[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9439-9440]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GERRY COUNIHAN

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a wonderful 
member of our Senate family. After 20 years of public service, Gerry 
Counihan is retiring from his post as Senate elevator operator.
  In 1991, shortly after earning a degree from Franciscan University, 
Gerry

[[Page 9440]]

began his Capitol Hill journey working in the mailroom for Senator John 
McCain.
  Gerry then moved on to become a Capitol tour guide in 1997, where he 
distinguished himself with his enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Ted 
Daniel, former director for the Capitol's visitor services, hired 
Gerry, and remembers that on Gerry's first day he came to work 
thoroughly prepared, standing head and shoulders above his peers.
  It was this passion and ``can-do'' attitude that led Gerry to become 
an integral part of the tour guide team that every day bring history to 
life for visitors. Gerry even made Capitol history himself. He gave the 
first public tour following the fatal shooting of two U.S. Capitol 
Police officers in 1998. And when the Capitol reopened to visitors 
following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Gerry again was 
chosen to lead the first tour.
  Sadly, in 2007 Gerry was a victim of a home invasion as he was 
getting ready for work one morning. He suffered a near fatal assault 
and the mailman found him 3 hours later on his neighbor's steps where 
he had gone for help.
  Gerry spent 5 weeks in the hospital relearning basic skills, not 
certain he would ever walk again. While in the hospital, he met Special 
Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. He describes her as 
``marvelous'' during his time of need.
  With an abundance of emotional and medical support, Gerry was able to 
overcome this significant challenge and return to Capitol Hill as an 
elevator operator. I know I am not alone when I say that this is one of 
the best hires to date. Gerry's welcoming demeanor and caring and 
protective character have been appreciated by all Senators. He will 
certainly be missed.
  Gerry's story is one of strength and determination. While his 
positions on Capitol Hill may have varied, he always strives to be the 
best at what he does and never lets circumstances bring him down. 
Having woven his way into all of our hearts, Gerry is an integral piece 
of the social fabric of Capitol Hill. We will remember him always.
  I wish Gerry Counihan nothing but the best as he moves on to his next 
endeavor at the Department of Health and Human Services. I hope that he 
knows he is an inspiration to many and will forever be a part of the 
Senate community and the Senate family.

                          ____________________