[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING MARY LOU HAND'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Pfluger) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true American 
patriot, a true American hero. Ms. Mary Lou Hand just turned 100 years 
old on January 15, 2022. She is from Wall, Texas.
  Mary Lou served this country as a nurse in the Army in World War II. 
After first being stationed in Maryland and Mississippi, she was sent 
to England, where she provided critical care for the wounded; and, more 
importantly, she raised soldiers' spirits by spreading laughter.
  It was during her service in England that she met her husband, Bob. 
The two had six children together and lived in three countries and 
subsequently seven States.
  Ms. Mary Lou Hand has 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-
grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She has cultivated a 
life of love and family, filled with gratitude.
  Throughout her century of life, she has dedicated her time to helping 
others. Her selfless dedication has played out through her commitment 
to her family as well as her impressive career serving our country and 
caring for others.

  Mary Lou, thank you for your service and happy birthday.


           Recognizing the Career of John ``J.B.'' Byers, Sr.

  Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to tell you about another 
patriot. You know, we have patriots, and we have leaders, servant 
leaders throughout our entire country. This is a special one that I 
would like to talk about in the community of Staten Island, Mr. John 
``J.B.'' Byers, Sr.
  A New Jersey native, Mr. Byers began his remarkable 40-year career 
delivering letters for the U.S. Postal Service at the USPS Mariners 
Harbor Post Office and subsequently served 18 years at the Port 
Richmond office.
  During his four decades of exemplary service, John has become a 
fixture of the community. He has become beloved by those he happily 
served for so many years on his daily route.
  The best measure of John's success was not how efficient he was at 
his job, but it was the undeniable impact he had on his neighbors in 
the communities that he served so well. He went above and beyond in his 
duties, taking time to engage in the community, the lives and the 
livelihoods of the people he served every single day.
  His influence is evident by the meaningful and positive impact he 
made on those who knew him best, his neighbors, his colleagues, and his 
friends. Story after story from coworkers and community members alike 
show J.B.'s generosity, kindness, and work ethic. So much so that on 
John's last day at the U.S. Postal Service, those on his route threw 
him a surprise party to demonstrate how much the service that he did 
for them meant to them and their lives.
  John dedicated his life to his community through his career, and he 
became a trusted friend and familiar face to all. But even with his 
tenured and successful career, I know the greatest joy for him today 
stems from the beautiful family he and his wife, Kathleen, have raised. 
As he enters retirement, John and Kathleen are celebrating the birth of 
their first grandchild, Madison Patricia Byers, who was born on 
December 23, 2021.
  More than a mailman, J.B. has brought great joy and integrity to 
countless families and neighborhoods, and we thank him for his service 
to his community.


                        Honoring Mrs. Pam Burke

  Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and 
dedication of Mrs. Pam Burke of San Angelo, Texas.
  Mrs. Burke runs the Wesley Soup Kitchen, a wonderful ministry that 
has been providing meals, along with love and care, to all those in 
need since 1948.
  Mrs. Burke has been at the Wesley Soup Kitchen for the past 12 years, 
preparing over 200 meals a day. In addition to feeding the homeless and 
those less fortunate, this ministry provides holiday meals and has been 
a consistent combatant of malnutrition and hunger throughout the 
community.
  Mrs. Burke is a wonderful example of God's calling in John, chapter 
21 to feed His sheep. For no monetary gain of her own, Mrs. Burke 
dedicates her time and her energy to opening her arms and caring for 
the community.
  I know I am not alone in saying that I am grateful for the mission of 
the Wesley Soup Kitchen and am honored to know that wonderfully 
impassioned individuals like Mrs. Pam Burke are working throughout each 
of our communities.

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