[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E256-E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MRS. PATTIE STEPBACH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary contributions of a dedicated community leader in my 
district, Mrs. Pattie Stepbach. Mrs. Stepbach has been a beacon of 
compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of 
students in our community.

[[Page E257]]

  Through her extraordinary work with Operation Heartfelt, Mrs. 
Stepbach has directly and profoundly impacted the lives of students by 
ensuring they have access to essential food supplies each weekend. Each 
week, she coordinates, prepares, and delivers food bags for the Weekend 
Backpack Program, a vital initiative that helps bridge the nutritional 
gap for students facing food insecurity. Her consistent presence in 
this program brings stability, dignity, and hope to countless students 
who rely on this support to meet their basic needs. Mrs. Stepbach's 
dedication goes far beyond routine service. She leads efforts to gather 
donations, organize deliveries, foster partnerships, inspire 
volunteerism, and advocate for youth who might otherwise go unseen. 
Thanks to her leadership and Operation Heartfelt's commitment, Central 
High School students who once faced uncertain weekends now have 
reliable nourishment and the opportunity to focus on their academic and 
personal growth. Mrs. Stepbach embodies the qualities of a true hero: 
selfless service, tireless dedication, and a profound impact on the 
lives of others. Her efforts demonstrate that one person's kindness can 
create a ripple effect that strengthens an entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Pattie Stepbach for her outstanding contributions to our community. For 
her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students 
of Hernando County, I am proud to honor Mrs. Stepbach as a 2026 Heroes 
Among Us recipient for Florida's 12th Congressional District.

                          ____________________