March 7, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E479 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

CONGRATULATING THOMAS F. St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist age and bravery. He was awarded the Silver BURKE AS HE IS NAMED ‘‘MAN and St. Joseph where they serve in the Bap- Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall OF THE YEAR’’ BY THE GREAT- tismal Ministry and where Judge Burke serves of Fame, as well as the Legion of Honor ER PITTSTON FRIENDLY SONS as a lector and as a member of the parish fi- Award from the American Law Enforcement OF ST. PATRICK nancial council. They are the parents of five Officers Association for his courage, bravery, children: Tom, a student at Harvard Law and allegiance in the performance of his duty HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI School; Bill, a student at Fordham Law following an incident that occurred on March OF PENNSYLVANIA School; Margy, a student at Boston College; 27, 1985. He is also an active member and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Katey, a student at Lehigh University; and Pat- participant in the Blair County DUI and Drug Wednesday, March 7, 2007 rick, a student at Scranton Preparatory Task Forces. Chief Thomas Miller’s character School. does not go unnoticed and is sure to bring him Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise Since 1992, the Burke family has hosted the most rewarding experiences in life. today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues students from Ireland, Japan and France. Chief Miller also recognizes fellow officers’ in the House of Representatives to pay tribute Madam Speaker, please join me in con- spirit and bravery being a member of the Blair to the Honorable Thomas F. Burke, Jr., on the gratulating Judge Burke on this fine honor. County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial occasion of being named ‘‘Man of the Year’’ The enormity of his contributions to the law, Foundation. by the Greater Pittston Pennsylvania Friendly his family and community speaks volumes Madam Speaker, Chief Thomas D. Miller Sons of St. Patrick. about his dedication, stamina and commitment has been very active in both professional and Judge Burke serves on the Luzerne County and serves as a shining example for others to personal activities throughout Blair Township, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, the emulate. Pennsylvania. Chief Thomas D. Miller is a 11th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of f great citizen of Blair County and we are hon- Pennsylvania. ored to recognize him for all of his work and A native of West Pittston, Judge Burke was PERSONAL EXPLANATION accomplishments. I congratulate him and wish appointed to the bench by former Pennsyl- him the best in his retirement. vania Gov. Tom Ridge. He was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. Judge HON. TODD TIAHRT f Burke took office May 22, 1998, and was OF KANSAS CONGRATULATING JAMES F. elected to a full 10-year term of office by the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BANNON AS HE RECEIVES THE voters of Luzerne County in 1999. Wednesday, March 7, 2007 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge FROM THE PITTSTON FRIENDLY Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, on March 6, Burke was engaged in the practice of law for SONS OF ST. PATRICK 25 years and, for several years, was a partner I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall with his brother, Atty. Joseph D. Burke, in the votes Nos. 121 and 122. HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI law offices of Burke and Burke. He served as Rollcall vote No. 121 was final passage of H. Res. 98. Had I been present, I would have OF PENNSYLVANIA a member of the executive committee of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. voted ‘‘yea.’’ He was also a director and president of the Rollcall vote No. 122 was on final passage Wednesday, March 7, 2007 First Bank of Greater Pittston and served as a of H. Res. 149. Had I been present, I would Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise director of successor banking institutions. have voted ‘‘yea.’’ today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues A summa cum laude graduate of West f in the House of Representatives to pay tribute Pittston High School, Judge Burke was in- TRIBUTE TO CHIEF THOMAS D. to Mr. James F. Bannon of Pittston, Pennsyl- ducted into the Wyoming Area Football ‘‘Ring MILLER vania, who has been chosen by the Greater of Pride’’ in 2005. Judge Burke is an honors Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick to receive graduate with a BA degree in finance from Le- their Lifetime Achievement Award. high University and he received his Juris Doc- HON. BILL SHUSTER Mr. Bannon was born in Scranton, Pennsyl- tor degree from Villanova University School of OF PENNSYLVANIA vania, a son of the late Frank and Jule Law. