[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 11349]]

                   TRIBUTE TO OPERATION FIRST CHOICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2000

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize 
``Operation First Choice''. This group of Mt. Vernon, IL, residents 
recently received the ``Make a Difference Day'' Award sponsored by USA 
Weekend magazine.
  They are a volunteer group set in place to offer area kids a chance 
at excelling in various activities, helping many who might be 
considered at-risk off the streets and out of trouble. The group 
consists of the Police Athletic League, Young Marines, and others.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers of 
``Operation First Choice'' for their commitment to serving as positive 
role models. They truly are making a difference every day in the lives 
of the kids of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County.

                          ____________________