[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 91 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1396]]


                          McANDREWS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 1999

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John A. 
McAndrews on the occasion of his retirement following 41 years in 
government service. Jack has served as the Personnel Officer of 
Tobyhanna Army Depot for more than 37 years.
  The largest employer in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna Army 
Depot's existence was threatened by the 1995 round of base closures. 
Jack was an integral part of the team of legislators, community 
leaders, and thousands of Depot employees who succeeded in convincing 
the base-closing commission to keep the Depot open. Jack's presentation 
outlining the high quality of the workforce was extremely persuasive 
and was noted by at least one commissioner who talked to me about it. 
After it was determined that Tobyhanna would not be closed, Jack 
traveled to Sacramento, California to offer Air Force civilian 
personnel the opportunity to continue their careers at Tobyhanna.
  Jack has been a distinguished representative of the Depot, addressing 
personnel and labor relations issues throughout the region. His 
progressive approach to labor-management relations earned him 
recognition by President Clinton's National Partnership Council. He has 
been commended by every depot commander he has served throughout his 
long career. He has been honored by area educators and businesses and 
has received commendations from the Secretary of the Army, the Director 
of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, General Colin Powell, and 
Vice President Albert Gore.
  Under his able leadership, Tobyhanna developed a workers compensation 
program that has saved the Depot million of dollars and now serves as a 
model for the entire federal government. Jack has traveled across the 
country sharing this program with other agencies.
  A native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jack personifies family values 
and exemplary character. He is the proud father of two and grandfather 
of one. Jack's devotion to his beloved wife as her caregiver during her 
long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis was recognized nationally when 
Oprah Winfrey named him ``Husband of the Year'' on her show in 1989. 
Lamentably, Jack's high school sweetheart and beloved wife died on New 
Year's Day of this year.
  Mr. Speaker, Jack has been a credit to his profession and to the 
United States Army for all of his adult life. His devotion to his 
family, community, and career has set an example to his colleagues and 
all those whose lives he has touched as the Depot and the surrounding 
community. I am pleased and proud to join in this salute of an 
outstanding leader and public servant. I send my very best wishes for a 
happy, healthy, and productive retirement to Jack McAndrews.

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