[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING ANDREW BRENNAN FROM THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute 
to an outstanding citizen of Indiana's First Congressional District, 
Mr. Andrew Brennan. On Saturday, April 15, 2000, Mr. Brennan will be 
honored for his exemplary and dedicated service to our community. His 
praiseworthy efforts will be recognized at the Trade Winds Gala 2000 
banquet at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana.
  A longtime resident of Northwest Indiana, Andrew Brennan has been an 
active member of the TradeWinds Board of Directors for more than 13 
years. TradeWinds Rehabilitation Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-
profit entity that provides services to children and adults with 
disabilities and functional limitations to enhance independence, 
productivity and community participation. In April of last year, the 
TradeWinds Executive Board asked Mr. Brennan to serve as its full-time 
Interm Executive Director while they searched for a permanent director. 
Mr. Brennan graciously accepted the position.
  Prior to volunteering his time at TradeWinds as the Interim Executive 
Director, Mr. Brennan owned and operated Viking Engineering Company 
with two plants in Northwest Indiana and one in Chicago, Illinois. In 
July of 1998 he sold two of the plants, but continued to work for the 
new owner. Mr. Brennan's expertise in manufacturing and production as 
well as his exceptional management and aggressive motivational style 
has proven successful within the TradeWinds organization. During the 
past year, he has done a marvelous job in mending strained 
relationships, opening lines of communication, and organizing and 
running an efficient organization. To date, Mr. Brennan has dedicated 
over 1,000 volunteer hours and has provided continuity, leadership, 
diplomacy and encouragement to staff, clients and the community.
  While Mr. Brennan has dedicated considerable time and energy to this 
work, he has always made an extra effort to give to the community. 
Throughout the years, Brennan has served in many different leadership 
positions and has been very involved in several organizations 
including: Hoosier Boys Town, St. Margaret Merch Hospital, Hammond 
Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Indiana Arts Association and the Boy 
Scouts.
  Though Mr. Brennan is dedicated to his career and community, he has 
never limited his time and love for his family. He and his wife Sarah, 
have three children: Sally, Susan and Jeffrey, of whom they are 
immensely proud.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in congratulating Mr. Andrew Brennan for his outstanding devotion to 
Northwest Indiana. His dedicated service is commendable and admirable. 
Indiana's First Congressional District is proud to count such a 
committed and conscientious citizen, Andrew Brennan, among its 
residents.

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