[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17776]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING PHIL HOGAN, JOSH ALLEN, JAMES WESTON ABBOTT, AND SHEA 
                                LASSETER

  (Mr. WESTMORELAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Phil 
Hogan, Josh Allen, James Weston Abbott, and Shea Lasseter for their 
work for Coweta-Fayette electric cooperative, located in my district, 
and Habersham electric cooperative.
  Coweta-Fayette initiated a partnership with Habersham for these 
gentlemen to travel to Costa Rica as volunteers for the National Rural 
Electric Cooperative Association International Foundation. They helped 
construct an electric distribution system and worked alongside 
employees at Coopeguanacaste, the electric co-op in the town of 
Guanacaste.
  Their volunteer efforts included extending access to electricity for 
families in this community. Electricity is a critical element in 
improving the quality of life. It enables better health care, 
education, clean water, and other vital services. These men also shared 
safety and best construction practices with the Costa Rican cooperative 
employees.
  NRECA International has been active in rural electrification 
development in Costa Rica since 1963. The four electric cooperatives in 
Costa Rica serve approximately 750,000 folks. Thanks to these 
volunteers, more families in the world now have a chance for a better 
life.
  Thank you, Phil Hogan, Josh Allen, James Weston Abbott, and Shea 
Lasseter for your hard work and dedication.

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