[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET 1LT BRIAN M. MOONEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
life and contributions of Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1LT Brian M. Mooney. 
The Civil Air Patrol, an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, is 
dedicated to educating the American public on air related topics and 
providing emergency services and disaster relief efforts.
  During First Lieutenant Mooney's extensive tenure as a Suffolk County 
Cadet, he exemplified what it means to be a dedicated and passionate 
member of the Civil Air Patrol. After originally joining the Air Patrol 
as a member of the COL F.S. Gabreski Squadron in 1998, Cadet Mooney 
worked hard to help that squadron earn a Unit Citation for 1999. In 
2001, First Lieutenant Mooney became Commander of Suffolk County Cadet 
Squadron 5, where he served diligently until his 21st birthday.
  Sadly, First Lieutenant Mooney passed away prematurely on October 16, 
2004. First Lieutenant Mooney was truly an individual respected by his 
community and he will continue to be remembered as someone who always 
had a kind word for friends and strangers alike. Mr. Mooney's loving 
family, surrogate mother and all of his friends and compatriots in the 
Air Patrol will miss his dedication to life and to his duties as a 
Squadron Commander.
  In a fitting and lasting tribute to the many contributions First 
Lieutenant Mooney made to the Air Patrol organization, I was pleased to 
learn about a recent decision to rename Squadron 5 after Brian M. 
Mooney. This will undoubtedly serve as a reminder to young cadets that 
their unit respects the outstanding works of former Squadron members.
  In December of 2000, First Lieutenant Mooney received one of the Air 
Patrol's highest honors by earning the illustrious General Billy 
Mitchell Award. Named for BG Billy Mitchell, this commendation 
represents a significant achievement requiring a strong work ethic and 
an exhaustive knowledge of aerospace issues.
  First Lieutenant Mooney's experience in the Civil Air Patrol could 
serve as a guide for all young cadets. Early in his tenure, Mooney was 
elected Vice-Chairperson for the Long Island Group Cadet Advisory 
Council and following his work there, was elected Chairperson for the 
LI Group and was named as a Member of the New York Wing Cadet Advisory 
Council.
  First Lieutenant Mooney's work as Commander shows the overwhelming 
pride that he had in his unit and in his fellow cadets. One year after 
becoming Commander, Mooney was named Long Island Group's Cadet of 
Distinction 2002, and during the course of only two years of his 
service in the Air Patrol, Mooney was responsible for increasing 
recruitment for his squadron from five to forty-plus cadets.
  I can think of few individuals more suitable for recognition by this 
body. First Lieutenant Mooney's work with the Civil Air Patrol 
influenced numerous cadets on Long Island and the members of the 
Squadron now bearing his name will sorely miss him. First Lieutenant 
Mooney shows that selfless dedication to a cause and dogged pursuit of 
one's goals reflect positively on the community as a whole.
  First Lieutenant Mooney's brief life was filled with extensive 
contributions to family and fellow cadets alike, and I appreciate the 
opportunity to commemorate his work in the Civil Air Patrol. I would 
also urge that the current cadets in the Brian M. Mooney Civil Air 
Patrol Squadron memorialize First Lieutenant Mooney's achievements by 
continuing his good works.

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