[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5016]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING NEIL KOSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Neil Koski, who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer 
Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's 
Veterans Advisory Group.
  Mr. Koski is a dedicated volunteer at the Department of Veterans 
Affairs' Fort Howard Community Based Outpatient Clinic. He provides 
morning coffee to the out patients at the clinic five days a week. He 
helps complete the mission at Fort Howard by providing a supplemental 
service to the veterans which could not have otherwise be provided 
through normal operations at the clinic.
  Relying upon his experience as a veteran, he provides companionship 
and camaraderie that few can supply to the veterans attending the 
clinic. Mr. Koski is a Disabled American Veteran who, because of his 
experiences overcoming his physical disability, is able to provide 
unique encouragement and friendship to the veteran patients at the Fort 
Howard clinic. His ability to share stories and tales of his 
accomplishments is legendary.
  Mr. Koski is also a member of the National Honor Guard for the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars. He serves as the VAVS Representative for the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Department of Veteran Affairs Baltimore 
Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center. Mr. Koski ensures that members 
are volunteering to provide services to patients as well as making 
monetary and in-kind donations to support patient needs at the Center. 
The pride that Mr. Koski feels representing the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars is constantly evident in his work as a volunteer.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Neil 
Koski. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through 
his tireless efforts in 34 years and 9,000 hours of volunteering, he 
has helped improve the lives of hundreds of veterans as they receive 
their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has gone 
above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their 
lives to serve our great country.

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