[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 139 (Thursday, October 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1957-E1958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING EDWARD MILES BROOKS, D.D.S.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Edward Miles Brook upon 
his receipt of the State of Israel Maimonides Award from the Texas 
Medical and Health Professions Division of State of Israel Bonds. The 
Maimonides Award, the highest honor for a member of the Health 
Professions, salutes the recipient's outstanding involvement in the 
Jewish community, in addition to their continued dedication in the 
field of health care.
  Dr. Brook has always shown a remarkable academic aptitude with a 
dedication to scholastic success. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Edward 
arrived in Texas to attend University of Texas at Austin and St. Mary's 
University in San Antonio. He continued his studies in the field of 
dentistry at the University of Texas Dental Branch, graduating in 1956. 
Upon completion of his dental degree, Edward Brook went on to serve his 
country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.
  Dr. Brook has been a valuable asset to the medical profession. 
Besides being a member of the Houston District Dental Society, Texas 
Dental Association, and the American Prosthodontic Association, Dr. 
Brook is known for his compassionate manner and the dutiful care that 
he provides to his patients. He has shared his exceptional talents with 
the Houston community by generously volunteering his dental services. 
Having served as President of Congregation Emanu El, Dr. Brook has 
utilized his dental skills on behalf of the Houston Jewish and greater 
Houston communities. As a result of his critical efforts in 
establishing the free care dental program at Seven Acres Jewish 
Geriatric Center, both its residents and the board have honored him for 
his volunteer dental care. His work with geriatric patients 
precipitated his appointment to the Jewish Federation of Greater 
Houston's Commission on Aging, serving as its first chairman. Dr. Brook 
has also volunteered his invaluable dental assistance to the Depelchin 
Children's Center, Houston Area Women's Center, and the Jewish Family 
Service, where he was a member of the board of directors and Refugee 
Advisory Committee. His dedication to the access of quality dental care 
for all people also carried him to China, where he participated in a 
two week medical mission, supplying essential training for Chinese 
physicians and dentists.

[[Page E1958]]

  Dr. Brook's involvement in the Houston Jewish community began in 1959 
when he joined the board of the Congregation Emanu El Brotherhood. From 
there, Dr. Brook continued his support for the congregation by serving 
as chairman on both the Religious School Committee and the 
Administration and Personnel Committee. In addition, he was a member of 
the Board of Trustees from 1973-2000, demonstrating his leadership as 
board treasurer, vice president, senior vice president, and then 
president of the Congregation Emanu El from 1989 until 1991.
  Additionally, Dr. Brook has been extremely active in the Jewish 
community nationally, playing an instrumental role in the establishment 
of several programs, including the Becker Preschool Program. As 
chairman of the Leadership Planning Conference of the Presidents of 
Large Congregations at the Union of American Hebrew Congregations from 
1990 to 1998, Dr. Brook demonstrated his commitment to the larger 
Reform movement through his exceptional leadership skills.
  Ed Brook's compassionate demeanor stretches far beyond the care he 
provides to his patients, as he is a devoted husband, father, and 
grandfather. He and his wife Davna are the loving parents of Julie and 
Drew Alexander, Helen and John Brook, and Sara Brook, as well as the 
proud grandparents of five.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Edward Brook is truly a committed civic leader, as 
well as a distinguished health care professional. I applaud the Texas 
Medical and Health Professions Division, State of Israel Bonds in 
recognizing his selflessness and commitment to the public good. I also 
commend Dr. Edward Brook on receiving this award and more importantly, 
his work to provide necessary dental services to the residents of the 
Houston community and to promote the health of citizens from all walks 
of life.

                          ____________________