[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT J. BLOUGH, FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO 
                           HENRY COUNTY, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to an outstanding individual from the State of 
Ohio. Dr. Robert J. Blough retired from his family practice in Ohio's 
5th Congressional District after nearly five decades of distinguished 
service.
  Dr. Blough joined the U.S. Air Force following high school. It was 
while stationed in China that he decided to become a doctor. A bomb 
blast occurred costing many lives with countless injured. The terrible 
incident inspired him to spend the rest of his life helping people.
  Dr. Blough has combined his sound medical skills with his 
compassionate, personal, and dedicated approach to the practice of 
medicine for nearly 47 years. One of his patients remarked on his 
dedication by stating, ``Dr. Blough was on call seven days a week, 24 
hours a day, 365 days a year. He's touched the life of everybody in 
this community for miles around, either themselves or their family 
member.'' His medical career alone distinguishes him as a most valued 
citizen, but Dr. Blough has contributed so much more.
  Dr. Blough has worn many hats throughout his life. Previously, he 
piloted his own private plane traveling from coast to coast on 
vacations. He also served as an examiner for the Federal Aviation 
Administration and as manager for Deshler Airport.
  The doctor recently retired from 35 years of service as the on-call 
doctor for Oak Grove Nursing Home. And Dr. Blough will retire soon as 
coroner of Henry County when his term expires at the end of the year.
  Dr. Blough's dedication to his community is second only to his great 
love for his family. Along with Celia, his loving wife of more than 55 
years, he is blessed with three children.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known of Dr. Blough's dedication and service that 
has earned him the highest regard for his character and abilities as a 
physician. At this time, I would ask my colleagues of the 106th 
Congress to join me in paying special tribute to Dr. Robert J. Blough. 
His professionalism and service to his community is an example for all 
citizens of Ohio and across the country. We thank him, and wish him and 
his wife, Celia, the very best in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________