[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THOMAS ``TANK'' STRICKLAND

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, Thomas ``Tank'' Strickland is 
one of the hardest working people I have ever known and a very 
patriotic American. He will retire soon from his position as city 
community relations director in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he has 
served for almost 20 years. He has also represented the city he loves 
so much for several years as an esteemed member of the Knox County 
Commission.
  A graduate of Austin-East High School and the University of 
Tennessee, Mr. Strickland's service to the community spans a lifetime 
and has come not just through government but also volunteer and 
philanthropy work. The community honored him for this devotion with the 
naming of Thomas ``Tank'' Strickland Park. Recently, he was also 
bestowed with the Jayne Thomas Grassroots Volunteer Recognition Award 
for community advocacy from the Community Action Partnership. This 
award is given only to those who have ``made a significant and 
outstanding contribution toward accomplishing the promise of Community 
Action'' and is ``devoted to changing people's lives.''
  Mr. Strickland has devoted countless hours of his life to combating 
neighborhood violence and helping at-risk youth. He is seen in 
Knoxville as a symbol of integrity. Among other causes he champions are 
the Howard Circle of Friends, a senior day-care group, and the 
Interfaith Health Clinic for the working poor.
  Mr. Speaker, Thomas ``Tank'' Strickland has spent his entire life in 
service to the neighborhood where he grew up. I call his work and 
dedication to the attention of my Colleagues and other readers in hopes 
that he will inspire many, many more in the years to come.

                          ____________________