[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING WILLIAM BOHEN UPON BEING NAMED ``IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR'' BY 
                              GOIN' SOUTH

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand here 
today to recognize William Bohen, a man who is being honored as 
``Irishman of the Year'' on March 11, 2006 by Goin' South, a civic, 
social, and cultural organization based in South Buffalo, New York.
  Bill Bohen is an upstanding citizen, a proud member of the South 
Buffalo community of which I am a lifelong resident. And like me, Bill 
shares a love for the people and the place that has made us who we are 
today.
  Bill's ancestors came from Ireland and settled in the Old First Ward. 
His father Daniel Bohen was a Buffalo Firefighter; his late mother was 
Milly Ahearn.
  Bill Bohen began his career as an apprentice in 1975 with Ironworkers 
Local 6--and he quickly rose through the ranks as a Board Member, 
Executive Committee President, and to his current position as Business 
Agent/Financial Secretary.
  Ironworkers Local 6 is one of the most influential trade unions in 
Western New York. Its members participated in the construction of HSBC 
Arena, Buffalo's Baseball stadium, Pilot Field (now Dunn Tire Park), 
waterfront housing at Admiral's Walk and the Galleria Mall. It is also 
important to note that Bill led Local 6 members to New York City to 
assist with rescue efforts just hours after the tragedy of September 
11th.
  Bill's kindness is reflected in the generosity of Local 6 and the 
willingness of its members to pitch in when it comes to charitable and 
civic causes in and around South Buffalo. They have volunteered on such 
projects such as the Valley Community Center and Bishop Timon/St. Jude 
High School.
  Irish Americans represent what is best about America--that if you 
work hard, play by the rules, love your family and give back to your 
community, the American Dream can be yours. Bill Bohen is a citizen 
worthy of that description.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to recognize Bill Bohen, 
a great guy from the neighborhood, a friend and a man deserving of this 
special recognition. It is my distinct honor to join with Bill's 
sisters--Nancy and Patty--his brother Danny--his two sons Bill Jr. and 
Eric and his wife Mary Jo and numerous other family members and friends 
to honor the personal accomplishments, leadership and hard work of a 
great son of South Buffalo.

                          ____________________