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Gaffney Bannon. He received his early edu- Judge Burke is a veteran of the United Wednesday, March 7, 2007 cation at Holy Rosary School in Scranton and States Army and was awarded the Bronze later graduated from Pittston High School in Star for meritorious service in the Republic of Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise 1936. Vietnam. today to honor Chief Thomas D. Miller, who He served in the United States Army before Judge Burke is a former chairman of the after 33 years of distinguished service is retir- becoming associated with Bright Construction board of trustees of Marywood University and ing from his prestigious responsibility as Chief Company where he worked for 46 years as a was awarded the presidential medal from that of the Blair Township Police Department. masonry foreman. He was also a member of institution in 2004. He is also a past president Chief Miller has had a successful and promi- the Bricklayers Union No. 5, Harrisburg. of the board of directors of the Greater nent career with many achievements and rec- After retiring, he worked as a consultant for Pittston Chamber of Commerce and he served ognitions. Reilly Associates. as chairman of the board of directors of Chief Miller’s law enforcement career began Mr. Bannon also served as a member of the Catholic Social Services of Wyoming Valley. in 1974 as a part-time patrolman and quickly Pittston Area School Board. He formerly served as a member of the Presi- made his way up the ranks with his dedication He is a past president of the Greater dent’s Council of King’s College and as vice to serving the community. In 1980, 3 months Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and is a chairman of the board of directors of the after being hired as a full-time police officer by fourth degree member of the John F. Kennedy Luzerne Foundation. Judge Burke served the Blair Township Police Department and Council 372, Knights of Columbus, Pittston. three terms on the board of directors of the elected Constable of Juniata County, he was He also served as president of the Council’s United Way of Wyoming Valley and also promoted to Assistant Chief. On March 13, Home Association. chaired the capital campaigns for the Greater 2001, Chief Miller was appointed Blair Town- He is currently a member of the Pittston Pittston YMCA and the Salvation Army, West ship Chief of Police. His devotion to duty and Planning Commission. Pittston, where he also served as a member commitment to the community can surely be Mr. Bannon has been married for the past of the Advisory Council. drawn upon by future police officers. 70 years to the former Frances Bright. They Judge Burke and his wife, Peggy, are mem- Chief Thomas Miller’s career in law enforce- are the parents of two daughters, Ann Galla- bers of the parish community of St. Casimir, ment has brought him recognition for his cour- gher, Indiana, and Kathy Sulima, Pittston.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate 0ct 09 2002 07:35 Mar 08, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07MR8.001 SWEST PsN: E07MRPT1 E480 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 7, 2007 They also have four grandsons, five great also active in community organizations, such and instrumentation as part of a national re- grandsons and two great granddaughters. as the Sunrise Rotary Club of Bedford and the search and education team. The Philadelphia Mr. and Mrs. Bannon are members of St. Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Youth Eagles have retained Dr. Meade’s services as John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Leadership Program and Education Founda- a consultant for summer camp since 1998. Madam Speaker, please join me in con- tion. Last July he realized his most ambitious vi- gratulating Mr. Bannon on the occasion of this Nominators of Dr. Crawford cite his excel- sion by developing a 300,000 square foot inte- honor. Mr. Bannon’s lifelong service to his lent vision and leadership in guiding his col- grated health campus offering traditional and family, church and community illustrate his leagues toward innovation and excellence, yet alternative therapies in a holistic environment commitment and selflessness and serve as an Dr. Crawford selflessly announced ‘‘what this to improve quality of life and longevity. The fa- example for others to emulate. award really demonstrates is that there is a cility is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, f whole team of people who are working to and is a national showcase model for the fu- make Bedford Area School District a better ture of private practice medical care. PERSONAL EXPLANATION place.’’ This modest educator is truly a won- Dr. Meade resides in Allentown with his wife derful asset to the Bedford area, as well as and three children. HON. TODD TIAHRT the State of Pennsylvania, and is most deserv- Madam Speaker, please join me in con- OF KANSAS ing of this prestigious honor. gratulating Dr. Meade on this special honor. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f His contributions to the field of medicine re- flect his deep passion and commitment for im- Wednesday, March 7, 2007 CONGRATULATING DR. THOMAS D. proving the quality of life and the standards of Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, on March 5, MEADE AS HE RECEIVES THE human health care. 2007 SWINGLE AWARD FROM THE I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall f votes Nos. 119 and 120. GREATER PITTSON FRIENDLY Rollcall vote No. 119 was final passage of SONS OF ST. PATRICK HONORING NEW YORK STATE AS- H.R. 995. Had I been present, I would have SEMBLYMAN MARK J.F. SCHROE- voted ‘‘yea.’’ HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI DER Rollcall vote No. 120 was on final passage OF PENNSYLVANIA of H.R. 497. Had I been present, I would have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. BRIAN HIGGINS voted ‘‘yea.’’ Wednesday, March 7, 2007 OF NEW YORK f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise TRIBUTE TO DR. PATRICK today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues Wednesday, March 7, 2007 CRAWFORD in the House of Representatives to pay tribute Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I offer these to Dr. Thomas D. Meade, M.D., who is the re- remarks today in honor of Mark J.F. Schroe- HON. BILL SHUSTER cipient of the 2007 Swingle Award from the der, Member of the Assembly of the State of OF PENNSYLVANIA Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. New York, on the occasion of his being IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Meade is an orthopedic surgeon and the named Irishman of the Year by Goin’ South, a senior managing partner and president of OAA prominent civic organization in my constitu- Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Orthopedic Specialists, the oldest incorporated ency. Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise medical group in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsyl- Rarely does one encounter a public servant today to honor Dr. Patrick Crawford of Bed- vania. He created and serves as medical di- so dedicated to the principles of good govern- ford, Pennsylvania, who has been named rector of the OAA Human Performance Cen- ment and of selfless public service as Assem- ‘‘2007 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the ter, a nationally recognized medical fitness fa- blyman Schroeder, who succeeded me in rep- Year’’ by a committee of his peers from the cility with over 3,500 members. He received resenting the people of the 145th Assembly Pennsylvania Association of School Adminis- the 2002 Founders Award from the prestigious District. trators. This distinguished award is given an- Medical Fitness Association for his lifetime One marvels at the tremendous ability he nually and is part of the National Super- contributions to the field of medical fitness and has demonstrated, in his work in the assembly intendent of the Year Program sponsored by the Sir John Charnley A ward for Orthopedic and previously in the Erie County Legislature, the American Association of School Adminis- achievement. to use the resources of elective office to make trators. It is presented to further inspire exem- Dr. Meade is a 1975 graduate of Pittston tangible improvements to the neighborhoods plary leadership and promote a sense of con- Area High School where he was awarded nu- he represents, and in the lives of the constitu- fidence and pride in our Nation’s public merous academic distinctions and still holds ents he so ably serves. schools. Dr. Crawford will be recognized in the high school diving record. He graduated While remaining vigilant with regard to his March at the American Association of School from Penn State with High Distinction where a legislative responsibilities—Assemblyman Administrators Conference on Education, diving injury launched him on a career in or- Schroeder is highly regarded for the studious- where the national recipient will be chosen thopedic surgery. After nine years in Philadel- ness with which he considers each piece of among the State nominees. phia at Jefferson Medical College and five legislation before him—Assemblyman Schroe- Dr. Patrick Crawford has been super- years at Thomas Jefferson University, he trav- der has also rolled up his sleeves and pro- intendent of Bedford Area School District since eled to Connecticut to complete a knee and duced tangible results in the areas of neigh- 1996. His outstanding service to the Bedford sports medicine fellowship. borhood-based economic development and area has included several noteworthy pro- Dr. Meade is an avid cyclist and competitive adult education in the communities he serves. grams. The Superintendent’s Leadership swimmer. He has held top 10 U.S. Masters A prime example of his successes in the Academy, a 2 year leadership program for Swimming rankings and shares national and area of neighborhood-based economic devel- high school juniors and seniors; the Bedford world records in men’s freestyle events with opment is his creation of, and ongoing support Teacher Technology Academy, a staff devel- fellow OAA physician, Dr. Charles Norelli. for, the Greater South Buffalo Chamber of opment program that advances the use of As an author and educator, Dr. Meade has Commerce. Through this agency, he had de- technology in learning; and the Classrooms for published articles and books and produced monstrably reduced commercial vacancy rates the Future initiative which will place laptops on videos on sports injuries, nutrition and fitness and otherwise dramatically improved business the desks of every high school student in the related topics. He has also lectured exten- districts in his constituency. district. These initiatives all take precedence sively on those topics. He is currently the host Now boasting 156 members, the Greater on the future of education in the Bedford area. of two popular cable television shows on or- South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce encour- In addition to the time he spends as a su- thopedic and medical issues. He also holds ages business development through the Irish perintendent, Dr. Crawford dedicates much of two academic posts at Thomas Jefferson Uni- Feis and Expo, a trade show and concert held his schedule to the betterment of the Bedford versity and Pennsylvania State University and in conjunction with Goin’ South, a monthly community. He has worked through organiza- he serves as director of orthopedic trauma newsletter, a high quality membership direc- tions such as the Pennsylvania Leadership residency education at Lehigh Valley Hospital. tory, a wide range of member benefits, in- Development Center, the Blended Schools Vir- He is a recognized expert in the field of volvement with a wide array of community tual Learning Consortium, and is serving on knee ligament reconstruction, knee replace- events and projects, and enthusiastic and un- the Learning Lamp Board of Directors. He is ments and has developed surgical techniques wavering advocacy.

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