On the recordJuly 31, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two dedicated residents from our district of Omaha who stepped up to the challenge COVID-19 has placed on our communities. Holly Barstow and Patricia Longacre started a mask-making movement that accomplished an incredible feat. Since March, they and over 2,400 volunteers stayed busy as they worked to make over 140,000 masks. Holly and Patricia's efforts started as a project to make 10,000 masks for local hospital personnel and first responders but quickly grew. In addition to the 140,000 masks, they also produced over 36,000 surgical caps, 200 surgical gowns, 500 face shields, and thousands of ear savers. They are now retiring, as commercial masks are readily available. I admire and thank Holly and Patricia for serving others. They have inspired many to be servant leaders. They have also demonstrated the innovative and can-do spirit that makes America great. We admire them. ____________________
