[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 3, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING MICHAEL A. BURGET'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 3, 2024

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Michael A. 
Burget, who is entering a well-deserved retirement after three decades 
of exemplary service in the New York State healthcare system. With his 
deep passion for public service, Mr. Burget has made an indelible 
impact on the lives of countless individuals in Western New York.
  Born and raised in Buffalo, Mr. Burget graduated from St. Mary's High 
School and earned his nursing degree from Erie County Community 
College. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare 
Administration from the State University of New York at Brockport.
  In 1987, Mr. Burget began his military career as he enlisted in the 
United States Naval Reserves. For six years, he served as a hospital 
corpsman and a fleet corporal. Mr. Burget then joined the United States 
Air Force Reserve, serving with distinction for 29 years and rising to 
the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
  During his 35 years of military service, Mr. Burget has been a 
tireless advocate for ensuring active military and veterans have access 
to essential mental health resources. He established the first-ever 
mental health unit at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, a mental 
health awareness training program for service members returning from 
deployment. At the station, Mr. Burget lead annual resilience trainings 
to over 1,100 reservists. Further, during his deployment in Landstuhl, 
Germany, Mr. Burget provided vital counseling services to injured 
soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Mr. Burget's outstanding service has earned him numerous military 
honors. He has been awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal, Air and 
Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, 
National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 
Air and Space Longevity Service Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), and Air and Space 
Training Ribbon.
  In addition to his military service, Mr. Burget has dedicated 31 
years to the New York State healthcare system, demonstrating his 
commitment to providing exceptional patient care. He began his career 
at Rochester Psychiatric Service in 1993, where he served as a 
registered nurse and Admissions/Discharge Coordinator. Mr. Burget later 
took on roles as the Interim Chief of Service, Treatment Team Leader, 
and acting Chief of Adult Services, ensuring patients received the 
highest standard of care. He then served as the Clinical Manager for 
Behavioral Health at Erie County Medical Center, where Mr. Burget was 
instrumental in overseeing critical mental health services.
  In 2016, Mr. Burget joined Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center 
as the Director of Network Practice Administration. In this role, Mr. 
Burget managed a vast network of healthcare providers, expanding 
Roswell Park's cancer care services to rural and low income communities 
across Western New York and the greater region.

[[Page E860]]

  Mr. Burget is a devoted husband to Michelle Burget, a retired school 
psychologist, and a loving father to his daughter, Zoe. Outside of his 
professional life, Mr. Burget enjoys traveling and spending time 
outdoors with his family.
  Today, after 31 years of service in the New York State healthcare 
system, Mr. Michael Burget is entering a well deserved retirement. He 
will continue his military service in the Air Force Reserves. Please 
join me in congratulating Mr. Burget on this incredible achievement and 
thanking him for his selfless service to our country and the people of 
Western New York.