[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 181 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JOHN ECK, SR.

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Eck, Sr., of 
Springfield, Illinois, on being named the 2018 First Citizen by the 
State Journal-Register newspaper.
  Each year, the State Journal-Register recognizes a community leader 
as the First Citizen who is committed to helping our Springfield 
community prosper, and they chose a phenomenal leader for 2018.
  Upon retirement 13 years ago, Mr. Eck's commitment to philanthropic 
endeavors has surged throughout Springfield and central Illinois. Most 
notably, Mr. Eck was instrumental in helping to raise money to save the 
financially struggling St. Patrick Catholic School, which was set to 
close on its 100th anniversary.
  In addition, John has served on numerous local boards, including the 
St. John's Hospital Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central 
Illinois, the United Way, and the American Business Club.
  Throughout John's career, he has never been afraid to step up and do 
what is right to support the greater Springfield community, and it 
doesn't appear he plans on stopping now.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank John for his relentless commitment to helping 
others, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved award.

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