[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 82 (Friday, May 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       RECOGNIZING JAMES DiNICOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2024

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, 
James DiNicola, through his volunteerism with local non-profits. As a 
Korean War veteran approaching his 90th birthday, James embodies the 
essence of unwavering dedication to community service and a selfless 
commitment to others. James's years of service in the Army during the 
Korean War laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to 
volunteering. Currently, he devotes his time to four non-profit 
organizations: One Community Now, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Holy Trinity 
Episcopal Church, and Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. At One Community 
Now, James is a cornerstone of Operation Stand Down, where he assists 
with bike transportation for veterans, contributes to maintenance work, 
and provides invaluable encouragement to younger veterans navigating 
their challenges. His active involvement in the annual Pack the Park 
event reflects his dedication to the community, handling pumpkin 
pickups and managing food donations for hungry children. With over six 
years of unwavering commitment to One Community Now, James stands as a 
testament to steadfast volunteerism. For 3 \1/2\ years, James has been 
an indispensable volunteer at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, assembling beds 
for children and personally delivering them to their homes. His service 
extends to his church, where he selflessly aids in setting up for 
funerals, tends to landscaping, and tackles various maintenance jobs. 
In his community and family, James serves as a mentor, dog walker, and 
a source of encouragement to everyone he encounters. Remarkably, Jim 
still dedicates 20 hours a week as the maintenance person at Blue Jay 
Estates in Clearwater. James DiNicola's tireless and selfless service, 
notwithstanding his age, epitomizes the true spirit of heroism and 
community dedication. His unwavering desire to be a genuine servant for 
the glory of God resonates in every aspect of his volunteering. James 
is an inspiration to everyone he serves with, consistently maintaining 
a supportive and positive attitude.
  It is clear that Mr. DiNicola has made a profoundly positive impact 
on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

                          ____________________