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Floor Speech
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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, James DiNicola, through his volunteerism with local non-profits. As a Korean War veteran approaching his 90th birthday, James embodies the essence of unwavering dedication to community service and a selfless commitment to others. James's years of service in the Army during the Korean War laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to volunteering. Currently, he devotes his time to four non-profit organizations: One Community Now, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. At One Community Now, James is a cornerstone of Operation Stand Down, where he assists with bike transportation for veterans, contributes to maintenance work, and provides invaluable encouragement to younger veterans navigating their challenges. His active involvement in the annual Pack the Park event reflects his dedication to the community, handling pumpkin pickups and managing food donations for hungry children. With over six years of unwavering commitment to One Community Now, James stands as a testament to steadfast volunteerism. For 3 \1/2\ years, James has been an indispensable volunteer at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, assembling beds for children and personally delivering them to their homes. His service extends to his church, where he selflessly aids in setting up for funerals, tends to landscaping, and tackles various maintenance jobs. In his community and family, James serves as a mentor, dog walker, and a source of encouragement to everyone he encounters. Remarkably, Jim still dedicates 20 hours a week as the maintenance person at Blue Jay Estates in Clearwater. James DiNicola's tireless and selfless service, notwithstanding his age, epitomizes the true spirit of heroism and community dedication. His unwavering desire to be a genuine servant for the glory of God resonates in every aspect of his volunteering. James is an inspiration to everyone he serves with, consistently maintaining a supportive and positive attitude.
It is clear that Mr. DiNicola has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.
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