[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24086]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING JOHN R. BLACKBURN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R. 
Blackburn, Jr. upon his retirement from the Board of Directors of UPMC 
Bedford Memorial. His presence on the board, which has become a symbol 
of security and stability, will be sorely missed.
  As a life-long resident of Bedford County, Mr. Blackburn has 
connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since 
1955, Mr. Blackburn has worked diligently to make positive changes 
throughout the hospital so that the area's health care would improve. 
In the nearly fifty years that Mr. Blackburn has had a significant hand 
in the hospital's operations, Bedford Memorial has become a driving 
force of health care in Bedford County.
  Mr. Blackburn has served this nation honorably, touching the lives of 
every American citizen through his service in the United States Army 
Air Corps during World War II. Having taken the reigns as a strong 
leader since his youth, he has been a pillar of strength within his 
community, and his ceaseless dedication to the health care system is 
unparalleled. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in 
which he lives has been a source of inspiration, and the impact he has 
had is immeasurable.
  For his incomparable generosity, service to the Bedford Memorial 
Hospital, and unabated commitment to excellence, John Blackburn, Jr. 
deserves the highest recognition. He has demonstrated enthusiasm and 
care for the county which he has served, and his spirit and dedication 
have infiltrated his every action. The legacy he has created is one 
that every American should emulate, and his contributions will not go 
unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in 
which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Blackburn on his many 
accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

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