[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE SERVICE OF HUGH M. FLANAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Hugh Michael 
Flanagan who will retire from the Merced County Superior Court after 
thirteen years of service. His service and dedication to the people of 
central California is to be commended.
  Judge Flanagan was raised in Fortville, Indiana where he completed 
his grammar and high school education. He received his Bachelor's 
degree in Engineering from Purdue University and his Master's degree in 
Engineering from Michigan State University. Judge Flanagan is also a 
graduate with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, 
Rhode Island.
  While in the United States Navy, Judge Flanagan worked as a Senior 
Systems Engineer with the Deep Submarine Rescue Vehicle Program and the 
Omega Navigation System. He completed his career with the United States 
Navy as a Captain, JAGC, USNR. Following his service in the military, 
Judge Flanagan earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los 
Angeles. He worked as a lawyer for five years in Los Angeles before 
opening his private practice law firm in Merced in 1975, which he 
maintained for 25 years. He was elected to the Merced County Superior 
Court in 2000, where he was able to continue his lifelong tradition of 
public service.
  Being an active member of his community is something of utmost 
importance to Judge Flanagan. He is a Past President of the Merced 
County Bar Association and the Merced Rotary Club and has been active 
in numerous other civic organizations and fundraising activities. His 
invaluable service to our community illustrates his helpful nature and 
commitment to the betterment of Merced County.
  In 1962, Judge Flanagan married his beautiful wife, Norma Colegrove 
Flanagan in Champaign, Illinois. Together, they have four grown, 
married sons and six grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Judge Hugh 
Michael Flanagan for his efforts and dedication to the Superior Court 
of California and the County of Merced. He exemplifies the best of what 
our nation has to offer and his dedication to justice is truly 
admirable.

                          ____________________