[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18373]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO JIM HARRIGER

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I wish to honor today the 22 years 
of service of Jim Harriger as the executive director of Springfield 
Victory Mission. Since starting his work at the mission, Jim has 
faithfully dedicated his life to addressing the needs of the most 
vulnerable members of the Springfield community.
  Jim is truly an icon of the philanthropic community in my hometown of 
Springfield, MO. From the beginning, he has said he felt called by God 
to serve Springfield in this way. He exemplifies what it means to put 
faith into action.
  At the beginning of his service in 1993, the mission consisted of 
just two small buildings on Commercial Street. Under Jim's effective 
leadership, the mission grew to include some of its most well-known 
programs including the culinary arts school; Victory Trade School; and 
a student-run restaurant, Cook's Kettle.
  The mission has been a place of help and hope for lives affected by 
poverty and addiction. In the mission's service to those in need, Jim 
has promoted the idea that we should see a person's God-given 
potential, rather than defining them by their circumstances.
  Lives have been changed, the hungry have been fed, the homeless have 
gained shelter, and the hopeless have found hope. The work of Victory 
Mission will continue, and both the mission and Springfield are better 
because of the work of Jim Harriger.
  Jim is set to officially retire on January 31, 2016. There is no 
doubt that Jim will continue his exceptional work in the next chapter 
of his life. I join countless individuals in the Springfield community 
in expressing my gratitude for his many years of faithful 
service.

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