[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING BOBBY CLARK FOR HIS EFFORTS TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE 
                                KATRINA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, there are many heroes who have worked 
countless hours to help victims of hurricanes recover. Mr. Bobby Clark 
is one of these heroes.
  Bobby, along with his wife Lori and children, Danielle, Joe, and 
Jack, have a history of helping hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast. 
Following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Bobby cleared roads of fallen trees, 
removed trees from his neighbors' homes or from driveways, and 
delivered supplies and food to victims.
  Following Hurricane Katrina, Bobby along with his business partner 
Pat Achee traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi, to deliver supplies and 
check on family and friends. Soon after their arrival in Gulfport, they 
learned St. James Baptist Church was feeding about 300 people a day and 
sheltering dozens in its sanctuary. The two raised money to provide a 
generator for the sanctuary, and they also filled an 18-wheeler with 
food and supplies donated by the city of Fairhope.
  Bobby's work at the church led him to meet Cleavon and Corrine 
Robinson, an elderly couple without home insurance. The couple's home 
was almost completely destroyed by a fallen tree. Bobby met with Bob 
Chatham of Chatham Home Planning, who drew up a house plan for Mr. and 
Mrs. Robinson.
  Bobby then organized volunteers from the community to build the 
Robinson's new home in seven days. He developed a schedule and had 
volunteers working from dawn to dark, and the 864 square-foot house was 
actually completed in 6\1/2\ days!
  This was the beginning of the nonprofit ``We Care'' of Baldwin 
County, whose mission is to repair or rebuild homes for people in need. 
The goal for 2006 is to build 15 homes. The residents and businesses 
throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties have also responded to Bobby's 
call, donating everything from the building supplies, to the furniture, 
to the landscaping, and even the lighting.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
honoring Bobby Clark for his selfless commitment to helping his 
community and inspiring others to do the same. His story serves as an 
inspiration not only to those of us who live across the Gulf Coast but 
also to people across the country. We need more people like Bobby Clark 
in this world--a true hero to those most in need.

                          ____________________