[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7388]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            AMERICORPS WEEK

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to join the Vermont Commission 
on National and Community Service in paying tribute to the outstanding 
Americorps men and women who have volunteered countless hours this past 
year supporting Vermont's communities, and communities around the 
country. The Vermont Commission on National and Community Service, 
first established by Governor Howard Dean in 1993, works with 
AmeriCorps volunteers, community volunteers and other organizations 
throughout Vermont to grow Vermont's dynamic communities. The service 
to others and civic engagement that the volunteer programs organized by 
the Commission promote are the cornerstone of Vermont's most treasured 
values.
  Being a dedicated volunteer is often not an easy task. The Vermont 
Commission on National and Community Services allows servicemembers to 
shine through their vast opportunities and resources for our Vermont-
based volunteers. Within the scope of their work, the Commission 
provides various opportunities to work in our communities through the 
AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America programs. The 
experiences of these volunteers will allow them to share their 
community values with the rest of Vermont and our great country.
  I continue to be impressed with the achievements our dedicated 
professionals and young volunteers reach during their inspiring 
careers. I am pleased that the staff of the Vermont Commission on 
National and Community Service, along with their Americorps members, 
are being recognized for all that they have done day in and day out 
throughout Vermont. The skills and experiences of these volunteers are 
instrumental in helping our communities tackle tough and complex 
problems.
  I am fortunate to call Vermont my home, and we are more than lucky to 
have so many local role models that continue to inspire our young 
citizens to get involved. Whether volunteering as an Americorps member, 
or helping a next door neighbor in need, Vermonters carry forward our 
longstanding tradition of community service and involvement. This is 
why Vermont continues to be the great State that it is today. To the 
staff and volunteers of the Vermont Commission on National and 
Community Service, again I say thank you for all that you do for 
Vermont.

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