Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) presented Harlan County Little League Baseball Coach, UNITE Coalition Coordinator and former Mayor of Lynch, Tom Vicini with a Congressional Tribute in recognition of his volunteer efforts and recent national recognition as the Major League Baseball Commissioner's Play Healthy Volunteer Coach of the Year Award.

"Tom Vicini is a hero and an outstanding mentor for our young people. He has been a devout volunteer, a father figure for many baseball players and a champion for drug-free education," said Rogers. "It's an honor for the MLB to recognize the hard work and tireless efforts of a local Harlan Countian, but anyone who knows Tom, quickly realizes he wants no recognition. His desire to help our young people succeed is unmatched and I applaud his daily efforts to make a difference."

Rogers commended Vicini for dedicating more than 34 years as a coach and umpire for Harlan County Little League Baseball. Vicini coaches the players on more than good baseball techniques, he encourages good sportsmanship, good choices and a drug-free life. Through his efforts as Operation UNITE's Coalition Coordinator, Vicini helps organize drug-free educational events across southern and eastern Kentucky and helps individuals get treatment for substance abuse. Prior to joining UNITE, Vicini served more than 13 years as Mayor of Lynch with no salary to save city funds.

"This is a great honor. I will treasure this tribute for years to come," said Vicini. "It was fun to go to New York City and receive such incredible recognition from the Partnership at Drugfree.org and the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, but my hero is Congressman Rogers and this means a lot to me."

To read Congressman Rogers' Congressional Tribute for Tom Vicini, visit: http://halrogers.house.gov/UploadedFiles/CRs_Tom_Vicini_8_5x11.pdf

 

At the 2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit April 2-4 in Orlando, Florida, Rogers will deliver a keynote address and participate in a Congressional Panel on Prescription Drug Abuse. In 2009, Rogers joined with former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. 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 and Facebook.

 

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