[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE ANDOVER, KANSAS, YMCA STAFF

 Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and 
recognize the staff of the YMCA in Andover, KS.
  On Friday, April 29, 2022, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Sedgewick 
County, KS, and left a path of destruction nearly 13 miles long behind. 
The 165-mile-per-hour winds created by the tornado injured four people 
and damaged well over 300 buildings in Andover. One of the buildings 
that sustained heavy damage was the Andover YMCA. The damage done by 
the tornado would certainly have been much more severe if it wasn't for 
the quick thinking of the YMCA staff.
  I would like to honor and thank the staff of the Andover YMCA who 
helped save those in the building on the evening of the tornado. As the 
tornado approached, members of the YMCA staff made announcements on the 
loudspeakers and helped direct individuals to the safest areas of the 
building, primarily interior locker rooms. As the tornado hit the 
building, cars were thrown through walls and windows, with many parts 
of the building being completely destroyed. The staff working at the 
YMCA that day saved many lives through their quick thinking to move 
gym-goers to safety.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Andover YMCA staff, 
as well as in thanking them for all they did to keep their fellow 
Kansans safe.

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