[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7642-7643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ROBERT RUSSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 25, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
become a source of inspiration for the citizens of Tuscola County, in 
my district. On May 13, the County's Human Development Commission will 
gather in Caro for their Annual Meeting, where they will also honor the 
accomplishments of one of their early pioneers, Mr. Robert Russell, for 
35 years of dedicated service to the organization.
  The Human Development Commission, which celebrates its 40th 
anniversary this year, represents the legacy of the Economic 
Opportunity Act of 1964. Soon after its passage, Economic Opportunity 
Action Committees were established in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and 
Tuscola Counties to explore the several possibilities made available by 
the Act. These committees formed the Human Development Commission on 
February 8, 1965, with a mission to ``empower individuals and 
communities to identify their needs and secure resources necessary to 
achieve their goals of self-sufficiency and an improved quality of 
life.
  Shortly after its inception, Bob Russell began his long and 
distinguished career with the HDC, highlighted by his leadership in 
various positions as a member of their Board of Directors, Advisory 
Council, and as a volunteer within various HDC programs. In addition, 
he represented his community as a member of the Vassar City Council for 
10 years and the Tuscola County Commission for 18 years. Prior to this, 
he served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force during World War 
II. All of the accomplishments aside, Bob is also, perhaps first and 
foremost, a loving husband, father and grandfather.

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  I am appreciative of Bob Russell's many years of leadership and for 
the untold number of individuals he has assisted, both personally and 
indirectly. He helped the agency and its customers overcome many 
obstacles and celebrate numerous successes. We will always be grateful 
for his willingness to be an original incorporator of the HDC and for 
his years of loyalty and dedication to its mission and vision.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring a true public servant, Robert Russell. His service to his 
community and fellow citizens is a testament to everyone aspiring to 
make this a better world. His selfless commitment to service has been a 
benefit to the people of Michigan and beyond.

                          ____________________