[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 21915] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MARY C. RUSSO ______ HON. THELMA D. DRAKE of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievements of Mary C. Russo. Acknowledged by the Virginia Beach City Council, Ms. Russo's great volunteer work, dedication, and leadership proved her a strong recipient for this recognition. Mrs. Russo is a devoted, tireless volunteer who has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Virginia Beach area. In 1978, Mrs. Russo was appointed the first Coordinator of the Virginia Beach City Council's Volunteer Council. Serving in the capacity of Director of Volunteers, she has contributed more than 10,900 hours of service. Additionally, Mrs. Russo has been honored by numerous appointments to a variety of national, State, and local boards, commissions, and agencies. Through Mrs. Russo's work, the Volunteer Council has grown to over 25,000 volunteers who have collectively recorded over 1.1 million hours of work, valued at nearly 15 million dollars. The program has been so successful that the city of Miyazaki, Japan has sent staff and citizen delegations to train under Mrs. Russo. With this award, Mrs. Russo has joined an elite group of citizens who have greatly impacted the United States. I am certain that her incredible accomplishments, dedication to our country and evident leadership talents will continue to speak highly of her, as they do now. ____________________