[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING KAREN STRAFFON FOR HER COMMITMENT AND SERVICE TO MICHIGAN'S 
                      VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2022

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karen Straffon 
of Clay Township for her commitment and service to Michigan's veterans 
and their families.
  Karen's commitment to honoring our bravest citizens is extensive. 
Last year, Karen completed a longtime project to erect a Gold Star 
Family Monument in Clinton Township, which honored the families of 
servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect our great nation. 
Karen selflessly dedicated hours of her time to forming a committee, 
fundraising, researching, traveling and gaining the support of the 
Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation to establish this 
commemorative monument.
  Karen has also served the families of veterans in her community by 
overseeing the Wreaths Across America program every year at 
Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. She is also skilled in quilt 
making, and many of her quilts are donated for fundraising events aimed 
at veterans' programs.
  The former Veteran of the Year for St. Clair County, Don Callaway, 
commended Karen's charitable efforts by saying, she truly exemplifies 
``leave no one behind.'' It is an honor to recognize and sincerely 
thank Karen Straffon for her years of humble service to veterans and 
their families, I hope Karen knows the impact her efforts have had on 
the veterans, their families and the overall community.

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