[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF JOSEPH BERMUDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph Bermudez who has 
dedicated his life to his adopted country. Joseph came to the United 
States as a boy of just 6 years of age. Throughout his life he has 
given so much to his country, his community, and his family.
  Joseph joined the Navy and served during the Vietnam era;. He 
remained in the Naval Air Reserve for 23 years, retiring at the rank of 
Lieutenant Commander.
  Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, Joseph joined the Bronx 
Bureau of Child Welfare serving as a caseworker, child protective 
investigator and training specialist for the Manhattan office.
  Joseph's professional career in the New York City Schools began as a 
bilingual social worker and social work coordinator for Community 
School District 1 and District 4 in Manhattan. Later he worked for 
School District 11 in the Bronx, as a bilingual social worker at Junior 
High School 112 and at Truman High School as a counselor. He also 
worked as an in-house social worker for the Committee on Special 
Education. The past 12 years he has served as an Education 
Administrator for The Committee on Pre-School Special Education. 
Finally, he has also served on the District Universal Advisory Board.
  During this distinguished tenure, Joseph took time away from the New 
York Schools to serve a 3-year assignment with the U.S. Public Health 
Service as a Health Service Officer. During his tour of duty, the 
United States faced two major public health crises, the Cuban Boat 
Crisis and the Three Mile Island nuclear accident.
  Joseph is a graduate of Long Island University and Fordham 
University, where he received a Master's degree in Social Work. He 
still lives in New York with his wife of 34 years and is the proud 
father of two daughters, Christina and Yvonne.
  Mr. Speaker, New York and the United States have been blessed by the 
efforts of Joseph Bermudez. He is a shining example for all of us to 
look to.

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