U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) welcomed rising country music star Jimmy Rose at his Open House on Monday, August 19th for the new Hazard Congressional Office.

"There is no one in recent history who has done more to bring national attention in a positive light to the coal industry," said Rogers. "There are only a few people who go the extra mile for our region, and I like to call them "Difference Makers." Jimmy Rose is certainly a "Difference Maker," both for honoring this region with his original song on a national television show and his valiant service in Iraq as a U.S. Marine."

After accepting the "Difference Maker Award" from Congressman Rogers, Rose spoke about following his dream in the national spotlight.

"I'm proud to represent this area in a positive way, because we have so much negativity that goes on. It's just an honor to have your support," said Rose. "Hopefully I can be a light to those out there who want to go after what they want to go after and realize that dreams can come true. It's how hard you work for it."

Rose thanked Rogers for sending him two American flags to fly over his bunker during his military tour in Iraq. Rose had requested a flag from Rogers through email while overseas and now proudly displays the flag at home.

During the celebration, Dean Osborne and students from the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music provided music for the event.

Rogers also presented two PRIDE Spring Cleanup Awards. Floyd County PRIDE Coordinator Ella Clay accepted the 2013 County Volunteer Recruitment Award. Floyd County won the award by having the greatest increase in volunteer turn-out.

Rogers announced Boy Scout Troop 90 from Perry County as the September PRIDE Volunteers of the Month. In April, the Boy Scouts cleaned up 22 bags of trash at Buckhorn Lake. They also keep the Eagles Landing Camp Ground cleaned up and they routinely pick-up roadside litter around several neighborhoods in the Hazard area.  

Attendees toured the new office and met with Congressional staff. The Hazard Congressional Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the phone number is 606-439-0794. The new office is located at 48 South Kentucky Highway 15, beside of CVS Pharmacy. 

To view photos from the Hazard Open House with Congressman Rogers and Jimmy Rose, visit http://halrogers.house.gov.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

Rogers presents Rose with a Difference Maker Award


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