- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: March 24, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary contributions of a dedicated community leader in my district, Mrs. Pattie Stepbach. Mrs. Stepbach has been a beacon of compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of students in our community.
Through her extraordinary work with Operation Heartfelt, Mrs. Stepbach has directly and profoundly impacted the lives of students by ensuring they have access to essential food supplies each weekend. Each week, she coordinates, prepares, and delivers food bags for the Weekend Backpack Program, a vital initiative that helps bridge the nutritional gap for students facing food insecurity. Her consistent presence in this program brings stability, dignity, and hope to countless students who rely on this support to meet their basic needs. Mrs. Stepbach's dedication goes far beyond routine service. She leads efforts to gather donations, organize deliveries, foster partnerships, inspire volunteerism, and advocate for youth who might otherwise go unseen. Thanks to her leadership and Operation Heartfelt's commitment, Central High School students who once faced uncertain weekends now have reliable nourishment and the opportunity to focus on their academic and personal growth. Mrs. Stepbach embodies the qualities of a true hero: selfless service, tireless dedication, and a profound impact on the lives of others. Her efforts demonstrate that one person's kindness can create a ripple effect that strengthens an entire community.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Pattie Stepbach for her outstanding contributions to our community. For her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students of Hernando County, I am proud to honor Mrs. Stepbach as a 2026 Heroes Among Us recipient for Florida's 12th Congressional District.