[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7198]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SAMI ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Sami Anderson of Champaign, Illinois on being selected as 
a 2015 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow. This program recognizes 
military and veteran caregivers who go above and beyond to advocate on 
behalf of our nation's 5.5 million parents, spouses, children and other 
loved ones caring for our nation's wounded warriors.
  Sami has exemplified extraordinary commitment to veterans throughout 
her personal and professional life. In 2005 her husband, U.S. Army 
Sergeant Garrett Anderson, lost his arm and suffered a traumatic brain 
injury when an improvised explosive device detonated under his Humvee 
during a patrol mission in Iraq. Demonstrating great perseverance, 
together they were able to overcome many challenges on the way to 
Garrett's successful recovery.
  After leaving the Army, Garrett continued to serve his country as a 
part of my staff where he was responsible for outreach and constituent 
service to his fellow veterans. During his tenure with my office I also 
had the privilege of seeing Sami's efforts first hand.
  As part of her fellowship, she will have the opportunity to talk with 
leaders in Washington, D.C. to address the challenges faced by our 
veterans and their caregivers. I have no doubt that she will be an 
effective advocate.
  It is my goal to ensure we provide our veterans with the benefits and 
care that they deserve. I thank Sami and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation 
for their part in fulfilling that goal.

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