[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING MARTY MAHAR

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today asking my 
colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4425, which would rename the 
Lansingburgh Post Office located at 2-116th Street in North Troy to the 
Martin G. ``Marty'' Mahar Post Office.
  A longtime resident of Troy, Marty Mahar's legacy was one defined by 
his unwavering commitment to public service. Returning home as both a 
celebrated and decorated World War II veteran, earning four Battle 
Stars, Marty's desire to stay active within veterans organizations led 
him to become a National Service Officer.
  He was extremely effective at combining his military professionalism 
and consideration for his fellow soldiers with countless hours of 
information and counseling sessions to ensure that veterans experienced 
a smooth transition back into civilian life. Marty's commitment to 
serving his country led him to becoming both a life member of the VFW 
and Military Order of the Purple Heart as well as a Veterans Hall of 
Fame honoree in 2005.
  Apart from the time spent with the military, Marty is also honored 
for his civic duties on the local and State levels. The desire to give 
back to his community was a hallmark of Marty's character. Such an 
attitude helped in his push to found the Troy Patriot's Pop Warner 
football league, the Uncle Sam Parade committee, the Troy Flag Day 
parade and more. He was president of the New York State Association of 
City Councils and a city councilman in Troy for a decade as well as 
serving as its mayor.
  Marty was truly a public servant whose leadership and selflessness 
should be a model for us all. From his dedication in serving our 
country as a marine during World War II to his service in the Postal 
Service and our community, I am honored to take a lead role in renaming 
this post office in Marty's honor. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
honoring this extraordinary public servant by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 
4425.

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