[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E916-E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF MICHAEL STERN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of 
philanthropist Michael Stern and to pay tribute to his life of helping 
others and supporting our military families.
  Michael Stern began his career as a journalist, writing for 
newspapers and magazines before joining the U.S. Army in 1943 as a war 
correspondent. He traveled with American forces through Sicily and 
southern Italy; entering Rome a day before the Allies took control in 
June of 1944. He remained in Italy for the next 50 years, continuing to 
write articles, publishing a book, and producing several Italian-made 
films.
  Through his friendship with developer Zachary Fisher, the two men 
started the Intrepid Museum Foundation in 1978. The USS Intrepid (CVS-
11), a World War II aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater, was 
decommissioned in 1974 and planned to be scrapped. Stern and Fisher led 
a fundraising campaign to save the carrier, and in 1982 the Intrepid 
Sea, Air, and Space Museum opened to the public. It became a National 
Historic Landmark four years later.
  In the early 1990s, the men established the Fisher House program to 
provide our service members and their families with temporary lodging 
at military bases and VA medical facilities all across the United 
States. This unique private-public partnership enables families to stay 
together while undergoing long-term medical treatment from injury or 
illness. Over 10,000 military families are guests at a Fisher House 
every year, and their expenses are taken care of by the Foundation.
  Stern and Fisher also created the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's 
Research Foundation at Rockefeller University, where Stern served as 
President and CEO of the Board of Trustees. Since 1995, the Foundation 
has been on

[[Page E917]]

the cutting-edge of Alzheimer's treatment and research. Shortly after 
Mr. Fisher's death in 2001, Stern created the Michael Stern Parkinson's 
Research Foundation, which has provided over $18 million for 
Parkinson's research.
  Madam Speaker, I knew Michael Stern through his work with the Fisher 
House program and the Intrepid Museum. I've had the privilege of 
visiting Fisher Houses throughout our nation, and speaking with 
hundreds of our military families who are forever grateful because of 
their generosity and support.
  At 98 years old, Michael Stern lived a full and envious life. My 
thoughts and prayers are with his children, Margaret and Michael Jr., 
who are truly blessed by knowing that their father dedicated his entire 
life to helping others, and inspiring us all with his story.

                          ____________________