[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MR. PEDRO JOHNSON FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE IN CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure 
to pay tribute to my dear friend, Pedro Johnson, who has recently 
decided to retire from his service for his tribe, the Mashantucket 
Pequot Tribal Nation.
  I have known Pedro Johnson for many years and have seen firsthand how 
he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of others and this 
Nation. Pedro honorably served in the United States Air Force prior to 
joining the University of Connecticut Police Department in 1966. He 
dedicated over 20 years of service to the UCONN police, holding the 
positions of department liaison, martial arts instructor, and police 
photographer, before retiring in 1992 at the rank of sergeant.
  Retirement would be short-lived for Pedro, and it would not be long 
before he continued his life passion of public service. As a member of 
the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Pedro was elected to three terms on the 
Tribal Council including one term in the prestigious position of 
treasurer. During his time on Tribal Council, Pedro worked with his 
fellow council members on an incredible transformation that has made 
the Mashtantucket Pequot Tribe into one of the most respected Tribes in 
the Nation.
  Under Pedro's leadership, the Tribe has become a major economic and 
cultural focal point in the region. They have become one of the largest 
employers in the State of Connecticut and opened the Mashantucket 
Pequot Museum and Research Center, which contains one of the largest 
collections of indigenous artifacts in North America. The dedication 
and commitment of Pedro Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the 
Tribe's vision for the future.
  Pedro has always been involved in public service. Over the years he 
has sat on the board of directors of the Foxwoods Development Company. 
Natchaug Hospital, Eastern Connecticut State University, Bushnell 
Theater, Old State House, and the Savings Institute Bank. He was also a 
member of the Masons Fraternal Order and held the position as 
worshipful master of his lodge for several years.
  We could not pay proper respects to Pedro without mentioning his 
lifelong partner, his wife Linda. Pedro and Linda recently celebrated 
their 44th wedding anniversary, and I know they have been a source of 
strength and love for each other for nearly five decades. They have two 
children, Michael and David, who have brought them great joy over the 
years.
  Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to pay tribute to a man who has 
done so much to improve the quality of life for his Tribe and indeed, 
the people of Connecticut. I know that Pedro is retiring from his 
position at the Tribe. but I know he will continue to be an active 
member of our community and I look forward to working with him in the 
future.

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