[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM JENSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2018

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, sometimes people say one person 
can't make much of a difference. But many times, I've seen that this is 
not true.
  One prime example was a friend of mine, Tom Jensen, who was a 
businessman and community leader in my District.
  Tom was a distinguished member of the Tennessee House of 
Representatives. During his time in Nashville, he served as chair of 
the ethics and disclosure committee and was elected as the National 
Chairman of the State Legislators.
  In 1996, Tom came to me with the idea of creating the National Safe 
Skies Alliance to perform research on aviation safety and security. The 
alliance is still headquartered near the Knoxville airport.
  Tom and I went to the FAA for approval of the alliance and over the 
years the National Safe Skies Alliance has performed safety and 
security testing on over 120 national airports. This has brought untold 
millions into East Tennessee and has done great national significance.
  Not only was he a great leader, but an even better Christian. He and 
his wife, Carolyn, were always a strong presence with their faith 
community at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, where they taught an 
adult singles class for 45 years. That class is now named the Jensen 
Sunday School Class.
  Once he graduated from the University of Tennessee, he went to work 
for his family business in Knoxville, where he learned the lessons of 
hard work and service. He took those lessons with him to many business 
ventures, and public service, that led him to his highly successful 
career.
  Having the privilege of knowing Tom has certainly proven to me that 
one man has the ability to make a big difference. He touched thousands 
in good and positive ways.
  Tom's presence in our Knoxville community will be missed. I am 
honored to have served him in Congress and even more proud to call him 
a friend.
  This Nation is a better place today because of the life he led.

                          ____________________