[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JAMES C. KERNAN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor James C. 
Kernan Jr. for his contribution to both our government and local 
community. Through his commitment to serving others, Mr. Kerman has 
affected the lives of many, both nationally and locally. For these 
reasons and many others, I believe he is worthy of recognition.
  As a dedicated member of United States Army, James received numerous 
accolades commemorating his outstanding bravery. Among his many 
distinctions, James was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the 
Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Humanitarian 
Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze 
star. After leaving the Army, Mr. Kernan continued to serve his country 
by enlisting in the Army Reserves. For years, James would travel from 
his home on Long Island to Utica, NY to train at the Elihu Root Army 
Reserve Center. Once again, James excelled, earning five separate Army 
Reserve Component Achievement Medals. I am proud to honor James for his 
26 years of service in our Armed Forces.
  Mr. Kernan's exemplary dedication does not end with his military 
record. Prior to his retirement in January, James spent thirty-five 
years as an employee of the Internal Revenue Service. Throughout his 
tenure, he was promoted through the organization, and received thirteen 
distinct awards for his accomplishments.
  Apart from his lifetime of public service, Mr. Kernan is an 
invaluable asset to his community. While raising his two sons on Long 
Island, James, and his wife Ruth, organized countless fundraisers and 
community events. They dedicated themselves to parent associations, the 
Our Lady of Victory Elementary School, and the Notre Dame Convent, and 
accepted the presidency of the Trinity Parents' Club at Holy Trinity 
Diocesan High School. Mr. Kernan's life's work is a testament to his 
commitment to developing a strong and healthy community for his 
children and others, James even acted as a volunteer referee for local 
little league games. Our children represent our future, and James has 
touched the lives of generations to follow.
  The work of Mr. Kernan is inspiring, and I am grateful to him for all 
that he has accomplished. It is the through the efforts of individuals 
such as James Kernan that our nation remains strong and prosperous. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. 
Congress for his contributions to society.

                          ____________________