[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4341-4342]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF THOMAS G. BOLERJACK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Thomas 
Bolerjack's memory and his lifelong contributions to his community, 
family, and country.
  Tom's passion for life was apparent to everyone who met him. A man 
with a tremendous love for flying, it should come as no surprise that, 
at 16 years old, Tom was sitting in the cockpit of a plane testing for 
his pilot's license. He later enlisted in the Air Force, where he 
worked his way through the ranks and retired as a Colonel.
  Tom's enthusiasm, both for flying and serving others, did not 
diminish upon his retirement from the Air Force. Aviation was an 
interest that brought Tom obvious joy for the remainder of his life, 
and his penchant for service became focused on local endeavors. Working 
with the Boy Scouts of America was a joy Tom shared with his entire 
family. The Bolerjacks' two sons have been scouts for several years, 
and Tom was an active part of their experience. He served as an 
assistant den leader for Pack 170 and was the driving force behind 
Troop 589, starting the troop a few years ago with a handful of boys. 
Under Tom's leadership, both troops expanded their memberships to 
approximately thirty scouts.
  In addition to serving as Cubmaster, Webelos leader, and Den leader, 
Tom was also very involved in Boy Scout training for youth and adults. 
Tom was the Cub Scout Leader Training Chair, the Boy Scout Leader 
Training Chair, Troop Committee Chair, and the Mustang District 
Training Chair. Tom also served on the Baloo, Arrowhead & Twin Arrows 
staff, and was a trainer for the youth protection and new leader 
programs. He assisted in the Trainer Development Conference. Tom earned 
his Wood Badge Beads and went on to staff Wood Badge as a Troop Guide. 
He also served on the organization's Twin Arrows/National Youth 
Leadership Training and was very active in the Order of the Arrow. Over 
the years he was honored with multiple awards, including the Cubmaster 
Award and the Den Leader Award.
  Tom has been described as a giver, an outstanding example to others, 
and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. His friend Graham 
Crudgington described Tom best when he said, ``His energy, his spirit, 
his dedication are all things that I admire, and are things that have 
pushed and inspired me to do things I

[[Page 4342]]

wouldn't normally have done.'' Tom's ceaseless devotion to the 
community motivated others to get involved; his passion encouraged the 
passion of others.
  I extend my sincerest condolences to Tom's wife Becky and his two 
sons, Tommy and B.J. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's many 
friends and family members as they endure this difficult time. The 
North Texas community has lost a devoted citizen and a great man. He 
leaves behind a legacy of generosity and kindness. The compassion, 
commitment, and selflessness shown by Mr. Thomas Bolerjack are truly 
remarkable, and he should serve as an example to all. He will be deeply 
missed, but his service and dedication will always be greatly 
appreciated.

                          ____________________