[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              WELCOMING THE REVEREND FRANK M. DEEREY, JR.

  (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, 
the Reverend Frank Michael Deerey, Jr., who is currently serving as 
senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle, Florida.
  I first met Pastor Deerey during a visit with Governor Jeb Bush after 
Hurricane Wilma hit south Florida, and we witnessed First Baptist 
Church of LaBelle's humanitarian operation for the hurricane victims 
who were in need of a hot shower, meals, clothing and other resources. 
LaBelle is a small city with a big heart, and that was truly visible 
under Pastor Deerey's leadership, as his church rallied along with the 
community to help those who were adversely affected by the wrath of 
Hurricane Wilma.
  Pastor Deerey was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lived there 
until 1995, when he came to Florida to serve in LaBelle. He received a 
bachelor of arts in 1979 from Southeastern Louisiana University in 
Hammond, Louisiana. In 1982, he received a master's of divinity from 
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Deerey was licensed 
and ordained as a minister and has served as youth pastor, associate 
pastor and pastor at four Louisiana churches.
  Since moving to Florida, Reverend Deerey has been actively involved 
in the community as president of the local unit of the Salvation Army 
and is currently serving the Hendry County Sheriff's Office as 
chaplain.
  Pastor Deerey is married and has two children. His wife, Cathy, joins 
us today, and has taught in public schools for 27 years and currently 
is a school guidance counselor. His son is a graduate of Embry-Riddle 
Aeronautic University in Daytona, Florida, and his daughter is 
currently enrolled in Edison College in Fort Myers, Florida.
  It is a great pleasure to join our friends in LaBelle in welcoming 
Pastor Frank to the House Chamber to open our legislative day with 
prayer and thank him for all his services, not only to LaBelle but all 
of Florida.

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