[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JOHN D. ``JACK'' GOEKEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and 
dedication of an inspiring inventor and enterprising leader, John D. 
``Jack'' Goeken.
  Jack Goeken is a much celebrated pioneer in the world of 
telecommunications. Jack Goeken has been referred to by Business Week 
magazine as, ``the phone world's most prolific inventor.'' Former 
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Alfred C. Skies, recognized 
Goeken as, ``one of America's genuine communications pioneers.'' His 
accomplishments and awards are as impressive as they are vast.
  Jack Goeken has built an international reputation in the 
communications industry while founding communications giants such as 
MCI, FTD Mercury Network, Airfone, In-Flight Phone, and now Goeken 
Group companies.
  Jack Goeken pioneered the concept of constructing a microwave system 
between Chicago and St. Louis, improving customers channel capacity and 
range, enabling truck drivers to use their two-way radios along the 
highway.
  In 1963, Jack Goeken and four friends established Microwave 
Communications, Inc., MCI. In fact, Jack Goeken's development of a 
microwave network eventually lead to a victorious legal battle which is 
credited with the breakup of the Bell monopoly and opening of the 
telecommunications industry to competition.
  For Jack Goeken, this was only the beginning of an impressive series 
of inventions and enterprising successes. He then founded the FTD 
Mercury Network, the world's largest on-line computer network, 
processing and delivering over 30 million smiles a year in floral 
orders.
  Next, Jack Goeken founded Ralifhone Inc., CML Communications which 
provided domestic satellite service, Spectrum Analysis Frequency Plan.
  In the mid 70's, Goeken created the air-to-ground communications 
industry that exists today. Goeken founded the Airfone Corporation that 
travelers commonly see and use on commercial airlines. Goeken's 
invention lead to the founding of the In-Flight Phone Corporation in 
1989, which provides the clear telephone service and transmission air 
travelers enjoy today.
  Today, Goeken serves as chairman and CEO of the Goeken Group 
Companies which provide life saving technology and services. Goeken 
Group Companies includes; Global MED-NET, Personal Guardian, and 
Personal Safetywear.
  On May 9, 1997, Jack Goeken will be honored at the 1997 Joliet UNICO 
Citizen of the Year Banquet for a lifetime achievement of ``service 
above self,'' UNICO's motto.
  I request that this body honor Jack Goeken for his incredible spirit 
of invention and remarkable forward thinking.

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