[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING TOMMIE HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                     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 
Tommie Hawkins, who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer 
Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's 
Veterans Advisory Group.
  Mr. Hawkins coordinates scheduling, maintains vehicles and manages 
volunteer drivers who drive Disabled American Veterans vans, pick up 
veteran patients and transport them to the Glen Burnie Community Based 
Outpatient Clinic. He continually solicits new volunteer drivers, 
maintains driving records and files all reports required by the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Mr. Hawkins, despite the challenges, effectively manages the 
maintenance and rotation of an aging transportation fleet for veterans. 
He ensures that volunteer drivers are available on a moment's notice 
for veterans' transportation requests. In addition to driving a regular 
shift himself, he never hesitates to cover unscheduled driving 
assignments. He has significantly improved the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the Disabled American Veterans' transportation 
operations by automating the driver management procedures. Upon receipt 
of a veteran's request for transportation assistance, he confirms the 
request with the Department of Veterans Affairs and provides the 
veteran with a reminder phone call with pick up confirmation.
  Mr. Hawkins truly has the ability to communicate with veteran 
patients in a very caring and compassionate way. It would be hard to 
find an individual that contributes more than Mr. Hawkins to guarantee 
the success of the Disabled American Veterans' transportation program.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Tommie 
Hawkins. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through 
his tireless efforts, he has helped hundreds of veterans 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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