[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THOMAS J. KEENEY, THE 2016 GREATER WILKES-BARRE 
             FRIENDLY SONS OF SAINT PATRICK MAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas J. Keeney, 
who was named 2016 Man of the Year from the Greater Wilkes-Barre 
Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick. Tom received his award from the 
Friendly Sons on Friday, March 11.
  Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Tom's family traveled a great 
deal throughout his youth, as a result of Tom's father, Donald, serving 
as a Major in the U.S. Army. In 1964, Tom graduated from Coughlin High 
School and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969. While in the 
Air Force, Tom was an aircraft mechanic and maintained the F100D/F 
fighter aircraft. After leaving the service, Tom entered the Plumber 
Apprentice training program offered by Plumbers Local 147 and began 
working as a contractor in the construction industry. Tom also served 
as a Reserve member of the U.S. Army, while working as a plumber, 
pipefitter, and welder. He served a variety of units as a Combat Medic 
91B. He remained in the Army serving for 27 years, achieving the rank 
of Master Sergeant E8.
  Today, Tom resides in Plains, Pennsylvania and is a retired master 
plumbing and heating contractor. He is the father of two children, 
Patrick and Maurita, and has three grandchildren. He is a member of the 
Knights of Columbus Council 302 and served the organization in many 
capacities, from Grand Knight to Faithful Navigator. He is also the 
past Commander of Alhamar Caravan Number 4 Order of the Alhambra and is 
an active member of Ancient Order of Hibernians, the American Legion, 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and remains active in many other 
community organizations.
  It is an honor to recognize Thomas Keeney for receiving the Greater 
Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons Man of the Year Award for 2016. I am 
grateful for his extensive service to our nation. I wish him the best 
as he and the Friendly Sons celebrate his many civic achievements.

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