community in Wisconsin has been strengthened by the work he and his 
wife do through We Help War Victims.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today to congratulate Mr. Harris on his 
accomplishments and work on behalf of others. His selfless demeanor in 
which he answers the call to serve in our district is truly valued.

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