[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1144-E1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING BERNARD ``BERNIE'' BEHRENDS ON HIS 89TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bernard 
``Bernie'' Behrends, an exceptional philanthropist with a passion for 
education. He will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 27, 2010. 
His passion and dedication for providing charity to others is inspiring 
and commendable. Bernie's mother was widowed and raised Bernie and his 
sister Anna with the help of their grandfather. At an early age, they 
were inspired by a philosophy of charity. They were taught to help 
others whenever possible and to view their successes as opportunities 
to help others in the future. These values were the foundation on which 
Bernie started his volunteer and charity work and why he continues to 
do so to this day.
  Bernie was born in Lincoln, Illinois on July 27, 1921. He completed 
his primary and secondary education in Lincoln, through the Lincoln 
public school system. In 1946, after three years of service during 
World War II, Bernie was honorably discharged from the United States 
Navy.
  Bernie attended Lincoln College from 1946 to 1948 and Bradley 
University from 1948 to 1950, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree 
in general engineering from Bradley University. After completing his 
post-secondary education with assistance from the GI Bill of Rights, 
Bernie began his successful career working as a civil engineer with the 
Illinois Department of Transportation. After thirty two years of 
service, he retired in 1982.
  Throughout the years, Bernie Behrends has been an invaluable asset to 
our community in central Illinois by volunteering countless hours of 
his time and expertise. Between 1958 and 1963, Bernie served as Vice 
President of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and during the Vietnam War, he 
was a member of the Logan County Selective Service Board. Through this 
position, he was assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital 
Board of Trustees from 1967 to 1973. This experience was followed by 
membership on the Logan County Election Board for eight years. 
Eventually in 1992, Bernie was elected to the coveted Board of Trustees 
at Lincoln College, a position he has now held for eighteen years.
  Through his position on the Board of Trustees, he has worked to 
provide financial assistance to high school students seeking to attend

[[Page E1145]]

college but do not have the means to do so. In 1998, with the help of 
his sister Anna, Bernie established the Anna and Bernard Behrends 
Endowed Scholarship Fund. This scholarship has provided more than forty 
students with the opportunity to go to college since its creation. He 
has also been a pioneer for education through the founding of Logan 
County Voiture 985 of the Forty and Eight Nurses in Training 
Scholarship, which has helped over 150 students pursue careers in 
nursing through financial assistance.
  All of these accomplishments are examples of Bernie's fervor for 
service and leadership to the Peoria community. Not surprisingly, 
Bernie is also a lifetime member of many recognizable organizations 
such as the American Legion, Forty and Eight, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
American Veterans, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 91, 
Lincoln Masonic Lodge, Springfield Consistory, Ansar Shrine, Logan 
County Shrine, and the Legion of Honor.
  As of today, there are no signs of Bernie curbing his service to 
Peoria. He continues to dedicate his time and energy to educational 
service by working with his sister to provide the necessary resources 
to the people of our community.
  In summary, Madam Speaker, Bernie Behrends is an exceptional example 
of service and leadership in our community. His charity and commitment 
to serving those less fortunate than himself has been a hallmark of his 
life dedicated to being a man for others. Because educational 
opportunities are the foundation for future success, I believe Bernie's 
incredible charity to the people of central Illinois is something to be 
cherished and celebrated. I wish Mr. Behrends a very Happy 89th 
Birthday, and congratulate him on his continued legacy as a community 
leader.

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