[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ARMAND ``SKIP'' BECOTTE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, last Friday, while we were 
in recess, the Massachusetts Lions Club held a very well-deserved 
testimonial for Armand ``Skip'' Becotte, Jr., who lives in the town of 
Fairhaven, Massachusetts, in the district I am privileged to represent.
  Madam Speaker, as many Members know, the Lions Club has made as its 
highest priority helping people deal with health problems, particularly 
in the area of eyesight. They have also worked on hearing related 
issues. Personally, Skip Becotte has taken as his motto the words of 
the great Helen Keller, in her address to the Lions Club, ``Help me 
hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little 
deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided. I appeal to 
you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong 
and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the 
Blind in this crusade against darkness?''
  Currently Skip Becotte is the District Governor for the Massachusetts 
Lions District 33S, which includes much of Southeastern Massachusetts, 
including all of Cape Cod and much of the district that I represent. 
During his governorship the Lions in District 33S have given nearly 
$200,000 to the Perkins School for the Blind, Massachusetts Eye and Ear 
Infirmary. Joslin Diabetes Center, New England Eye Center, Schepens Eye 
Research Institute and many other institutions.
  Madam Speaker, Skip Becotte--winner of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award 
for outstanding service in 2001--is an extraordinary man. A retired 
police officer and father of five, his life exemplifies service to 
others. I congratulate the Lions Club for honoring this man and I am 
glad to share with my colleagues the story of his work because it is an 
inspiration to all.

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