[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MR. TOM COFFEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that the 
residents of Maries County, Missouri, are gathering to honor one of 
their leading citizens, Mr. Tom Coffey, on his 94th birthday.
  Mr. Coffey has a long history of public service. He began by 
volunteering to defend his country in the European Theater during World 
War II. After the war, he returned to Vienna and has remained a 
lifetime resident. He adopted the people of the city of Vienna and 
Maries County and has made significant contributions to the community 
over the past 50 years. Mr. Coffey provided generous financial support 
to build a fire station in Vienna, donated land for a business 
development site and established three scholarships for graduates of 
Vienna High School. He also purchased land to build the American Legion 
Hall and then deeded the property to the city.
  Additionally, Mr. Coffey has been the leading force behind the Maries 
County Fair for more than 40 years and was one of five citizens to 
establish the Old Jail and Historical Society. He is planning to 
continue to support the community for many years into the future as he 
has designated more than 30 organizations to receive annual grants from 
his trust. I am not surprised that the city of Vienna wants to express 
their gratitude to Mr. Coffey on the occasion of his 94th birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, I know all Members of Congress will join me in paying 
tribute to Mr. Coffey for his outstanding dedication to the community 
and selfless public service.

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