[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17798]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RENEE HAMMOND

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, it is my privilege today to 
recognize Renee Hammond of Dora, AL. On May 10, 2003, Mrs. Hammond was 
vacationing in Florida to recuperate from eye surgery. As she was 
walking on the beach with friends, she noticed some commotion near the 
water's edge. Two teenage girls had gotten caught in a strong undertow. 
A man from a nearby condominium ran into the water and quickly pulled 
one of the girls to safety. However, a policeman, who had gone in the 
water first, barely made it to shore with the younger of the two girls. 
Mrs. Hammond, with the help of another woman, pulled the young girl 
onto the beach and began to perform rescue breathing. After only a few 
moments, the girl was gasping for air, coughing up water, and 
eventually breathing some on her own. Mrs. Hammond persisted in helping 
the girl by gently patting her on the back as she continued coughing up 
water. Eventually the paramedics arrived on the scene and took over. 
Mrs. Hammond maintained her compassionate, helpful manner as she 
checked on the others involved in the incident, including the policeman 
that had rescued the girl. As her husband stood amazed and impressed by 
her natural ability to give care, Mrs. Hammond proved humble, 
commending the paramedics for a job well done.
  Renee Hammond is a shining example of a nurse and a citizen, serving 
not only in her work environment, but also in a sudden time of need to 
help save the life of a stranger. As a nurse in Walker County, AL, she 
is a heroine everyday in the lives of those she helps. As a self-
sacrificing, brave woman, Mrs. Hammond is a heroine to that young girl 
from the beach and to the rest of us. Her example serves us as 
citizens, encouraging us to be honorable, to do the right thing, and to 
put the needs of others before our own.
  Renee is the wife of J.R. Hammond, a mine worker, who is also a 
remarkable man. He has been a tremendous advocate for the American 
``working man.''
  Mr. President and members of the Senate, please join me in 
recognizing Renee Hammond as a heroine among us.

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