[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING MARTHA NARVAEZ AND VINCENT LEANDRY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Martha Narvaez and Vincent Leandry have made to our 
community through their volunteer service at the American Red Cross, 
Mid-Florida Chapter. Every now and then, we encounter volunteers who 
not only serve with dedication but inspire everyone around them. Martha 
and Vincent are such a team. Partners in life and in service, this 
dynamic Army Veteran duo continues to embody the very best of the 
American Red Cross. After a lifetime of service in the military, they 
chose to extend that calling with the American Red Cross for the last 
five years--and we are truly grateful. Every day, they give their time, 
energy, and hearts to advance the mission of the organization. Whether 
responding to house fires in the middle of the night, supporting major 
disaster operations, or assisting at Yellow Ribbon events for deploying 
service members, their commitment never wavers. They are always the 
first to raise their hands and often step in before the need is even 
spoken. Their compassion knows no bounds. Fluent in Spanish, they 
ensure no one is left out of critical recovery conversations--like when 
a displaced family in a shelter needed urgent help. A FaceTime call 
quickly turned into a 60-mile drive to provide in-person support, gifts 
for the children, and hours of comfort and reassurance. Their actions 
transformed a moment of isolation into one of connection and healing. 
In the wake of hurricanes and amid logistical challenges, they've 
served hundreds of meals, including stepping up at the last minute to 
support a community feeding event for an elected official. They showed 
up with no expectation of recognition--just a desire to help. Whether 
at Moon Lake Park or on a roadside in rural Florida, Martha and Vincent 
bring warmth and hope wherever they go. Their service touches every 
corner of the Red Cross: Disaster Action Team (DAT), Disaster Relief 
Operations (DRO), Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), and countless 
outreach events. You'll find them at Homeless Veteran Stand-Downs, the 
Mexican Consulate, VA hospitals, and more. They respond with empathy, 
uplift fellow volunteers and staff with kind words and hugs, and lead 
with quiet strength. Team SAF can always rely on them to take 
initiative, represent the Red Cross with professionalism, and bring 
their signature warmth to every event. They give so much of themselves 
and ask for nothing in return. Their dedication, humility, and 
boundless compassion serve as a beacon for what it truly means to be 
part of the Red Cross family. Martha and Vincent don't just serve--they 
show up, wholeheartedly and without hesitation.
  It is clear Martha Narvaez and Vincent Leandry have made a profoundly 
positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for their service. 
May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and 
humility.

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