[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E855-E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF CARL THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
a stalwart figure in the Buffalo community, Carl Thomas. After roughly 
4 decades of leading by example at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and 
Kevin's Guest House, it is only proper to acknowledge and give 
gratitude for a lifelong dedication to those in need of help.
  A graduate of Lafayette High School, he has always put the needs of 
his hometown neighbors ahead of his own. At the very beginning of his 
professional career, Carl recognized an unfortunate and common 
challenge for so many cancer patients--having a stable place to stay 
during treatment. As a volunteer at Kevin's Guest House, a local 
hospitality guest house, he undoubtedly recognized that a community 
effort can make the bleak reality of cancer a little easier on a 
patient and their loved ones. Of course, Carl was familiar with cancer 
treatment and hospital care due to his father's employment at Roswell. 
As he began his own career at Roswell Park (later earning the role of 
Chief of Public Safety). Carl devoted his time and energy toward the 
needs and safety of the entire Roswell campus. He

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saw these 2 institutions, Kevin's Guest House and Roswell Park, as 
inherently intertwined and was one of the earliest to recognize Roswell 
Park's leading role in the fight against cancer. Carl's passion for 
Roswell's success earned him the position as Chief Organizational and 
Community Liaison. In essence, he has worked as an ambassador for 
Roswell with community organizations, government officials, churches, 
and block clubs in Western New York.
  As an African American executive, Carl Thomas has often cited his 
responsibility to lead a new generation of achievers. Those who know 
Carl understand retirement will not result in the end of his 
mentorship; as a resident of the University District, he has already 
expressed an interest in maintaining his position as a role model 
within the community. Nonetheless, retirement will allow Carl some 
much-deserved time with his wife of over 4 decades. Betty, along with 
their children, Mario, Samantha, and Phylicia. Buffalonians and Roswell 
Park patients, alike, owe Carl an incredible debt of gratitude, and it 
is my pleasure to recognize his career as a capable worker and generous 
man.

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