Wayne Gilchrest: “this morning I rise publicly to honor the memory of a true hero, a woman who gave her time, patience, experience…”

“this morning I rise publicly to honor the memory of a true hero, a woman who gave her time, patience, experience, knowledge, and love to the young adults at Northeast High School in my district. In 1996, Linda Aschenbach-Hackmann, a former student and outstanding athlete, stepped in to fill a coaching vacancy for the girls' softball team. Her impact was immediate, leading the team to the State finals during the next 2 years. In late 1998, sadly, Linda was stricken with lymphoma cancer, confining her to the hospital with continuous painful treatments. Still, she managed to coach the team from her hospital bed and rally them from the sidelines. When Linda passed away in April 1999, her funeral was attended by hundreds of families and friends, including her beloved girls from the softball team that decorated her casket with the winning ball autographed by the players, for that year the girls won the State championship. Mr. Speaker, there can be no greater sacrifice for children today than giving our love and our patience and our time. She is a true hero.”