Dragon Boat Team

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--A team that has gone above and beyond their call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize the Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team:

Deb Bray, Jan Buhler, Kelly Chase, Gwen Coverdale, Bonnie Gepner, Lisa Hearn, Deb Jennings, Kimbriell Kelly, Christine Kerrigan, Kim King, Cynthia Laggan, Heidi Lengel, Angie Lin, Larraine Lodise, Karen Lust, Heydi Lynch, Leanne Lyons.

Cindy Manzo, Chezza Martineau, Margie Milburn, Christy Murphy, Carrie Myers, Kimmel Nacewicz, Kelly Noonan, Lina Peterson, Maureen Petrosky, Kelly Quinn, Olivia Quinn, Marie Quizon, Laura Scaperotto, Jackie Squares, Joanne Stein, Jacquelyn Wetzel, Chris Wetzel (Coach), Tommy Leonardi (Coach).

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades, but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. The Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team has embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

This remarkable group has brought honor to our community on the global stage and demonstrates what it means to be a champion in every sense of the word. Led by the incredible Chris and Jaquelyn Wetzel, the Bucks Dragon Boat Association recently competed on the world stage in Ravenna, Italy, against the top dragon boat teams from around the globe. They brought home two silver medals and a gold--an achievement that speaks volumes about their talent, determination, and dedication. But as impressive as these victories are, their most profound accomplishment wasn't measured in medals but in saving a life.

On September 3rd, following a grueling 2000-meter race that earned them the silver medal, Christy Murphy and her Women's Senior A teammates were paddling back to the docks when they saw a man in the water, struggling to stay afloat. It was a moment that could have paralyzed many with fear, but instead, it became a moment of pure heroism. Without a second thought, Christy sprang into action, drawing on the same strength, precision, and teamwork that had carried them through the race. She knew every second was crucial.

With her teammates rallying behind her, Christy plunged into the water and swam to the struggling man. With the help of her teammates, they pulled him onto their boat and safely transferred him to the motor rescue they had flagged down. On that day, this remarkable group of Bucks County women did not just prove themselves as world-class athletes--they showed us all what it means to be true heroes. This extraordinary and selfless act transcends any medal or title, reminding us of the power of human connection, teamwork, and what we are capable of when we come together.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to The Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team for their extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional organization, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

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