[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E23-E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF JERRY GHERMAN OF SAN ANTONIO, TX

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 1996

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize a distinguished 
resident of the city of San Antonio, TX. Mr. Jerry Gherman of San 
Antonio was recognized last night with a dinner for a lifetime of 
outstanding achievements on behalf of the people of San Antonio, of the 
State of Texas, and of the United States.
  Jerry Gherman has served this city as a fireman for 30 years. It 
takes discipline, compassion, and courage to fight fires, and Jerry 
Gherman has those qualities in abundance. But fighting fires was only 
the start for Jerry, because he was involved in every great matter of 
public life. And Jerry performs every task with the energy, skill, and 
dedication that characterizes him.
  Jerry started out by serving this Nation in the U.S. Navy. He remains 
active in veterans affairs as a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers 
Association and the American Legion. He worked for his fellow 
firefighters and workers everywhere as legislative director of the San 
Antonio Professional Firefighters Association. Over his long career in 
labor, he served as chairman of the committee on political education 
and both first and second vice president of the San Antonio Central 
Labor Council of the AFL-CIO.
  Throughout his career, Jerry has been outspoken about his beliefs and 
worked hard to make them into reality. He has worked in many political 
campaigns in San Antonio, the State of Texas, and the Nation. But he 
does not just walk away after the campaign: Jerry remains involved, 
working hard with the city council and the State legislature to improve 
conditions and benefits for his fellow firefighters. Jerry was also 
instrumental in helping fire departments across the State, serving on 
the Texas Commission of fire commission's allocation advisory 
committee.
  But on top of his hard work at the San Antonio Fire Department, and 
his dedication to his fellow workers, Jerry has always been deeply 
concerned and active in education and in helping young people. He has 
served as coordinator of Cub Scout Troop 360, and has compiled over 10 
years of service as a coach for the Catholic Youth Organization. He was 
a member of the Holy Name Elementary School Board and as a member of 
the San Antonio Archdiocesan School Board, in each case donating 6 
years of service. He is also a member of the board of St. Gerard's 
Catholic High School, where, in addition, he coached the girls' 
softball team. In addition, he is a member of the Holy Name Catholic 
Church Men's Club.
  Over the past 30 years Jerry Gherman has truly compiled a record of 
achievement and involvement in the life of his community, his State, 
and his Nation, which is worthy of recognition by this Congress. In 
addition to his 

[[Page E24]]
public life, Jerry has shown this community a beautiful example of 
someone who does not let involvement in work, politics, and community 
affairs interfere with his dedication to his family. No matter how 
busy, Jerry has always been a caring husband to his wife Linda Gherman, 
and a devoted father to his children, Ron Robin, and Ryan Gherman.
  In all, Jerry Gherman is a remarkable American. He is truly an 
example to all of us, accomplishing the things that we of this Nation 
hold in greatest esteem: He served in our country in uniform, he works 
to save lives, he has a vision of what his fellow workers need and has 
fought with skill and passion to make their lives better, he gives 
generously of his experience and time to the young people of his 
community and to the church of his beliefs, and he has supported and 
loved his family throughout a very active and committed life. I am 
proud to call Jerry Gherman a friend and it is an honor to ask that 
this Congress recognize him as the great and generous man that he is.

                          ____________________