[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ANDRE JONES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, 
Andre Jones, in recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. 
Andre's life and creativity are an invitation to celebrate the beauty 
of our shared humanity.
  Andre, a Chicago native from the Logan Square area in Illinois-03, 
has published a unique coloring book. It is called ``Colorful Memoirs: 
A Journey Through Andre's Life,'' that offers a glimpse into his 
experiences and affirms his credo: Just like you, I am a human being.
  Andre participates in the community living programs at Envision 
Unlimited where he practices his commitment to inclusion and community 
building through his leadership of the cycling committee. Andre is 
donating the proceeds from the coloring book to support his beloved 
summer cycling programs.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Andre 
for his contributions to mental health awareness and his ongoing 
efforts to equip and uplift our community.
  I thank and congratulate Andre.


                        Honoring Nat Vikitsreth

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nat Vikitsreth in 
recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month.
  Nat is the founder of Come Back to Care based in the Illinois-03 and 
a self-described dot connector, norm agitator, and a lover of 
liberation. She brings wit, authenticity, honesty, and audacity to the 
work of collaborating with parents to address intergenerational family 
trauma and healing from internalized oppression.
  Nat unapologetically pursues social justice and liberation in her 
practice while rooting her work in our sacred shared humanity.
  While she has a long, impressive list of awards, publications, and 
traditional credentials to be proud of, Nat believes that her work with 
parents, caregivers, and children is the highest honor.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Nat 
Vikitsreth for her contributions to mental health, especially for Black 
and Brown communities, and her unwavering commitment to the sacred work 
of healing and justice.
  I thank and congratulate Nat.

                              {time}  1030


                           Honoring Jack Ross

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Illinois Third 
constituent and veteran, Jack Ross.
  Jack was wounded in action during his deployment in Vietnam while 
serving as his squad's point man. Like so many servicemembers living 
with disabilities and traumas as a result of their service, Jack 
witnessed unspeakable horrors and returned home injured and with PTSD.
  His commendable service and sacrifice were recognized with two Purple 
Hearts, two Bronze Star Medals and an Air Medal.
  Upon returning home, Jack turned his military experience into a 
lifetime of community leadership. He owns and operates Manor Press, a 
veteran-owned business in River Grove. He has also served on the boards 
of Oak Leyden Developmental Services and his alma mater, Guerin Prep 
High School.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Jack 
Ross for his courage, for his service to our communities, and his 
unwavering leadership.

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