[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H5684-H5685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1900
                 RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF TERRY ERICKSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Terry Erickson, 
a man who has dedicated his life's work to helping children. Terry has 
tirelessly served western Wisconsin youth for over 40 years, mainly as 
the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse, 
a place I proudly called my second home while growing up on the north 
side of La Crosse.
  For over 100 years, the Boys and Girls Club of America has been 
fostering an environment of hope and opportunity for all children. In 
addition to promoting character development and educational progress, 
the club creates a safe environment so kids can simply play and enjoy 
themselves. In fact, some of my fondest childhood memories are a result 
of my participation in the La Crosse club.
  At a time when many temptations existed in our neighborhoods for 
children and when there were plenty of opportunities for us to get into 
trouble, I found the club to be a safe haven for me and many other 
students for playing sports or just hanging out with our friends.
  Since the creation of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse in 
1966, Terry has been a champion for youth programming and a father-like 
figure for many of us. Terry's devotion to the club's goal of inspiring 
all young people to realize their full potential is unrivaled. It is 
this passion and enthusiasm that has resulted in unprecedented growth 
for the organization.
  Under Terry's leadership, the Boys and Girl Club of Greater La Crosse 
has flourished, growing from a small organization into one of the 
premier clubs throughout the country. The organization has expanded to 
six different locations, including a partnership with Viterbo 
University. Recently, Terry's university president, Bill Medlandis, and 
the Mathy family's dedication to this partnership resulted in the Amie 
L. Mathy Center, a club located on the campus of Viterbo University 
that enriches academic support for children.
  The number of lives Terry has positively affected throughout the 
years is impossible to quantify. I know my two boys have greatly 
benefited from their experiences with the club and from Terry's 
selfless example. Because of Terry's guidance, the Boys and Girls Club 
of Greater La Crosse has created a haven for youth and a sense of 
community in the area.
  Terry simply brings out the best in people, whether they are young 
children and students who benefited from the club's many activities, or 
the countless adults who have volunteered their time to make the La 
Crosse club one of the premier models in our country.
  It has been said that great teachers enjoy a special immortality 
because their influence never stops radiating. I just hope that upon 
his retirement, Terry appreciates the wonderful teaching that he has 
done and the countless lives that he has influenced.
  I am proud to count myself as one of Terry's products, and I am even 
prouder to call him my friend. Although Terry's service and commitment 
to the children of the La Crosse area will be deeply missed upon his 
retirement, the solid foundation he has laid for the club will empower 
children for decades to come.
  I also want to congratulate my childhood friend and classmate Kevin 
Johnston, who was chosen to take over for Terry at the club. I couldn't 
imagine a better selection, given Kevin's history with the club, his 
passion for youth of our community and his close relationship with 
Terry throughout the years. I know Kevin will excel in his new 
position.
  I commend Terry for his unyielding service and dedication to the 
community. As in any lengthy undertaking, Terry's service to our 
children required tremendous personal time and sacrifice by himself and 
his entire family. That's why, on behalf of all the children in the La 
Crosse area, I would like to thank Terry, Sue and their entire family 
for the impact that they have had in the La Crosse community. I wish 
Terry and Sue all the best as they close this chapter in their lives 
and begin a new one. But knowing Terry, I am sure the best interests of 
our youth will be close at hand.
  Congratulations, Terry. Thank you for a job well done. We all wish 
you Godspeed.

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