[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 75 (Monday, June 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5284-S5285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CHAPLAIN TONY FIRMAN RETIRES FROM FLANDREAU INDIAN SCHOOL

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Chaplain Tony Firman on the occasion of his retirement as 
Chaplain at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD.
  Chaplain Firman has completed 35 years as Chaplain at Flandreau 
Indian School. After receiving his training at Blue Cloud Abbey in 
Marvin, South Dakota, Tony served at Flandreau Indian School as Student 
Coordinator of Religious Activities, a boys counselor, and as a 
religious liaison between the students, staff and administration, area 
churches and the Flandreau community.
  He was selected as Flandreau Indian School Chaplain by 
representatives from the Association of Christian Churches, which is 
made up of representatives from each of the following denominations: 
United Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ, United Methodist 
Church, Lutheran

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Church in America, Episcopal Church, Catholic Church, Rapid City and 
Sioux Falls Dioceses, Reformed Church in America, and Christian Church 
Desciples. The Flandreau Chaplaincy program was the first project to be 
sponsored by the Association of Christian Churches.
  On the occasion of his retirement as a school Chaplain, I want to 
congratulate Tony Firman for his tireless dedication to Flandreau 
Indian School, his commitment to finding the best in students, for 
helping others with spiritual guidance, and for coordinating and 
supporting religious activities. I also commend him for his valuable 
service to the community over the years.
  The lives of countless young people have been enormously enhanced by 
Tony's talent and skill as Chaplain. The State of South Dakota is a 
better place because of his commitment to and passion for working with 
local youth. His achievements will certainly serve as a model for other 
talented religious leaders throughout our State to emulate.
  I wish Tony Firman the best on his retirement.

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