[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3498]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I am greatly honored to recognize 
the San Antonio Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. As you launch 
your 2008 Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign, I wish to commend 
the many important contributions made to our communities by this 
admirable organization over the years.
  Every day, they serve over 2.4 million people living in the 23 
counties across South Central Texas with invaluable support for natural 
disaster and preventative services. Since the chapter's founding in 
1916, your volunteers have been at the forefront when emergencies and 
disasters have impacted our communities. Across the nation, the 
American Red Cross's noble work has come to represent hope and relief 
for people when unpredictable and difficult problems arise.
  The San Antonio Area Chapter of the Red Cross has provided disaster 
relief services to 491 families, or more than 1,600 people. As many in 
my community can recall, the Red Cross helped over 1,100 people, 
supplied shelter for over 800 persons, and provided much needed 
financial help to many families in Eagle Pass who were devastated by 
the 2007 tornado. 465 of their volunteers worked selflessly in response 
to this disaster, and I am truly grateful for their service.
  In addition to responding to emergencies such as these, they help 
members of the community prepare themselves for these types of 
disasters. In teaching 21,405 people in our region how to save lives 
with first aid and offering CPR courses, they empower the entire area. 
Moreover, they help our members of the armed services and their 
families by operating a 24- hour emergency call center. They also serve 
as a valuable connection to other social service agencies as is evident 
by the 5,300 referrals made last year which enabled people to get more 
help when they needed it most.
  As one of the largest chapters in the country with roughly 1,500 
volunteers and 55 paid staff members, their dedication and devotion to 
the Red Cross' humanitarian mission has left an indelible mark in South 
Central Texas. I am very proud and deeply honored to represent this 
district knowing such people are working unselfishly to make our cities 
and towns stronger and safer. I would like to thank them for all they 
have given to the region, and I wish them continued success in their 
mission.

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