[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 92 (Wednesday, July 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING EFFORTS OF JOHN KEATING, JOE SAPERE, AND JERRY SUGGS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2002

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of three 
men, John Keating, Joe Sapere and Jerry Suggs. These three gentlemen 
are now embarked upon a bicycle ride across America, having begun June 
8 in Newport Beach, CA with anticipated completion in Jamestown, VA on 
the 21st of July, the anniversary of the ``Americans with Disabilities 
Act'' (ADA). What is most extraordinary about this journey Mr. Speaker 
is that each of these gentlemen is an amputee.
  John Keating, age 40, is the son of a former U.S. Defense attache and 
is the father of three sons. Joe Sapere, age 61, is a retired Air Force 
Colonel and a recent amputee. Jerry Suggs, 68, is retired form our U.S. 
Navy.
  The reason for this trip, Mr. Speaker, is to demonstrate that life 
does not end with amputation, but can include high-intensity activities 
such as bicycling and skydiving. These men are visiting rehab 
facilities along the way and giving encouragement to those who have 
felt constrained. One young lady they have met was a tennis player and 
had given up the sport when she lost a leg. They convinced her to take 
up the racquet again and start playing.
  As a Physician and Congressman, I honor these gentlemen for their 
efforts and invite others to learn more about these activities on line 
at www.amputees-across-america.com.

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