[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 112 (Monday, July 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E697-E698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING KAREN ST. HILAIRE FOR HER SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CLAUDIA TENNEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2024

  Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karen St. Hilaire, 
President of the New York American Legion Auxiliary, and her work with 
the Hope For The Warriors project.
  Karen St. Hilaire is a 49-year member of the Mattydale American 
Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 1832 in Onondaga County. She became a member 
through her father John Allen who served in World War Two. Her late 
husband Jerry Hilaire was also a Veteran in the Army who served in 
Vietnam.
  Karen's leadership skill began as Unit President in 1999 progressing 
to County in 2008, and District in 2011. She has chaired the Community 
Service, Americanism, Leadership, Children and Youth, VA&R, Membership 
Committees, and as an Executive Board member.
  Karen has been spending her year promoting and raising money for the 
``Hope For The Warriors,'' Hope For The Warriors was founded by 
military families aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC in 2006 as 
they witnessed, firsthand, the effects war imparts on service members 
and their families. Hope For the Warriors believes those touched by 
military service can succeed at home by restoring their sense of self, 
family, and hope.

[[Page E698]]

  Nationally, Hope For The Warriors provides comprehensive support 
programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are 
focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and 
connections to community resources.
  Hope For The Warriors understands the challenges, pride, and joy of 
being a military family. For today, tomorrow, and years to come, they 
will strive to meet the changing needs of service members and their 
families. Hope For The Warriors is a family, united by our shared 
conviction of honor and sacrifice. In Karen's personal life, she is 
active in her community as a retired Firefighter and currently elected 
Fire Commissioner for Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department. Karen is a 
retired Registered Nurse with a certification from American Association 
of Critical Care Nurses.
  Karen has often sited that her greatest accomplishment is that she 
and her late husband Jerry have two daughters, Amy and Kristin, along 
with six grandchildren, Ariana, Emyrson, Ayva, Camryn, Brooklyn, and 
Dylan.
  I am honored to share the admirable work that Mrs. Hilaire has 
devoted to helping care for our Veterans.

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