[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THOMAS E. DELBRIDGE

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 29, 1996

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas 
Delbridge of Rutherford County, TN. Mr. Delbridge leaves his position 
as director of administrative services at the Tennessee State 
Department of Human Services on Friday, May 31. What will be a gain for 
his family will be a loss for all of Tennessee because this loyal 
service and dedication have meant so much throughout his 26 years of 
public service..
  In February 1973, Tom began his tenure with the Tennessee State 
Department of Education as a supervisor of the trade and industrial 
program. His title reflected technical expertise gained through 21 
years of vocational experience in the U.S. Air Force. Following his 
transition into civilian life, he worked as an industrial arts teacher 
at Hendersonville High School. His duty to country completed by 
military service, Mr. Delbridge found an equally high calling in 
education.
  He accelerated from supervisor of trade and industry to the director 
of the comprehensive vocational education department, where he served 
until 1981. He then moved to the divisional level as director of 
administrative services for the vocational education department. The, 
in 1984, Mr. Delbridge made the transition to the Department of Human 
Services, where he now serves.
  We honor Mr. Delbridge today because he held the education of young 
people and public service as his first priority. He has been entrusted 
with Tennessee's future, and the future of America as well. It is a 
trust he has earned respectively, and a bright future for Tennessee he 
has shaped.

                          ____________________