[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2494-E2495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING BELL, BOYD AND LLOYD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, if we relied solely on what is reported on the 
air and in print, we might believe that soldiers--particularly 
reservists--enjoy little or no support for their Iraqi mission here at 
home. I am honored to report that this is not the case by recognizing 
the Chicago law firm of Bell, Boyd and Lloyd for their outstanding 
commitment to their junior partner, Captain Todd Pentecost, commanding 
officer of the 933rd Military Police company of the Illinois Army 
National Guard serving in Iraq. .
  Jack McCarthy, the firm's chairman, rallied Todd's fellow workers in 
support of this young soldier who has a wife and year-old daughter at 
home in Bartlett, Illinois. In addition to continuing his salary and 
benefits, Bell, Boyd and Lloyd sent 29 boxes of gifts to Todd and his 
unit for the holidays. When Todd left for duty in Iraq last February, 
the firm committed to

[[Page E2495]]

send packages from home every week. The boxes that just arrived for 
Todd and his unit include books, magazines, videos, DVD's, snacks and 
personal items. Best of all, 200 of Todd's fellow soldiers will receive 
a card of their own for 60 minutes of long distance calling time. Three 
weeks ago three boxes were shipped that included a Christmas tree, 
decorations, cards, pens and stationery for their personal use.
  I applaud the partners of Bell, Boyd and Lloyd for their efforts, not 
only during this season, but for their caring and compassion throughout 
the year. Their support of the brave citizen soldiers serving in Iraq 
deserves recognition. The support of our troops almost always goes 
unnoticed. I noticed. Many of my colleagues also noticed and we offer 
our sincerest thanks to Captain Pentecost, his wife, and their 
supporters at Bell, Boyd and Lloyd.

                          ____________________