[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31818]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED 
                                 CROSS

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                           HON. MIKE FERGUSON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Greater Somerset 
County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which today is celebrating 
its 90th anniversary.
  The American Red Cross has a rich history of providing relief and 
assistance to victims of fires, floods and other natural disasters, 
dating back to its founding by Clara Barton in 1881. The organization 
is a great American success story, as it relies on the contributions of 
volunteers, and gains its funding through private donations and fees 
from health and safety services.
  The Greater Somerset County Chapter evolved as a conglomeration of 
smaller chapters in central New Jersey, the first of which was the 
Bound Brook Chapter in 1917. This chapter includes 15 municipalities, 
providing residents with access to emergency and disaster services 24 
hours a day, 7 days a week, including blood-donation programs, 
preparedness education, health and safety training, and medical 
transportation services.
  I would also like to recognize the important work that the Greater 
Somerset County Chapter's members performed for the residents of New 
Jersey that I represent during flooding that occurred in recent years, 
particularly in the towns of Bound Brook and Manville. The vital 
services provided by these volunteers--and the care and compassion 
displayed during these difficult times--epitomized the mission of the 
American Red Cross.
  Madam Speaker, the Greater Somerset County Chapter, as well as the 
American Red Cross as a whole, represents the best in helping Americans 
in their time of need. I am proud to represent an area that is home to 
such a fine organization, and I am pleased to congratulate the Greater 
Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross as it celebrates its 
90th anniversary.

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