[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Senate]
[Page 32597]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DICK AND CHRISTINE MOODY

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, anyone who has served in our Armed 
Forces or who has had a loved one in uniform understands just how 
difficult the holiday season can be--separated from husbands, wives, 
fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. It can be the loneliest time of 
the year. Dick and Christine Moody understand that better than most, 
and since 2003 they have worked tirelessly to make the holidays a 
little cheerier for the men and women who keep America safe. They have 
done it with Operation Troop Support, the organization they founded 6 
years ago as a way to say thank to those serving in the military.
  Since its founding, Operation Troop Support has sent more than 25,000 
care packages to men and women in the military abroad. These packages 
are sent throughout the year, but during the holidays extra care is 
taken to see that the season is a little brighter for the troops. And 
it is for that reason that during this holiday season, I would like to 
recognize and commend Dick and Christine Moody for their efforts--
efforts that have earned them national recognition and the accolades of 
the National Military Family Association, the Employer Support to the 
Guard and Reserve, ESGR, and numerous State and local officials.
  I also want to recognize the hundreds of volunteers who have 
contributed their time, energy and money to Operation Troop Support. 
The support the North Shore community has given the organization has 
been inspiring. Volunteers have spent countless hours boxing the care 
packages, and they have donated thousands of dollars to ship the 
packages to ensure that each soldier, marine, airman and sailor 
receives something during the holiday season.
  I had the opportunity to meet with many of the Operation Troop 
Support volunteers while attending a St. Patricks Day luncheon hosted 
by the organization last year. During the luncheon, I spoke with a 
soldier, Thomas Lanzoni, who had recently returned from Iraq. Inspired 
by the volunteers of Operation Troop Support, Sergeant Lanzoni walked 
across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to raise money and awareness 
for the Moodys's organization.
  Dick and Christine Moody understand the special burden placed on 
military families. Dick spent 23 years in the Air Force and retired as 
a lieutenant colonel. Additionally, the Moodys have a son and a 
daughter who have served abroad in the Air Force. The military has long 
been a part of their life. Consequently, Operation Troop Support not 
only supports the troops in the field but also hosts family support 
group meetings for the loved ones of servicemembers deployed or about 
to be deployed overseas.
  I salute the Moodys and Operation Troop Support for their service and 
dedication to our country. Their gestures of gratitude have reached 
thousands of servicemembers, reminding each of them that we support 
them and their families while they are deployed and when they 
return.

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