[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E846] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING BUNKERS IN BAGHDAD ______ HON. CHRIS COLLINS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to speak about an outstanding organization headquartered in Buffalo, New York: Bunkers in Baghdad. The organization was started by Joe Hanna in 2008 after learning that golf had become a favorite form of stress relief for soldiers serving in combat zones overseas. The purpose of Bunkers in Baghdad is simple-- they collect new and used golf balls and golf clubs and then ship them overseas to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program also includes injured veterans who are currently recovering in Wounded Warriors programs and other military installations and VA hospitals across the United States. The first official shipment of golf balls went out in November 2008 to reach Iraq in time for the holidays. The inaugural shipment was made even more special by the fact that it was coordinated and packaged by students from the Williamsville Central School District. In addition to raising money to ship each box directly through the United States Postal Service, the students packed each box with balls, holiday cards, and letters they wrote to the soldiers. I would like to recognize and congratulate the organization on their accomplishments. In just 5 short years, Bunkers in Baghdad has collected and shipped 5 million golf balls and 150,000 golf clubs to our military service men and women and wounded warriors in all 50 states and 30 countries around the world. This initiative, focused on those who have given so much, is an example to us all as we continue to honor those who serve. ____________________