[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MR. JOHN PACO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2005

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a young American, 
Mr. John Paco, of San Antonio who has dedicated his life to helping 
others. Nor would this be the only body to recognize the work of John 
Paco. The American Ambulance Association has chosen to honor John as a 
2005 Star of Life for over 10 years of service in emergency medicine. 
As lead supervisor for American Medical Response at Randolph Air Force 
Base, John has been at the forefront of improving the care and 
streamlining the operations in his unit. John's peers nominated him for 
this award because they know in a crisis of any sort, John can be 
counted on. Moreover, John's attitude conveys to his coworkers and 
patients good will and competence.
  In situations where one's health and livelihood hang in the balance, 
a steady hand, a smile, and cool, quick efficiency can make the 
difference between surviving and serious, even permanent disability. 
The same way you and I go to our office and make decisions that may 
affect the lives of many Americans, John goes to his workplace, but the 
stakes are much higher. A fraction of a second lost or misused or a 
thousand other x-factors can mean immediate and irreversible change for 
a person unable to fight for his or her life.
  John's demeanor enables him to quickly connect with others, a skill 
vital in working with others when the consequences can be so dire. One 
of John's coworkers has said he will make the best of a bad situation 
which strikes me as a fitting description for what he does every time 
he dons his uniform. When someone dials 911, the situation is grave, so 
having someone as able and devoted as John on the scene ensures both a 
high level of competence and care. His can-do attitude and efficacy are 
crucial in a profession like John's and his leadership inspires those 
who serve under him.
  San Antonio is proud to have one of its own commended, especially a 
person who has given so selflessly of himself and has touched the lives 
of so many in our community. By giving so much of himself, John his 
efforts in helping to streamline and improve a number of procedures 
vital to the timely care of the injured. The PowerPoint presentation he 
helped develop demonstrated the costs financial and otherwise of 
ambulance collisions to all involved.

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