[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 540]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         MR. PATRICK J. SOLANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrick J. Solano, 
the 2012 Community Leadership Award recipient at Leadership Wilkes-
Barre. Mr. Solano has a long history of dedicated service to the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and his country.
   Pat Solano was a member of the United States Air Force during World 
War II. While in the military, he was lauded many times for his 
exemplary service, which included more than 20 combat missions. His 
military awards include a Group Presidential Citation, the Air Force 
Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the European Combat Theatre Medal 
with two bronze stars.
   After retiring from military service, Pat Solano dedicated himself 
to serving the great commonwealth in which he was born. He held many 
positions in state government, including serving as senior counselor to 
Governor Tom Ridge and Governor Mark Schweiker. Even today, at age 85, 
Pat Solano continues to serve as a counselor and advisor to many of 
Pennsylvania's legislators.
   In addition to his work as a philanthropist and his role as a 
decorated war veteran, family has always come first for Mr. Solano. He 
and his wife Marie have six daughters and 11 grandchildren. He and his 
family have lived for years in Hughestown, Pennsylvania.
   Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that Leadership Wilkes-Barre honors a man 
who has donated so much of his time and effort to furthering the 
success of the Commonwealth. I am certain that his efforts will not end 
here. The work of Patrick J. Solano has ensured the continued success 
of Pennsylvania, and it is my pleasure to acknowledge all of his 
efforts here today.

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