[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT KASULKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2024

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
celebrate the life of Major General Robert J. Kasulke, M.D.
  Robert was born on June 12, 1949 in Queens, New York to two proud 
parents, Francis and Florence Kasulke. He would grow up and graduate 
from Archbishop Molloy High School in Jamaica, New York before going on 
to attend Fordham University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science 
in Biology in 1971. He continued his academic journey attending SUNY 
Upstate Medical University where he graduated in 1975 and went on to 
receive his master's degree in public administration from Syracuse 
University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs the 
following year. Dr. Kasulke also attended the United States Army War 
College and graduated in 1999.
  On May 3, 1975, Robert married Catherine O'Connell, the love of his 
life, at Fordham University Chapel. The couple lived in the Bronx where 
Dr. Kasulke did his residency in general surgery at Montefiore Health 
and Hospital Center. After completing his residency, he and Mrs. 
Kasulke moved to Columbia, MO where he completed his fellowship in 
vascular surgery at Columbia Health and Science Center. He moved to 
Saranac Lake in 1983 and later to Watertown in 1989 where he practiced 
at the Good Samaritan and Mercy Hospital until 1991. He continued his 
academic journey attending SUNY Upstate as a medical professional in 
Upstate New York serving in a variety of different manners and was, at 
the time of his death, the Medical Director of Hospice of Jefferson 
County, the Medical Director of Jefferson County Public Health Service, 
and the Jefferson County Deputy Medical Examiner.
  In addition to his medical work, Dr. Kasulke also served in the Army 
Reserve from 1980 to 2012. Even after his retirement from the Reserve, 
Dr. Kasulke continued his staunch support for the Armed Forces, being 
appointed an Army Reserve Ambassador in 2013 and to the Chief of Staff 
Army Retiree Council in 2017.
  His hard work and perseverance led him to be a pivotal piece in 
arranging community activities, including leading many ``We Honor 
Veterans'' ceremonies honoring those who fought for our freedom. 
Furthermore, Dr. Kasulke was a member of Elks Lodge No. 496 and the 
Italian American Club showing his commitment to our community.
  In addition to serving his country and his community, Robert 
dedicated time to his family. He could often be seen at one of his 
three grandchildren's sporting or school events. He was known for his 
collection of antique soldiers and model trains as well as his 
enjoyment for woodworking.
  Robert lived a full life that demonstrated his utmost dedication to 
his country, his community, and his family. On behalf of New York's 
21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the life and 
service of Robert Kasulke.

                          ____________________