[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E730]]



                        REMEMBERING JOHN JENSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest 
condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of John Jensen. An 
employee for 20 years at the Amtrak facility in Wilmington, DE, John 
Jensen lost his life in a senseless tragedy. He leaves behind his 
beloved wife of 16 years Bonnie, 14-year-old daughter Virginia, father 
Miller, and brother James.
  John Jensen was a family man who found time to coach a little league 
girl's softball team, and took pleasure in boating and fishing. He was 
a solid member of his community, and well respected by his neighbors as 
a friend.
  Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues who rely on Amtrak service can 
attest, the employees of Amtrak are in many ways a family. The long 
hours that these individuals spend ensuring that millions of Americans 
across our country have safe and efficient rail transportation results 
in a bond of kinship.
  While there are many questions left unanswered in the wake of tragic 
events in Wilmington, what is certain is that the Amtrak family has 
lost a valued member. John Jensen was a foreman universally respected 
by his coworkers as a dedicated, conscientious, and well-liked member 
of the facility. He will be painfully missed by his colleagues for a 
long time to come.
  John Jensen was a man of fine character, great perseverance, and true 
kindness. While I know no words can lessen the pain felt by the Jensen 
family and the Wilmington community, it is my hope that from this 
tragedy some good will come, it is my hope that John Jensen's memory 
will inspire others to live as he did--dedicated to his family, 
involved in his community, and committed to his work.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by extending my hopes and best wishes 
for a speedy recovery to Jonathan Fedora and John Morrison, two 
dedicated Amtrak employees who were needlessly wounded during this 
tragic event. Hopefully, both Mr. Fedora and Mr. Morrison will be 
returning to work in the very near future.

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