[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H1648-H1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOSEPH FORD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Chocola). Pursuant to the order of the 
House of January 20, 2004, the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. 
Bradley) is recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart 
that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and the memory of a great 
American, Mr. Joseph Ford. Following a brief illness, Joe passed away 
on March 16. His death, a loss to us all.
  As the veterans community in New Hampshire and throughout the Nation 
celebrates the life of this exceptional person, I would like to take an 
opportunity to honor a beloved New Hampshire resident.
  Joe served our country valiantly in the United States Air Force and 
retired after more than 20 years of service. Following his service, Joe 
became an

[[Page H1649]]

active member of the New Hampshire chapter of the Disabled American 
Veterans and was to be installed as the next DAV commander at the State 
convention in June.
  Recently, Joe received letters of encouragement and appreciation from 
President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and New 
Hampshire Governor Craig Benson for his work within the veterans 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all at a great loss because of Joe Ford's 
passing, but can be comforted by knowing he made a lasting impact 
through his life's work. I am honored to bring his life to the 
attention of this body of Congress and to our Nation today.
  My thoughts are with Joe's wife, Lillian; his two children, Paul and 
Mary; and all those who knew Joe, especially those throughout the 
veterans community during this difficult time of bereavement.

                          ____________________