[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RICHARD AND JONI MAPLES

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard and Joni Maples, 
two Beardon High School graduates--my mama had them in math class--who 
have received this year's Helen Ross McNabb Spirit Award. This award 
recognizes folks who have done great work to support the McNabb Center 
and the east Tennessee community.
  Richard and Joni were both raised by parents who taught them the 
values of faith, family, and hard work. They keep these values close to 
their hearts, and they make a constant effort to serve folks around 
them whenever they can.
  This includes supporting the McNabb Center, which is a nonprofit that 
provides mental health services to east Tennesseans who need it. 
Richard has continuously served the McNabb Center in various board 
positions and campaigns since 2012 and stayed involved in a bunch of 
other east Tennessee organizations that serve our community.
  Of course, this was all done with the unwavering help and support of 
his wonderful wife Joni. They are about to celebrate their 50th 
anniversary. I can't imagine any woman who could tolerate Richard for 
50 years, but she has managed to do that.
  They have raised two wonderful children, Matthew and Andrea, and now 
they have four wonderful grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Richard and Joni so much for serving our 
community with selfless dedication. I am proud to congratulate them on 
receiving the Spirit Award this year. They certainly deserve it. It is 
good to see a couple of West Knoxvillians who have done well.

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