E 252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 29, 1996 immersed in a rigorous academic program that tunity for personal betterment that is inherent The tragic and misguided returned to vio- provides a solid foundation in math, reading, in the idea of the . This has lence recently by some who mistakenly be- writing, and analytical reasoning. It is hardly proved to be the case for Aaron. He enlisted lieve that justice can be obtained through ter- surprising that Berkeley-Carroll was awarded in the Navy in 1974 without a college degree. rorism, death, and destruction, must end. The the Federal Blue Ribbon Award for their sin- Since then he has devoted his life to serving IRA cease fire must be restored, the bombings cere committment to academic strength and our country to the best of his ability, and his ended, and peaceful means and dialog re- civic leadership. dedication has provided much in return. Aaron sumed immediately, or the nationalist cause As a resident of Park Slope, I have wit- has traveled the world via aircraft carrier, will suffer even greater damage in world opin- nessed the positive contributions made by learned the highly specialized skill of aviation ion. Berkeley-Carroll to the neighborhoods electronics, and after putting that training to As we once again examine at this particular throughout . Students are given a use repairing A±6 fighters, he is now the ad- time of year, the impact the Irish have had on special experience that will stay with them ministrator of the school where he learned the America, and why the U.S. has a responsibility their entire lives. I rise to honor this landmark craft. From humble origins, Lieutenant Com- to remain engaged in the efforts to bring about institution and urge all of my colleagues to mander Craycroft has achieved success lasting peace and justice in Ireland, it is worth recognize this Brooklyn-based school as a na- through 20 years of hard work. His example is remembering their many sacrifices and con- tional leader in education. a model for the youth of today, for there are tributions to our great Nation. f no easy answers, no quick fixes, and no sub- President Clinton addressing a joint session stitute for giving your all. The path to oppor- of the Irish parliament in Dublin on his trip last TRIBUTE TO LOIS McDANIEL tunity and fulfillment exists if you are willing to year, mentioned the 200,000 Irish who bravely give of yourself. fought for the Union cause in our civil war. HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Mr. Speaker, Aaron's story is especially Many Irish officers and soldiers also distin- OF meaningful to me, because at 17, I also en- guished themselves in ending British rule over IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tered the armed services without having been the colonies, during the earlier American revo- lution. Thursday, February 29, 1996 to college, and I will never forget what that op- portunity has meant to my life. I would like to Once here in this great land, and taking full Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker Lois McDaniel is thank Lieutenant Commander Craycroft for his advantage of the American dream, the Irish a native of Batesburg, SC and embodies the devotion to his country's security. I am hon- fought and died for this Nation, and excelled philosophy that hard work pays big dividends. ored to represent him and his family in the in every way and walk of American life. Few Lois attended South Carolina State College U.S. Congress. from the World War II generation can forget, and Pace University's evening program. She f a young Irish lad named Audie Murphy who currently serves as the calendar information on the battlefields of eastern France, became officer for the department of city planning and SAINT PATRICK’S DAY 1996 one of the Nation's most decorated veterans. secretary to the New York City Planning Com- He received the Medal of Honor and 27 other mission for land use and zoning matters. In HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN decorations, including the Distinguished Serv- her capacity she conducts televised public OF NEW YORK ice Cross, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clus- hearings at city hall for the New York City IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ter, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm. Planning Commission. In fact, since Congress established the Con- Thursday, February 29, 1996 Prior to joining the department of city plan- gressional Medal of Honor in 1863, there have ning, Ms. McDaniel served as executive sec- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, the promotion of been a remarkable 250 or more Irish who retary to the president of the Bedford- peace and justice, along with long term and have earned this Nation's highest honor. No Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. A homeowner in shared economic development on the beloved other nationality, even comes close to that as- East New York since 1969, Lois has been in- Emerald Isle, are important items of concern tonishing record of valor and courage in serv- volved in numerous civic activities within the to millions of Americans of Irish descent, par- ice of this great Nation. Community Board 5 area. Her efforts have ticularly at this time of year as we all join The sons and daughters of Ireland, their supported senior citizens, block associations, again in celebrating yet another glorious St. families and many friends here in America, are the Democratic Club of East New York, and Patrick's Day. all grateful for our Government and its leaders' Union 1180. These important issues of peace and justice efforts, from both parties, to help pay back Ms. McDaniel is actively involved in food also concern all of Ireland's many friends here those remarkable sacrifices. The President drives for City Harvest's food distribution pro- and around the globe, especially now once has worked hard to bring peace and justice to gram for the homeless, and is also involved in again with the misguided return to violence by their ancestral homeland, which every Irish- numerous