[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. PATRICK McKIERNAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Dr. Patrick McKiernan, a remarkable public servant and advocate from my 
home State of Kentucky. Dr. McKiernan presently serves as Outreach 
Coordinator to Homeless Veterans for the Kentucky Department of Veteran 
Affairs.
  Tragically, more than 1,000 veterans will be sleeping on the streets 
of Kentucky tonight. Dr. McKiernan recognizes that there is something 
fundamentally wrong when individuals who once wore the uniform of the 
United States are forced by circumstances to live on the streets. Under 
his compassionate leadership, the Kentucky Department of Veteran 
Affairs continues to work to establish special assistance programs to 
help get veterans off the streets and into housing or treatment 
facilities.
  Dr. McKiernan represents his agency on the Kentucky Council on 
Homeless Policy, advising the Governor and his staff on homelessness 
and housing issues across the state. He also represents Kentucky 
Department of Veteran Affairs at the annual conference of the National 
Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, DC, and the Homeless and 
Housing Coalition of Kentucky.
  In addition to his current work and responsibilities, Dr. McKiernan 
is developing plans to establish the Homeless Veterans Coordination 
Committee to provide additional guidance and support to help homeless 
veterans.
  Dr. McKiernan's colleagues, and countless veterans touched by his 
exemplary work, note his unique ability to navigate bureaucracy and 
successfully resolve casework with unusual expedience. Recently, Dr. 
McKiernan intervened in a case involving a veteran afflicted with 
esophageal cancer who nearly became homeless due to the financial 
challenges of his illness. Because of his efforts, an American hero is 
receiving the care and assistance that he deserves. This is but one 
example in a long career of helping others.
  It is my great honor to recognize Dr. Patrick McKiernan today before 
my assembled colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. His 
leadership and service make him an outstanding American worthy of our 
collective honor and appreciation.

                          ____________________