[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9537-9538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GERRY COUNIHAN

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Gerry

[[Page 9538]]

Counihan, an extraordinary man and a wonderful example for us all.
  Gerry is a familiar face and a friend to the Members of this body.
  Each of us who have made the trip into this historic Capitol Building 
and boarded the elevator to cast a vote on this floor has been warmly 
welcomed or helped in some way by Gerry.
  Gerry's life has had its share of challenges.
  He was born with a learning disability, but with his trademark 
determination and optimism he beat the odds and graduated from 
Franciscan University in 1988.
  Gerry first came to work here on Capitol Hill in 1991, and he 
returned in 1997 to take a job as a tour guide.
  His enthusiasm and his love of American history made him an 
outstanding guide and a dedicated public servant.
  Gerry also helped many visitors to our Capitol cope during a time of 
tragedy.
  He gave the first public tour of the Capitol after two police 
officers were killed in 1998.
  In 2001, Gerry gave the first tour when the Capitol reopened 
following the terrorist attacks of September 11.
  In my opinion, this is a testament to the dedication and the 
patriotism Gerry has shown during his many years of service to our 
country.
  In May 2007, Gerry was the victim of a brutal home invasion and 
assault. After this senseless act of violence, he was told by his 
doctors that he may never walk again.
  But Gerry has never taken no for an answer.
  After months in the hospital and grueling rehabilitation, Gerry 
returned to the Capitol, eventually taking a job as an elevator 
operator.
  Again, Gerry impressed all of us in the Senate with his dedication 
and his generous spirit.
  Gerry will soon begin a job at the Department of Health and Human 
Services. I know I speak for all of us when I say that HHS is lucky to 
have him.
  Gerry makes the Senate a brighter place, and I am truly sorry to see 
him go. I admire his optimism, his dedication, and especially his 
courage in the face of adversity.
  I wish Gerry well as he moves onto this exciting new challenge.

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