other charitable efforts. I am proud some few frustrated with the pace of the man holds near and dear to his or her heart. to acknowledge her efforts to serve the people peace process and needed change on the We must all continue to work to keep peace of Brooklyn. ground in the north of Ireland today. in Ireland on the top of America's foreign pol- f Ireland and its warm, generous people have icy agenda today, as I and others will do here long had a fond affection for America, as in the Congress. CELEBRATING THE CAREER President Clinton learned when he trium- While helping make America great, the Irish ACHIEVEMENTS OF LT.C. AARON phantly toured the whole island late last year. have never forgotten, from whence they A. CRAYCROFT There we all witnessed first hand, the genuine proudly came, as anyone who has marched warmth and love of the Irish people for Amer- in, or witnessed the grand Saint Patrick's Day HON. GLENN POSHARD ica, and the respect for the President's out- parade down 5th Avenue in New York City OF ILLINOIS standing leadership in promoting peace on the each year. Today, more than 40 million Ameri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES island. cans have ancestral links to Ireland, many as The President has done much through his a result of the large immigration that followed Thursday, February 29, 1996 effort at promoting peace in Ireland to in some the great famine, as well as the years before Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleas- small way, pay back that nation that has also and after, that terrible and destructive human ure today to relate a very inspiring story. It is given America so much. With the current tragedy. not an unfamiliar plot, but one that always re- breakdown in the progress toward lasting This year's Saint Patrick's parade Grand assures my faith in the American dream and peace, it is time for the President to take the Marshal is William Flynn the CEO of Mutual of the work ethic that has made this country the next step, and appoint that promised peace America in New York City. He is a great man, greatest in the world. Aaron A. Craycroft of envoy, which many believe is needed to get duly deserving of this high honor, who has Macon County, IL, the northernmost county of the process back on track. dedicated himself to peace in Ireland, and has Illinois' 19th district, has been promoted to the Former Senator George Mitchell, who worked tirelessly to bring about lasting peace rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy Air served so well as head of the International and justice, as have so many of his fellow Corps, and I salute his ascension to this posi- Body dealing with the arms issue, would be an Irish Americans. tion. ideal candidate for the position, in my opinion. The Irish in America, and their many friends Military service in the United States has al- I urge the President to make such an appoint- have long played a role in assuring that our ways been a position of honor for those who ment of a peace envoy at this critical time in Government and elected leaders have not for- have served, and often represents the oppor- Irish history. gotten that the problems of Ireland did not end February 29, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 253 with the great famine. Together we have forefront of providing much needed services to As an advocate for gun control since 1979, worked hard to insure that the people of Ire- migrant workers in northeastern Pennsylvania. Richard worked at the District At- land never again face such terrible hardships, In 1973, she became a human services plan- torney's office, where he prosecuted homicide and depravation of basic human rights and ner for the United Services Agency. Her inter- and gun distribution cases. His interest in re- human dignity. ests then led her to become the executive di- forming our Nation's weak gun laws motivated We must also all continue to work for a per- rector of the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Drug him to volunteer for Handgun Control, Inc., manent end to the troubles in Ireland, through and Alcohol Abuse Program. In 1979, Rose and in 1992 was elected president. He was a just and lasting peace. I know we will even- initiated and implemented the Community also selected as president of the Center To tually see lasting peace and justice a perma- Cancer Corp. of Luzerne County under the Prevent Handgun Violence, working in tandem nent feature on that beautiful Emerald Isle in auspices of the Luzerne County Medical Soci- with Handgun Control to develop comprehen- the Irish Sea. It is the hope and dream of all ety. In 1982, Rose proved her business acu- sive handgun control policies. As one of the of us as we approach St. Patrick's Day once men by owning and operating a successful principal strategists behind passage of the again. travel agency in Pittston, PA. Brady bill and the assault weapons ban, Rich- f During this time, Rose furthered her commit- ard worked against the odds to surprise the ment to ensuring health care for northeastern pundits and help these crucial laws on the TRIBUTE TO ROSA LIVERPOOL and central Pennsylvanians. In 1989, Rose books. He has also used his immeasurable became the director of public affairs for the energy and influence to lobby for gun control HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS Maternal and Health Services Corp. which measures at the State and local level. OF NEW YORK cares for individuals and families in 15 coun- Not only has Richard contributed to reduc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ties throughout the region. ing gun violence at the Federal level, but he Mr. Speaker, in 1992 Rose Tucker took on Thursday, February 29, 1996 has also been instrumental in establishing her greatest challenge. She sought and was New York City's STAR ProgramÐStraight Talk Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the Borough of elected to the board of commissioners of About RisksÐthe Nation's only prekinder- Brooklyn is fortunate to have Rosa Liverpool Luzerne County. A year later, she was elected garten through 12th grade program