Recognizing Karen Straffon for Her Commitment and Service to Michigan's Veterans and Their Families

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McCLAIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karen Straffon of Clay Township for her commitment and service to Michigan's veterans and their families.

Karen's commitment to honoring our bravest citizens is extensive. Last year, Karen completed a longtime project to erect a Gold Star Family Monument in Clinton Township, which honored the families of servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect our great nation. Karen selflessly dedicated hours of her time to forming a committee, fundraising, researching, traveling and gaining the support of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation to establish this commemorative monument.

Karen has also served the families of veterans in her community by overseeing the Wreaths Across America program every year at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. She is also skilled in quilt making, and many of her quilts are donated for fundraising events aimed at veterans' programs.

The former Veteran of the Year for St. Clair County, Don Callaway, commended Karen's charitable efforts by saying, she truly exemplifies ``leave no one behind.'' It is an honor to recognize and sincerely thank Karen Straffon for her years of humble service to veterans and their families, I hope Karen knows the impact her efforts have had on the veterans, their families and the overall community.

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