[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19509]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ELOISE MILAM

  (Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday I held an event to honor Eloise 
Milam, a great lady and a proud American, who gave much and has given 
much to her country and its military by founding the Melody Maids.
  Founded in Beaumont, Texas, the Melody Maids traveled countless times 
from coast to coast, singing for conventions and programs of all sorts 
but primarily for military installations and especially veterans 
hospitals. They made tours to Europe, several more to England, three to 
the Far East, seven to the far north, four to the Caribbean, five to 
Mexico, seven to Hawaii, and four to Bermuda, Iceland, and the Azores.
  Many of the tours were financed by the girls themselves with money 
made from musicals, style shows, cake and pie sales and other benefits. 
The Melody Maids were the most frequently requested of all performers 
who traveled with the Department of Defense's professional 
entertainment branch.
  Eloise Milam's leadership is characterized by a combination of 
kindness and emphasis on excellence. The standards she set for the 
group are many we should set for ourselves today. Eloise stressed the 
value of service to our fellow human beings, the rewards of helping one 
another in group activities, and a respect for different cultures and 
religions.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand here today and recognize Eloise 
Milam's tireless work and passionate dedication to service and country. 
She continues to be an inspiration for us all.

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