[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 27, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H544-H545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING JACK KELLIHER ON 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

  (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PASCRELL. I want to recognize and pay tribute to a person, Madam 
Speaker, who has dedicated 30 years of service to his government, John 
Francis Kelliher, Jr., or Jack, as he is known, Deputy Sergeant at Arms 
for police services and congressional relations in House offices. How 
many of you know the true extent of his contribution to our work and 
the activity that takes place in and around this Chamber?
  Please allow me to introduce a person who, to most of us, needs no 
introduction. Newer Members may not be as aware of this very special 
person that we honor today, a true gentleman the rest of us have come 
to respect and admire.
  Jack began his career on the Hill as a member of the Capitol Police 
force soon after arriving from his native Boston. During his 8\1/2\ 
years on the force, Jack took part in thwarting two incidents which 
easily could have escalated into very serious breaches of House 
security.
  After leaving the police force, Jack spent the next 12\1/2\ years in 
Chamber security, a unit under the direction of the House Sergeant at 
Arms charged with securing access to the House Chamber and the area 
immediately surrounding it. Most of us have come to know him in that 
capacity. More recently, Jack has held the titles of Assistant Sergeant 
at Arms and ``Keeper of the Mace,'' a position of trust he has 
maintained with honor and with his customary dignity and dependability.
  His decision to leave us is received with mixed emotions. He is 
leaving on his own terms. Wouldn't we all want that to happen as well? 
Jack and his lovely wife, Nancy, have decided to make St. Augustine, 
Florida, their new home. It is a decision I'm certain their two 
children, John and Tara, support wholeheartedly. Free vacations in 
Florida for life.
  It's always tough to say goodbye, Jack. We know we will miss you, but 
he has decided to leave, and we all wish him well. His parents, John 
and Elizabeth, would be so proud of him today, as we are for his 
embodiment of all that is good in the service of his country. Thank 
you, personally, Jack. And may God bless you and your family as you 
embark on this new adventure.
  Now get out of this cold and run to the sun.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to my good friend, the Honorable Zach Wamp 
from Tennessee.
  Mr. WAMP. I thank the gentleman.
  Madam Speaker, it is indeed a privilege to rise on behalf of all 
Republicans in the House to honor Jack Kelliher. Jack, if you would 
please, while I'm speaking, I would ask for you to stand so that 
everyone in the House can see you.

[[Page H545]]

  I just want to say, Madam Speaker, briefly, when we honor you today, 
Jack, we honor all of the extraordinary support staff and professionals 
that serve the United States House of Representatives because you 
represent the finest of them through your 30 years of service. Most of 
us don't know, he is not just Jack Kelliher, he could be our Jack 
Bauer. He pulled, at one point as a Capitol police officer, a bomber 
from the gallery. He has a distinguished history of valor and patriotic 
service at the highest level. And he is the Keeper of the Mace and 
Assistant Sergeant at Arms.
  Sitting next to him is Joyce Hamlett, who will take his place full 
time. She is my best friend here in the House. We love Joyce.
  We are grateful for Jack. As was said, I have had more laughs in the 
last 15 years with Jack out on the balcony than just about anybody in 
the House. He is a good-natured man and a man of extraordinary 
commitment to our country. We will sorely miss him. In St. Augustine a 
number of years ago they bought a little place not on the beach but 
just off the beach. And it is where he goes to get away from us. And we 
won't follow you there, Jack. We want you and Nancy to enjoy those days 
and come back to see us. But know every minute how grateful every man 
and woman in the U.S. House of Representatives is for your service to 
our country, Jack. Thank you and we honor you.

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