[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5128]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING OUTGOING DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT MRS. KAREN HOOVER OF THE 
                       PENNSYLVANIA VFW AUXILIARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, It is my honor to recognize Mrs. Karen 
Hoover on the occasion of her departure as 2015-2016 Department 
President for the VFW Auxiliary Department of Pennsylvania. Spanning 31 
years, Karen's countless contributions in my district and state reflect 
her dignity, honor, and dedication to improving her community and the 
lives of all Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  Karen joined the VFW Auxiliary in 1985, under the eligibility of her 
father, who served in the Army during WWII, and subsequently became a 
life member in 1999. She was elected the Auxiliary President in 1988 
and served a total of eight terms. Since 2000, Karen has served as a 
Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Secretary, and in her 
current role as Treasurer. Auxiliary chairmanship positions she has 
occupied include Americanism, Membership, Cancer, and Safety. Karen has 
also acted as the District 18 Chief of Staff, Color Bearer, Extensions 
Chairman, and Treasurer for the Voice of Democracy program.
  Beyond her formal positions in the VFW, Karen has always understood 
the value of community engagement. She is a member of Saint Paul's 
Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Women of the Moose, Relay for 
Life Team, United Way Fundraising, and Valley Lanes Bowling League. 
Karen is a lifetime member of the National Home for Veterans Children 
and was a life member of the Scotland School for Veterans' Children 
until its closure in 2009. Additionally, Karen is a dedicated supporter 
of the Halifax Cat Rescue Association. Whether volunteering at the food 
stand during the Shippensburg Community Fair or spending valuable time 
with her family, Karen embodies the values and principles that are 
essential to the functioning of a productive community. Her departure 
will be accompanied by quality time with her daughter Nicole, who is 
also an active member of the Auxiliary, her two stepsons, and three 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mrs. Karen Hoover for 
her tireless dedication and excellence serving as 2015-2016 Department 
President for the VFW Auxiliary Department of Pennsylvania. Karen's 
career achievements have produced profound effects in our community and 
her example of selfless leadership will continue to inspire the next 
generation of Veterans advocates. It is with gratitude and appreciation 
that I recognize Mrs. Hoover on the occasion of her departure and wish 
her all the best in her next endeavor.

                          ____________________