[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18265-18266]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           MR. STEVE TOKARSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, It is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today to recognize Mr. Steve Tokarski. I can 
truly say that when it comes to service to one's community, few people 
can match the outstanding efforts of Steve Tokarski. Steve has always 
been a dedicated, distinguished, and honorable citizen. Having known 
him for many years, I can say with certainty that he is one of the most 
involved citizens I have ever known. Steve has served the Polish 
American community in Northwest Indiana and beyond for many years, and 
for his efforts, he will be honored at a banquet hosted by the Silver 
Bell Club on Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Salvatorian Monastery 
in Merrillville, Indiana.
  An attorney by trade, Steve began his career after completing his 
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Indiana University School of 
Law in 1969. Prior to that, he attended Purdue University, where he 
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Mr. Tokarski's desire to serve his 
community, paired with his passion for his chosen profession, 
eventually led to him serving not only as a deputy prosecutor for Lake 
County, Indiana, but also as the attorney for the City of Lake Station 
and the Town of Schererville. Steve's knowledge of law and his 
overwhelming desire to serve his community made him a perfect fit to 
continue his work on behalf of the Polish American community, and his 
willingness to serve has made him very successful in the many posts he 
has held.
  Indisputably, Steve Tokarski has been extremely successful throughout 
his legal career. However, his efforts on behalf of the Polish American 
community have truly set him apart from his peers. As a member of the 
Polish National Alliance (PNA), he has served as the Director for the 
Indiana/Michigan region, as a member of the Board of Directors, as 
Chairperson of the Rules and Regulations Committee, and as a member of 
the Education Committee, the Financial Control Committee, and the 
Membership Committee. He also served as Parliamentarian, First Vice-
Chairperson, and Secretary for various conventions. Additionally, Steve 
has served as President of PNA Council Number 127 and of PNA Lodge 
Number 2365--Silver Bell Club.
  In addition to his efforts with the PNA, Steve has also been 
extremely active in the Polish American Congress (PAC), currently 
serving as the President for its Indiana division, a position he has 
maintained since 1977. Mr. Tokarski has also served as the National 
Director and the Parliamentarian for the Council of National Directors 
of the PAC and as Chairperson of the By-Laws and Grievance Committees. 
He has also served as Vice President of the PAC's charitable foundation 
since 1995.
  Steve's community involvement does not end with his service to these 
two outstanding organizations. He is also an active member of several 
Purdue University alumni associations, as well as the Purdue 
President's Council, and he has held positions as Secretary-Treasurer

[[Page 18266]]

and State Vice President of the National Advocates Society since 1984.
  When not engaged within the community, Steve spends his spare time 
with his loving wife of 35 years, Marsha. Steve and Marsha, a stained 
glass artist and former science teacher, have two sons: David and 
Christopher.
  Madam Speaker, Steve Tokarski has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to his church, his community, and the Polish American people 
of Northwest Indiana and beyond. His efforts have touched the hearts of 
many people throughout the years, and at this time, I ask that you and 
all of my distinguished colleagues join me in commending him for his 
lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________