[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING DR. STEPHEN B. THACKER

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I rise today in honor and memory of 
Stephen B. Thacker, MD, MSc, RADM/ASG, retired, USPHS, who passed away 
on Friday, February 15, 2013.
  Dr. Thacker was a true public health hero whose long and 
distinguished career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
began as an Epidemic Intelligence Service, EIS officer in 1976. On his 
first day, he was sent out on an investigation of an unknown illness, 
which turned out to be the first recognized Legionnaire's epidemic. 
Throughout his 37 years at CDC, Dr. Thacker was a leader of public 
health science and the professionals who practice that science. 
Programs under his leadership introduced thousands of professionals to 
careers in public health and brought epidemiology directly into middle 
school and high school classrooms. He was instrumental in launching the 
field epidemiology training programs in more than 35 countries.
  In all of the many position he held, Dr. Thacker was a steadfast 
champion of epidemiology, public health surveillance, and the 
development of a global public health workforce. Programs developed or 
expanded under his leadership have introduced thousands of 
professionals to careers in public health. Given all this, it is no 
surprise that Dr. Thacker's accomplishments were recognized through 
more than 40 major awards and commendations throughout his career, 
including the Surgeon General's Medallion, which he received just 2 
weeks before his death.
  Dr. Thacker's accomplishments were only exceeded by his treatment of 
all persons with dignity, honesty, and respect. His career has embodied 
the best of CDC's commitment to science and, most importantly, to 
service.
  I offer my deep condolences to Dr. Thacker's family. Mr. President 
and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Dr. Steve 
Thacker. I believe there is no question that his important influence on 
public health will continue well into the future.

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