Recognizing Accomplishments of Brian Johnson, Founder of Warriornow

Floor Speech

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Brian Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, founder of the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW. Brian is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and personally grappled with suicide after leaving the service.

He founded the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW, to help veterans get through the same struggles that he faced after coming home. His approach to combating veteran suicide is to connect at-risk veterans with peer mentors. Brian has developed a mentor certification program to ensure that every veteran receives quality mentorship and to ensure that the mentors are supported as well.

In the wake of COVID-19, Brian saw how the pandemic led to worsening PTSD anxiety, depression, and substance abuse throughout the entire veteran community. As a result, he created Daniel's Room, a virtual nightly check-in that began with Daniel, a veteran who Brian was working with who was struggling with substance abuse.

Thus far, WarriorNOW has served over 800 veterans in Daniel's Room.

I would like to thank Brian Johnson and his organization, WarriorNOW, for their tireless support of Colorado's veterans. Honoring the Life of Mikaela Lakin

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mikaela Lakin, an Aurora Police Department officer who lost her life in an off-duty motorcycle accident on September 18, 2020.

Mikaela was a dedicated officer with the Aurora Police Department when she died at the age of 24. A proud Coloradan, Mikaela loved all the outdoor activities our State has to offer, including camping, hiking, and snowboarding.

She will be deeply missed by her mother, Stephanie Renken; her brother, Alexander Lakin; her father, Michael Lakin; her grandparents, Connie and Steve Ostroha; and her beloved dog, Quentin.

She impacted the lives of so many with her outgoing and welcoming spirit and positive outlook. Officer Lakin should be remembered for her commitment to those in need and for the unwavering support she provided to her friends, family, and community.

May she rest in peace. Honoring Natural Helpers

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of the Aurora Natural Helpers program and its steadfast commitment to the community.

Aurora is an increasingly international and diverse city in Colorado's Sixth District. With the creation of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and the launching of the second phase of their Immigrant Integration Plan, Aurora is quickly becoming a national leader in the field of immigrant integration.

Launched by the city of Aurora in collaboration with local nonprofits in 2016, the Aurora Natural Helpers program trains leaders from immigrant refugee communities so they can help integrate their community members.

Trained Natural Helpers are equipped to provide information and resources to newly arriving immigrants and refugees on topics including city services and private assistance.

With the support of local partner organizations, more than 150 people from 25 countries have been trained, and crucial immigrant and refugee leadership has been fostered and empowered.

I would like to thank all of those involved in the Aurora Natural Helpers program for their dedication to our community. Their hard work connecting communities in Aurora to crucial resources not only ensures that immigrants and refugees in the Sixth District have the opportunity to thrive but that their leadership also comes from within. Recognizing Tri-County Health Department

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the Tri- County Health Department as a recipient of the National Association of County and City Health Officials 2020 Model Practice Award. The Tri- County Health Department serves the three counties in my district: Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas.

As we work to address the COVID-19 crisis, this recognition is a reminder of the many ongoing public health initiatives led by our city and county health departments, achievements they make despite challenging and adverse conditions. This award recognizes programs demonstrating excellence in response to a critical local public health need.

As part of this year's public health award series, Tri-County Health Department received one Model Practice Award and two Promising Practice Awards. The Model Practice Award was awarded to Tri-County's project on partnering with local businesses on workplace health and well-being.

I would like to thank the professionals of Tri-County Health Department for their many contributions to public health. Both before and during the pandemic, their programs and services have been instrumental in protecting the public health and well-being of our community.

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