[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17801-17802]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION HONORING THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP AMERICA'S 
                           MILITARY FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer, along 
with my colleague and friend Representative Jo Ann Davis from Virginia, 
a resolution honoring those who selflessly volunteer their time and 
energy to support America's brave military families.
  Mr. Speaker, since the conflicts in Afghanistan and in Iraq began, 
the strain on our military families has been tremendous--with extended 
tours of duty and several activations and reactivations
  During this time, our military families face unique and trying 
challenges. While their loved ones are deployed overseas or away for 
extended periods, these families must cope with the anxiety and a fear 
of a different kind than experienced in combat.
  This anxiety can be just as intense. ``Will my husband come home?'' 
``Is my daughter's unit in the line of fire?'' ``How will I make ends 
meet while the kids' father is gone?'' ``How should I explain this to 
our kids?''
  These are the questions that race through the minds of the spouses 
and the children of our brave servicemembers while they are 
courageously fighting overseas. These families and communities need the 
support of others who can relate to them and comfort them in this time 
of need.
  Working without pay, not expecting recognition, and often using their 
own resources, military unit family support volunteers have been 
filling this need for decades. These generous men and women have taken 
it upon themselves to provide guidance, support, and advice to military 
families.
  Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has organized its 
military unit family support volunteers into effective networks of 
support.
  Generally, the spouse of a servicemember will serve as a military 
unit family support volunteer and will work hard to improve the lives 
of other spouses and their children.
  In San Diego, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Navy 
Ombudsmen and Marine Key Volunteers on a regular basis.
  It is an understatement to say that I have been amazed by their 
dedication. These volunteers spend hours and hours each week to help 
other military families. Working as a military unit family support 
volunteer is a full-time job.
  They provide these services while at the same time, dealing with the 
hardships of military life in their own right. But without their 
efforts, military life for military families would be much more 
difficult--especially for those who are new to the service.
  Next week on Tuesday, September 14, the Navy will honor its selfless 
volunteers on Ombudsmen Appreciation Day. Each year, the Navy 
recognizes its 6,000 Ombudsmen on this special day.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a better occasion to recognize the 
fine efforts of all our military unit family support volunteers from 
each branch. It is my goal to let each volunteer know that this 
Congress stands firmly behind your efforts and recognizes the 
invaluable support you give to America's brave military families.
  Today, I am introducing a concurrent resolution to officially 
recognize the efforts of the Air Force Spouses Together and Ready 
volunteers (STARs), the Army Family Readiness Volunteers, the Marine 
Key Volunteers (KVs), and the Navy Ombudsmen.

[[Page 17802]]

  This Congress stands firmly behind your mission. Thank you very much 
for your efforts and your dedication.

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