designed as a citizen. Rosa has been an achiever in to chair the board. As one of the three chief to reduce gun injuries through education. This spite of adversity. She was the first African- executives of Luzerne County, Rose faced the ingenious program addresses gun violence American graduate from the Slovak Girls challenge of governing a county confronting before it starts. His contribution to New York Academy, and subsequently earned her un- many difficult decisions. As an advocate of City serves as a model for all concerned citi- dergraduate degree from Mercy College, and economic development in the region, Rose zens wishing to stop violence in their own her master's degree in counseling from Man- was responsible for bringing new jobs and op- communities. hattan College. portunities to the county. She understood the Throughout my entire public career I have After receiving her degrees, Rosa began importance of changing the coal town image rarely met anyone with more conviction to a working for the city of New York. She has par- of our area and preparing the county for the specific cause than Richard. His remarkable ticular expertise in early identification and re- 21st century. Rose managed to exert strong dedication resulted in landmark laws that have porting of abuse and neglect of children. In leadership while maintaining her close connec- made our streets and schools safer. I would 1979 Rosa began working with patients and tion to the people of Luzerne County, and her like to personally thank him for his time, en- their families who were addicted to opiates. dedication to the people she served is greatly ergy, and spirit in helping me and others begin Presently, Ms. Liverpool is the district guid- appreciated. She is truly a beloved public fig- to realize our dream of living in a society free ance counselor for community school district ure. from guns and violence. I urge my colleagues 19. She is also the child abuse and neglect li- Mr. Speaker, I have known Rose Tucker for to join me in honoring him as he completes aison as well as the suicide prevention spe- many years and consider myself fortunate to his time as president of Handgun Control. cialist for district 19. Rosa has been actively be included among her many friends. While involved in the east New York community of facing the daily challenges of elected office, f Brooklyn. Rose endured the agony of watching her hus- Ms. Liverpool chairs the education commit- band, Leonard, battle cancer. My wife Nancy TRIBUTE TO TUSHIA N. FISHER tee for the Rosetta Gaston Foundation, and is and I joined Rose, her friends, and family in also a member of community board No. 5. mourning his passing. She has worked with local storeowners to pro- I am extremely proud to have the oppor- HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS vide donations for block activities, and coordi- tunity to pay tribute to the career of this distin- OF NEW YORK nated job fairs for east New York residents. guished public servant. It has been my pleas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rosa leads by her example, and is destined to ure to bring Rose's many accomplishments to leave a lasting legacy. the attention of my colleagues. The entire Thursday, February 29, 1996 f community thanks Rose Tucker for a job well Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recog- done, and wishes her the very best. ROSE TUCKER HONORED nize Ms. Tushia N. Fisher who is employed as f a special assistant to the New York State Sen- HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI TRIBUTE TO HANDGUN CONTROL ate minority leader, Martin Connor. She is a student enrolled in the State University of New OF PENNSYLVANIA ADVOCATE RICHARD M. ABORN York Empire State College, in a combined IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES master's degree program in political science. Thursday, February 29, 1996 HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER OF NEW YORK Tushia is a remarkable example of a 1990's Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES woman, dedicated to her family, striving to im- to rise today to pay tribute to my good friend prove herself as a single parent, and dedi- and a distinguished community leader, Mrs. Thursday, February 29, 1996 cated to improving and empowering her com- Rose Tucker. Mrs. Tucker has just completed Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to munity. Tushia believes that children are our a term as a member of the Luzerne County pay tribute to an esteemed colleague and cou- future. She has embarked on a campaign, Board of Commissioners and will be honored rageous public citizen, Mr. Richard Aborn, who starting with her 6-year-old son Jamere for her service at a testimonial on March 1, has helped me and others lead the charge for Jamison, to improve the plight of African- 1996. It is my deep honor to join the many tougher handgun laws. On the eve of his re- American youth. Her efforts include volunteer- friends and colleagues of this extraordinary tirement from Handgun Control, Inc., he has ing at the Interfaith Hospital holiday drive, as woman, who has earned a very special place inspired everyone committed to improving law well as the City Kids Foundation. Additionally, in the history of Luzerne County. enforcement policy in the United States. For Tushia is an active member of Concord Bap- Rose Tucker hails from my hometown, Nan- all of those who work toward making our com- tist Church. She provides a wonderful example ticoke, PA. With a strong northeastern PA. munities safe, from police officers, to neigh- for single and dedicated parents about how to With a strong northeastern Pennsylvanian up- borhood groups, Richard has provided the vi- pursue personal and professional development bringing and education, Rose committed much sion and the leadership needed to encourage while providing volunteer service to her com- of her life to serving her community. At the be- all in their quest for a society free from gun vi- munity. I am happy to cite this wonderful com- ginning of her long career, Rose was at the olence and destruction. munity success story.