Ordinary People Doing Extaordinary Things In 2006
ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS IN 2006
One of the greatest aspects of my job is the wonderful people from Southern Ohio that I have the opportunity to meet. I am continually inspired by their stories, their struggles and successes, and their commitment and dedication to bettering our communities. I consider them our unsung heroes. They are everyday people who dedicate their time and energy to making others' lives a little easier, more hopeful, and brighter. The pay is little -or more often than not -- nothing at all, and recognition is rare; but their fulfillment and satisfaction from giving back is priceless.
Earlier this year, I presented the Angels in Adoption award to Sheryl Linne. The Angels in Adoption program, established by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, recognizes individuals for their outstanding adoption and foster care advocacy. Sheryl, an attorney and adoptive mother of two, founded an adoption agency several years ago in the Hyde Park area. Sheryl and her staff have successfully placed many infants in loving homes, and are committed to providing ongoing support to both the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Sheryl's philosophy, and something she talks about a lot with the birth parents she meets with, is that adoption is not "second-best," or a solution to a "problem." It is a responsible parenting decision. This empowering philosophy underscores that adoption is a win for birth parents, adoptive parents, and especially the children involved. I admire Sheryl's approach to her work, and commend her for providing her services to members of our community.
Jackie Pick, a Congressional Aide on Capitol Hill, decided to take action when she learned about a growing drug problem threatening her hometown of Portsmouth. For months, she has spent her free time researching and developing a comprehensive, community-wide approach to addressing this problem. She contacted our office to see how we could help with her efforts. Working in concert with community leaders at the local, state and federal level, as well as representatives from Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), Jackie hosted a successful planning session last month, which I attended, to prepare for the official kickoff of the Scioto County Anti-Drug Coalition. Jackie's connection to her hometown runs deep, and she cares about the future of Portsmouth. She is a true leader, and I know her efforts will yield positive results.
Perhaps one of the experiences that touched me the most was an opportunity I had to present service medals and awards to a married couple who served in World War II. Mr. Frank Trost served in the war for nearly three years and earned seven medals for his outstanding service. His wife, Katherine, earned four medals for her three years of service as a member of the United States Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program. Their pride and commitment to the ideals of democracy were truly touching. Although his health is failing, Mr. Trost wanted to receive his medals, along with his wife, surrounded by family members so they could understand the significance of this important legacy. The Trosts are American heroes, and I was honored to meet them this year and hear their wonderful stories.
Of course, our service men and women continue to be our greatest unsung heroes. The countless men and women dedicated to protecting our freedoms around the world. With the media reports growing more negative by the day, it is important to remember the heroism of our troops working so hard to accomplish their mission. There are also the individuals who are committed to raising the morale of our military by remembering them throughout the year with packages, letters, prayers and support. Just last week I heard about a local attorney who donates his time and legal services to military families.
I could go on and on with my list of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in Southern Ohio. But those that I have mentioned, and the countless others I did not, all call to mind one of my favorite quotes, "To whom much is given, much is expected."
As this year comes to a close, we can give thanks to the unsung heroes in our own communities who made 2006 a better year for all of us.
http://www.house.gov/list/press/oh02_schmidt/heroes.html