[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                TOM KING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the actions of 
Mr. Tom King of Saint Jacob, Illinois.
   Mr. King rode his bicycle halfway across the United States to 
commemorate the life of Caleb Zarzecki, a former student who lost his 
battle with cancer last year. King, a teacher at Collinsville Middle 
School, described his ride as ``a journey of faith and healing.'' The 
cross-country journey raised funds for a scholarship established in 
Caleb Zarzecki's name.
   Mr. King started his journey on June 26 in Seattle, Washington, and 
traveled more than 2,000 miles to his home in Saint Jacob, Illinois. He 
rode 40 to 60 miles every day, sleeping at local campgrounds and 
churches in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, 
Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and finally Illinois.
   Mr. King's actions exemplify a teacher's devotion to his students. 
It is my hope that this model of dedication may inspire us all. As we 
honor Mr. King, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the 
family of Caleb Zarzecki.

                          ____________________