[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF THOMAS COONAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today, on behalf of the 
men and women of our institution, to honor the American life of Thomas 
Coonan.
  For most Members of Congress, the gateway to the chamber of the 
United States House of Representatives is the doorway to the Speaker's 
Lobby.
  For many years, Tom Coonan stood at that door in the service of his 
country and the service of democracy. As a trusted member of the House 
Chamber security detail and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, it was 
his post.
  For more than 15 years, Tom Coonan stood at the passage to the 
People's House, where he was a familiar and comforting sight to all who 
passed regularly through our chamber.
  But Tom Coonan was standing vigil for American democracy long before 
his first day of work for the House.
  Before he served his country with the House Sergeant-at-Arms Office, 
Tom Coonan served his country with distinction in our armed forces.
  He began his military career in 1963, and served as an Assistant 
Intelligence officer, as the commander of Amphibious Group Two, until 
1966.
  For the next decade and a half Tom held a number of civilian 
positions. Then, in 1981, once again feeling the tug of his desire to 
serve the nation he loved, Tom volunteered for a recall to reserve 
active duty.
  Beginning in 1990, he served as the U.S. Commander-in-Chief Pacific's 
Representative for the Southwest Pacific, Suva, and Fiji.
  In September 1995, he joined the House Sergeant-at-Arms Office as a 
member of the Chamber Security staff. He was always stationed in the 
Speaker's Lobby--the gateway to the chamber at the heart of the 
democracy Tom spent most of his adult life protecting.
  On August 23, 2012, tragically, while members were away for the 
August District Work Period, Tom Coonan suffered a fatal heart attack 
at his home in Washington, DC. He is to be buried with full military 
honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
  For those who served with Tom Coonan, knew him, and were protected by 
him, his presence is sorely missed. But because of his steadfast and 
constant service, the vibrant commotion of democracy goes on. And as 
the House returns this week for legislative business, its members and 
staff do so with unfailing gratitude for the life he led.
  Having stood guard faithfully at the passage to the People's House, 
Thomas Coonan now stands in the halls of eternity with Our Creator--
forever strong, forever vigilant, and forever at peace.

                          ____________________