[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT ROGERS, RECIPIENT OF THE FREELAND SONS OF ERIN 
                     2020 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2020

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert 
Rogers, who will be named the 2020 Citizen of the Year by the Freeland, 
Pennsylvania Sons of Erin. He will be honored on Saturday, March 14, 
2020 at their 85th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.
  Robert's community service in Freeland spans three decades, and 
includes significant involvement in local baseball. For the past ten 
years, he has been the manager of the Freeland Babe Ruth League. 
Steadfastly dedicated to this role, Robert dedicates many hours to 
improving the grounds and maintaining the playing field so that it 
remains in top condition. In addition, he recruits players for the 
league, organizes fundraisers, runs the concession stand, and 
coordinates schedules for the Babe Ruth League, MMI Preparatory School, 
Penn State Hazleton, as well as the men's league. With his love and 
knowledge of baseball, Robert also steps into the role of coach when 
the need arises. Robert has previously served on the Board of the 
Freeland Little League. In addition to his commitment to the Board, he 
helped install the lights at the field and has even cooked concession 
fare during games.
  Robert's love for, and commitment to, the Freeland community extends 
beyond baseball. He is currently also instrumental to the upkeep and 
maintenance at the Freeland YMCA. Robert assisted with the recent 
renovations of the foyer and the basement at the YMCA, a project where 
he contributed custom shelving and personally completed the refinishing 
of the front desk. A handyman at heart, he is known for always going 
above and beyond his assignment.
  Freeland is rife with evidence of Robert's handiwork and dedication 
to his beloved community. He has additionally refinished display cases 
at MMI Preparatory School, the pipe organ at St. John's church, and the 
American Legion's flagpoles on Centre Street.
  It is an honor to join the Freeland Sons of Erin in recognizing 
Robert Rogers as the 2020 Citizen of the Year. He is a true community 
servant, and all of Freeland has benefited from his unending 
generosity. I wish him all the best this St. Patrick's Day.

                          ____________________