[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO ROB VAN TASSEL, FLORIDA BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR

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                          HON. DAVID W. JOLLY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 10, 2016

  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a member of our 
community, Rob Van Tassel, for being named Florida's Big Brother of the 
Year.
  Mr. Van Tassel is a logistics manager with Southwire, a manufacturing 
company based in Clearwater, Florida. He graduated from Dunedin High 
School in 1975 and has been a Pinellas County resident for many years 
now. Inspired by the way his father had raised him and encouraged by 
his own daughter, Mr. Van Tassel decided to join Big Brothers and Big 
Sisters and give back to the community that had given him and his 
family so much. In 2008, Mr. Van Tassel was matched with his current 
little brother Seth. For Seth, Rob is a supportive shoulder to lean on 
and a thoughtful advisor who keeps him focused on his education and 
making decisions that are beneficial for the rest of his life. Rob's 
work with Seth is truly exceptional.
  Rob believes that children need strong mentors for guidance, and that 
it is our responsibility to help guide children and young adults who 
need help finding their way. In addition to being named Florida's Big 
Brother of the Year, Mr. Van Tassel is also being considered for the 
national Big Brother of the Year award.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Rob Van Tassel for dedicating his time 
and efforts to our community. He has a strong desire to give back and, 
in turn, has inspired others to do so as well. I thank Rob for what he 
has done and I ask that this body join me in honoring and acknowledging 
Rob for his award and dedication to Pinellas County.

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