[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1337-E1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL CARL KERN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, in addition to providing for their families, 
volunteers spend long tireless hours helping others while in return 
they receive no financial compensation. Volunteers selflessly sacrifice 
their free time to improve the quality of life for others. One of my 
constituents, Michael Carl Kern, has proven his dedication to his 
Nation, his State and his community time and time again by devoting his 
efforts and energy to the citizens of this country. A Vietnam era 
veteran, he is a long time veterans advocate, an outstanding patriot 
and an effective community activist.
  Mike was born on May 13, 1942, and spent most of his life in my home 
town of Bay City, MI. He recently moved to Las Vegas, NV, but, his 
positive influence and efforts are sorely missed by Bay County's 
residents. Perhaps he is best known and recognized for his 23 years 
with American Legion Youth Programs.
  Taking over in 1989, after the passing of Leon ``Leo'' Malechi, Mike 
served as the general manager for 7 years. Mike had big shoes to fill 
as Leo was awarded the ``State Baseball Man of the Year'' Mike said. He 
learned and implemented Leo's teachings effectively and efficiently. 
Mike was voted the 1997 American Legion Baseball man of the Year for 
his contribution to the State Legion baseball program.
  American Legion baseball was established 77 years ago and is the 
oldest organized program of its kind. Mike committed countless hours to 
raising money to ensure its success in Bay County. He faithfully worked 
to improve Legion baseball in the State of Michigan by serving on the 
State American Legion Baseball Committee as 10th District Chairman and 
4th Zone Chairman.
  Not only did Mike work to provide children with baseball 
opportunities, he also provided many services for his fellow veterans. 
Serving as post commander at the American Legion Harding-Oak-Craidge 
Post 18, in Bay City, MI, he was the first person to be elected for 
three terms. Mike has been a member of the post for 25 years and has 
held several other influential positions. He is also a valuable member 
of the Vietnam Veteran Chapter 484, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 164, 
and the Matt

[[Page E1338]]

Urban AMVETS's Post 46. He also served as the Bay County chairman of 
the Michigan veterans trust fund.
  Mr. Speaker, every volunteer and veteran deserves our thanks for all 
that they have done for our country. We owe a special thanks to those, 
like Michael Carl Kern, who served our country in time of war and were 
able to find a way to serve in peace. He has paved the way for a bright 
future for our children and should be commended for all of his efforts.

                          ____________________