[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THANK YOU, GERALD L. BOOMS

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 1995

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the education of our young people is most 
vital if our Nation is to continue its history of accomplishment into 
the future. And nothing is more vital to education than the people who 
are dedicated to providing the type of services that are essential to 
the successful operation of our schools. Ubly Community Schools has 
been blessed over the past 33 years with the committed service of 
Gerald L. Booms. He is being recognized on December 27 for his generous 
service to the young people of his community at a retirement dinner.
  Gerald Booms started as a bus driver in 1962, which he continued 
until 1972. He also worked as a part-time custodian, making sure that 
not only would students arrive at school safely, but they also would 
have a safe and well-tended school to attend. For the last 20 years, he 
has served as director of transportation for Ubly Schools, again 
overseeing the effective operation of this system.
  During his time with Ubly Schools, Gerald Booms has remained involved 
with several other activities. He has been a member of the Michigan 
Association of Pupil Transportation, serving as a regional 
representative for 10 years. He also holds membership in the Ubly 
Community Club.
  He has been very involved with his religious convictions as a member 
of St. Mary Catholic Church of Parisville, and its men's club. He also 
was president of its parish council. He is a member of St. John the 
Evangelist Catholic Church of Ubly, and the Ruth Knights of Columbus 
Council No. 3823.
  Gerald and his wife, Georgeann know the importance of education to 
young people, being the proud parents of 7 of their own children, and 
the grandparents of 21 children. He has taken the care that he has for 
his own family, and extended it to the other children of his community 
who have benefited from safe transport to and from school.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to remember and honor those who make it possible 
for our young people to receive the education they deserve and that our 
Nation needs. Gerald L. Booms has earned our thanks for his years of 
service. I urge you and all of our colleagues to join me in thanking 
him for his career of caring, and wish him and his family the very best 
in retirement.