[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING ROBERT KERRIGAN SR. AND ROBERT KERRIGAN JR. ON RECEIVING 
          THE MICHAEL F. KING JR. ARMED FORCES VETERAN'S AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2005

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to a father 
and son who have received the Michael F. King Jr. Armed Forces 
Veteran's Award from the Quiet Man Society on behalf of the St. 
Patrick's Day Parade Association of Lackawanna County.
  This award is presented annually to local individuals who, after 
serving in our country's military, returned to Northeastern 
Pennsylvania and by their actions and involvement in community events 
exhibited continued service to God, Family and Country.
  The award was endowed by The Quiet Man Society in honor of Mr. King, 
an original member of the Society. Mr. King, a twice-wounded veteran of 
WorId War II, is most fondly remembered for the countless hours he 
selflessly worked on behalf of St. Paul's Church, Holy Rosary Church, 
Holy Family Residence, the Penn Ridge Club and the Irish American Men's 
Association.
  The previous winners of the Award had each served, as Mr. King, in 
WWII. The Award Committee, in selecting this year's honorees, has 
attempted to answer a question pondered not only by our region's WWII 
veterans but also by our country's Founding Fathers: Would there be 
individuals in future generations who would answer the ``call to arms'' 
to preserve and protect the freedoms and liberties that the prior 
generations had fought so hard to gain. The Committee believes that the 
sacrifices, dedication and service that the Kerrigans have given for 
our country and community provide the answer to that question.
  Robert Kerrigan Sr. is a native of Scranton and a 1966 graduate of 
Holy Rosary High School. He was drafted in August 1968 and served in 
the U.S. Infantry during the Vietnam War from January 1969 to January 
1970. He and his lovely wife, Ellen Bauer Kerrigan, reside in the East 
Mountain section of Scranton. They have four children: Michael, Robert 
Jr., Kevin and Colleen.
  Mr. Kerrigan Sr. is most widely recognized as a member of Local 81 
IBEW, where he has served on the Executive Board for 12 years. In 
addition, he has been a member of IBEW's Joint Apprentice Training 
Council for several years. This council has overseen the electrical 
installation of lighting for numerous charitable organizations, 
including St. Joseph's Center, Friendship House and the Italian 
Festival.
  Without hesitation, it can be said that the various events held by 
these groups were successful in large part because of the selfless 
commitment of Mr. Kerrigan Sr. and all the members of Local 81 IBEW. 
Because of their efforts, thousands of members of the community have 
enjoyed themselves at many festivals, and have had the opportunity to 
contribute to other very worthy causes.
  Mr. Kerrigan Sr. is also a member of VFW Post 5209, Veterans of 
Vietnam Inc., Post 1.
  The younger Mr. Kerrigan is a 1997 graduate of Scranton High School. 
He has attended Penn State University. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves 
in 2001 and was attached to the 828th Quartermaster Company. He has 
served with the 233rd Quartermaster Company in Operation Iraqi Freedom 
from April 2003 through November 2003. Most recently, he was awarded 
The Army Commendation Medal for Outstanding Duty and Selfless 
Commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Robert Kerrigan Sr. and 
Robert Kerrigan Jr., a father and son who have demonstrated their love 
of country and who are most deserving of this award.

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