[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2039-E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN LA MONTAGNE--A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John La 
Montagne, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute of Allergy 
and Infectious Diseases, who died suddenly on November 2, 2004. He was 
a true public servant who worked tirelessly to improve public health in 
the United States and across the world. He is sorely missed in the 
public health community, by Elaine, his beloved wife of 37 years, his 
family, and the many persons in his community who were blessed to be 
able to call him friend and know his warmth, compassion for others, 
humor, and quiet modesty and dignity.
  Dr. La Montagne's contributions to the national and international 
effort against infectious

[[Page E2040]]

diseases are remarkable. Trained as a microbiologist, Dr. La Montagne 
was a leader in the effort to develop a safer pertussis vaccine and new 
vaccines against childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. He guided the 
National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Disease's response to the 
emerging AIDS crisis and led the effort to respond to severe 
respiratory syndrome within months of the first outbreak.
  Globally, he played a central role in the organization of the 
Multilateral Initiative on Malaria. He served as a member of the 
Scientific Advisory Groups of Experts on Vaccines and Biologicals as 
well as for Vaccines and Immunization for the World Health 
Organization. He chaired the WHO Task Force on Strategic Planning for 
the Children's Vaccine Initiative, advised the Pan American Health 
Organization on its programs in vaccine research implementation, and 
served as a member of the board of the Global Alliance for Tuberculosis 
Drug Development.
  As an influential contributor to the field of infectious diseases, 
Dr. La Montagne delivered many major lectures all over the world. He 
received many prestigious awards for his scientific accomplishments, 
including the Public Health Service Special Recognition Award for 
leadership in childhood vaccine research programs, the Surgeon 
General's Certificate of Appreciation, the Presidential Meritorious 
Executive Rank Award, the Distinguished Executive Award for his work in 
the areas of infectious diseases research of global health relevance, 
the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service for leadership of 
acellular pertussis vaccine trials, and most recently the Secretary's 
Award for Distinguished Service for design and implementation of 
critically important biodefense strategies.
  As Dr. Zerhouni, the Director the National Institutes of Health said, 
``Personally, he was a dear friend and one of the finest people I have 
ever known. Professionally, in an NIH career spanning nearly thirty 
years, his leadership and commitment to improving global health were 
remarkable. His generosity, wit, even-handedness and kindness made him 
a friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.''
  On November 2nd, our country and the world lost a great and good man.

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