[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING GOVERNOR JOSEPH KERNAN FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Governor 
Joseph E. Kernan and honor him for a long career in public service.
  Kernan is the oldest of nine children and a graduate of St. Joseph 
High School in South Bend, Indiana. He attended the University of Notre 
Dame where he was a catcher on the baseball team and earned a degree in 
government. Upon graduation, Kernan joined the U.S. Navy where he 
served as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. During a 
reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam, Kernan was shot down and 
held captive as a POW for nearly 11 months. After his release from 
captivity, Kernan continued to serve his country on active duty. He was 
awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the 
Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
  After his military service, Kernan worked in the private sector as a 
successful businessman before serving as South Bend's City Controller 
from 1980 to 1984. In 1987, he was elected Mayor of South Bend and 
would become the longest serving mayor in the city's history.
  In 1996, Frank O'Bannon and Kernan were elected as Indiana's governor 
and lieutenant governor and were reelected in 2000. As lieutenant 
governor, Kernan served as president of the Indiana Senate, director of 
the Indiana Department of Commerce, and commissioner of Agriculture. In 
particular, Kernan played a vital role in improving services for 
veterans, having spearheaded a Veterans Outreach Initiative to educate 
veterans on available benefits through the state and federal 
government.
  In 2003, after the unfortunate passing of Governor Frank O'Bannon, 
Kernan assumed the role of Governor until 2005. Since then, he has been 
active in the community, serving in various leadership roles.
  Governor Kernan and his wife Maggie have spent their careers serving 
the city, state, and nation. On behalf of Hoosiers in the Second 
Congressional District, it is my honor to thank them both for their 
service and sacrifice to our community.

                          ____________________