[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BILL SERGEANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM L. JENKINS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the outstanding 
humanitarian service and contribution made by Rotarian William T. 
(``Bill'') Sergeant on the occasion of his retirement from his position 
as Chairman of the International PolioPlus Committee of The Rotary 
Foundation of Rotary International--a committee that develops Rotary's 
policies and strategies to achieve polio eradication. Since the 
inception of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee in 1994, Bill 
Sergeant, a retired Colonel, has served tirelessly as the General 
leading the efforts of Rotary's army of 1.2 million volunteers in the 
war against polio.
  A member of the Rotary club of Oak Ridge, Tennessee for more than 50 
years, Bill Sergeant held many leadership positions in Rotary, 
including Rotary International Vice-president, Director, and Foundation 
Trustee, before assuming leadership of PolioPlus, Rotary's flagship 
program. Bill Sergeant has traveled to countries on 6 continents to 
participate in polio eradication activities, represented Rotary 
International at strategic meetings, and promoted the cause of global 
polio eradication and ensured its prominence among the Rotary world as 
Rotary's highest priority.
  Through his integrity, acumen and keen observation, Bill Sergeant 
quickly earned the respect of peers in the other three spearheading 
organizations: the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; thereby strengthening the 
efficacy of this unique public/private collaborative effort for the 
ultimate benefit of the children of the world. Under Bill Sergeant's 
leadership, Rotary established criteria for the strategic use of 
PolioPlus grant funds, launched the PolioPlus Partners program to 
provide supplemental support for critical polio eradication activities, 
and established international advocacy to ensure sufficient political 
and financial public sector support for global polio eradication 
efforts.
  During his tenure as Chairman of Rotary's International PolioPlus 
Committee, three regions of the world have been certified polio-free 
and only four countries remain with endemic transmission of polio. Bill 
Sergeant has demonstrated, through his exemplary, single-minded 
dedication to the goal of a polio-free world, that one man can make the 
world a better place through commitment, determination, and a great 
deal of heart.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our fellow representatives to join me in 
recognizing Bill Sergeant for his outstanding leadership and service in 
support of the goal of a polio-free world--a goal which the United 
States Government shares.

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