[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 48 (Thursday, March 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FEBRUARY CONSTITUENTS OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2022

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize 
Cynthia and W.B. May, two veterans and owners of Cynthia's Artistic 
Expressions in Oceanside, California, as my Constituents of the Month 
for their invaluable contributions to our community.
  After both serving in the Navy during the Gulf War, W.B. was 
diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and Cynthia was 
diagnosed with anxiety. Once they separated from the military, they 
realized they needed a way to express themselves and manage their post-
traumatic stress and anxiety. They opened Cynthia's Artistic 
Expressions in order to help veterans and others deal with mental or 
emotional health challenges, while also making art more accessible, and 
their establishment has become an integral piece of our Oceanside 
community. Since they opened their doors, they have seen countless 
veterans, servicemembers, and civilians benefit from therapeutic art 
healing. At a time when our nation is grappling with tragic rates of 
veteran suicide, I am very grateful that they provide this healing 
opportunity for our local military community.
  Cynthia and W.B. strengthen our community far beyond the doors of 
their art studio, too. They are known for doing extensive outreach to 
the community of veterans and military families around Marine Corps 
Base Camp Pendleton, hosting food drives through their church, Shiloh 
Church of God in Christ in Oceanside, on the last Thursday of every 
month for servicemembers and their families who struggle with food 
insecurity. According to the San Diego Food Bank, nearly 39,000 
veterans and active-duty military personnel and their dependents use 
their services every month, so the work that Cynthia and W.B. do to 
help feed military families is critically important. They have also 
worked with vet centers and retirement homes to lighten the facilities 
with fine art, and they have also donated their time to organizations 
like the Boys and Girls Club, the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the North County African 
American Women's Association (NCAAWA).
  I created a Constituent of the Month program to recognize local 
individuals who give back to our community in extraordinary ways, but 
who often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Cynthia and W.B. 
certainly meet that criteria, and I cannot thank them enough for 
everything they have contributed to make Oceanside a brighter, 
healthier place. It's also my honor to recognize them during Black 
History Month, when we celebrate the contributions and accomplishments 
of Black Americans throughout our Nation's history. On behalf of a 
proud and grateful community, it's my pleasure to recognize them as our 
Constituents of the Month.

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