Congresswoman Laura Richardson Honors the Service of Debbie Sutton

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of California's Thirty-Seventh Congressional District to honor the courage and service of Ms. Debbie Sutton.

Ms. Sutton, a retired nurse from Long Beach, California was the sole volunteer from Long Beach's Chapter of the American Red Cross to be assigned to help in relief efforts after a devastating tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri in May of 2011. The tornado that passed through the town of Joplin was so extensive, that it damaged the local hospital, destroyed four local schools and left surrounding areas in tatters. Ms. Sutton, one of the lead members of a volunteer team assigned to help residents of Joplin, played an integral role in securing replacements for lost medical equipment, medicine and other goods essential to public health.

Before Ms. Sutton was called to aid in the post-tornado recovery efforts in Joplin, she had been working to set up health services in preparation for floods in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ms. Sutton's role in assisting those in need in Joplin represents her fifth assignment as a volunteer in post-disaster recovery. Ms. Sutton also assisted in recovery efforts after hurricanes Rita and Katrina devastated Louisiana.

Ms. Sutton retired from the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in 2004, and is a truly an outstanding member of our community. In her retirement, Ms. Sutton has dedicated herself to volunteering. Her enthusiastic, adventurous, and altruistic personality serves as a model for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Ms. Debbie Sutton for her commitment to public health and public service.