[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2042-E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. MICHAEL ZIRPOLO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor Dr. 
Michael A. ``Mike'' Zirpolo upon his retirement after nearly forty-five 
years of practicing medicine in the State of California since his 
graduation from the University of California. Mike has distinguished 
himself throughout his career as a dedicated family practice physician 
who has ministered to thousands of his patients, without regard to 
whether they could afford the necessary patient care by relying on his 
independent medical judgment as opposed to non medical determinations.
  Dr. Zirpolo is nationally known and recognized by both civilian and 
military pilots for his years of dedication to his additional specialty 
as a Class I FAA Airmen Medical Examiner, during which he has examined 
and certified thousands of pilots and ensured the safety of civil 
aviation by adhering to the highest standards of examination for the 
certification of pilots.
  Dr. Zirpolo has played an important role in air passenger and pilot 
safety during his medical practice and membership in the Civil Aviation 
Medical Association, American Academy of Air Traffic Control Medicine 
and Aerospace Medical Association. He has enjoyed the respect and 
recognition of many active and retired military pilots during his years 
of practice for his patriotism. Though he is retiring from his general 
medical practice, he will continue to devote his medical examination 
efforts to

[[Page E2043]]

the certification and safety of United States' pilots.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Dr. Zirpolo's 
decades of contributions to air traffic and pilot safety, and commend 
this Doctor and Medical Examiner approach that has marked his 
exceptional years of practice.

                          ____________________