[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7664]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. THOMAS J. COOPER, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dedicated community volunteer from Chester County, Pennsylvania, who 
recently passed away, but whose service is still lauded and remembered.
  Each year, the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes an 
individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. 
This year, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented posthumously 
to Thomas J. Cooper, Sr.
  Mr. Cooper made substantial contributions to several community 
organizations throughout our region. He was very active with the Boy 
Scouts of America, serving as a Cubmaster and Den Leader for Hopewell 
Pack 8 for a number of years. He also served as the Scoutmaster for 
Hopewell Troop 8, as well as a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow.
  Tom was also very active with the Downingtown High School Band 
Parents organization, making numerous trips hauling the band 
instruments to local venues and even Florida for band appearances. He 
also worked the concession stand at the Downingtown High School stadium 
for numerous athletic events and band competitions, all part of his 
committed efforts to support our local youth.
  No task was too big or too small for Tom. As long as he knew it would 
benefit area youth, he was there to help.
  All of Tom's work and accomplishments will be acknowledged this 
weekend at the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on 
May 2, 2008, at Whitford Country Club. His wife, Winifred, will accept 
the Citizen of the Year Award on his behalf and area leaders and 
residents will pay tribute to the life and work of a selfless man.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in praising the 
work of Thomas J. Cooper, Sr., and all those who give of themselves to 
help others. The Citizen of the Year Award is an acknowledgment of the 
full and vibrant life that Tom led, and whose work is still remembered 
and paving the future for tomorrow's generation.

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