[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2093-E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MICHAEL BRADY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael 
Brady, a dedicated and noteworthy humanitarian, who was a committed 
public servant to his community of Smithtown, Long Island. On August 
28, 2003, Mike lost his battle with cancer, and left behind a legacy of 
caring for the youth of his community.

[[Page E2094]]

  Mike Brady bravely served our country in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 
1967 as a Navy Machinist mate 3rd Class on the USS Long Beach. Upon his 
return to New York, he became an active member of the Vietnam Veterans 
of America.
  Mike Brady displayed an overwhelming concern for children that showed 
through his many actions. He was a co-founder of the Smithtown Veterans 
Youth Program. This valuable program provides the youth of Smithtown 
and the surrounding communities a safe place to go every weeknight of 
their summer vacation to enjoy friendship and fun. This program has 
been used as a nationwide model by veteran's organizations in an effort 
to fight drugs and keep America's youth drug-free.
  Mike also worked with children as a little league coach. His patience 
and commitment to children made a difference in the lives of so many. 
The ancient saying that ``it takes a village to raise a child'' was one 
that Mike understood and embraced.
  Mike Brady is described by his family and friends as a simple, caring 
person, who constantly gave back to the community with his service and 
dedication to every person he met. These admirable characteristics led 
Mike Brady to be honored as a recipient of the Chapel of Four Chaplains 
Humanitarian Award. He joins recipients such as Bob Hope and Ronald 
Reagan who received the award with the purpose of recognizing the 
service that a veteran provides to their comniunity above and beyond 
the call of duty.
  Some people come into our lives and leave without a trace. Some stay 
for awhile and remain close to our hearts. And we are never, ever the 
same. Mike Brady has left his mark on the Smithtown Community and he 
will be missed.

                          ____________________