[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MS. SHEILA DWYER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
outstanding constituents, Ms. Sheila Dwyer, a dedicated volunteer whose 
tireless leadership and commitment have made a profound difference 
through Seniors in Service AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Pasco. Sheila serves 
as a site coordinator for the VITA tax preparation program, ensuring 
that seniors and low-income residents in Pasco County have access to 
free, reliable, and trustworthy tax support--a service many could not 
afford or access elsewhere. This season alone, Sheila has completed 
nearly 1,000 tax returns, serving individuals who rely on this program 
to stay financially stable. Senior citizens on fixed incomes and 
working individuals living paycheck to paycheck regularly tell her, 
``They don't know what they would do without this program.'' Sheila has 
earned their trust through her professionalism, consistency, and 
genuine care. Her commitment extends far beyond preparing returns. 
Sheila manages scheduling, client coordination, and team 
communications, ensuring that a high-volume site runs smoothly. At one 
point this season, she sent an email at 1:07 a.m. reporting that the 
program had already reached over 1,706 appointments, predicting they 
would exceed 2,000. Her tireless dedication--even working around the 
clock to meet the needs of her clients--reflects both her remarkable 
work ethic and her deep belief in the importance of this service.
  Even when the demand became so intense that Sheila literally lost her 
voice from preparing returns and making calls, she ensured the mission 
continued by coordinating with her team and asking for help, 
guaranteeing that seniors and other clients continued to receive the 
support they needed. Sheila exemplifies the best of community service: 
tireless, practical, and deeply committed to helping others.
  For her extraordinary dedication, steadfast leadership, and 
meaningful impact on the lives of countless residents, I am proud to 
recognize Ms. Sheila Dwyer as a 2026 Hero Among Us. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring her exceptional service and the lasting 
difference she has made in Pasco County.

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