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[Pages H549-H550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING CORPORAL KEVIN McCLOSKEY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was proud to stand with
our community and join Homes For Our Troops as a new house for an
American hero was unveiled. On Saturday morning, Kevin McCloskey and
his wife, Bridget, received the keys to their new home in Upper South
Hampton in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
On June 8, 2008, Corporal McCloskey was severely injured in
Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an IED. He suffered critical
injuries to both his legs and vision in his right eye, and he suffered
severe burns and traumatic brain injury.
While Kevin has made significant progress in his recovery, everyday
activities can still be challenging. The McCloskeys' new home is
retrofitted to make these tasks easier and more accessible for Kevin
and Bridget.
Mr. Speaker, Kevin is a true patriot and an American hero. We thank
him for his service, and we wish him and Bridget all the best in their
new home. We are so proud to have them join our Bucks County family.
I would also like to thank Homes For Our Troops and their entire
board for honoring those who sacrifice for our freedom.
Recognizing Pineville Tavern
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small
business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that has gone out of their way
to help Federal employees who are not being paid due to this prolonged
government shutdown.
For the duration of the government shutdown, Pineville Tavern has
offered furloughed workers and their immediate family their popular
pickle-brined chicken at no cost. At this time of so much unneeded
uncertainty for our Federal workers, the charity of Pineville Tavern is
deeply appreciated by our community.
Pineville Tavern chef Drew Abruzzese says it best when he calls the
current impasse ``a political game of chicken.''
Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to put aside our differences,
fund our government, and get our Federal employees back to work.
I am grateful for Drew's generosity and leadership, along with his
father and the owner of Pineville Tavern, Andrew Abruzzese. Their
dedication to our community is deeply appreciated.
[[Page H550]]
Honoring Ed Burns
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
memory of a Bucks County icon who passed away on January 10 at the age
of 87. Ed Burns embodied public service throughout his entire life and
his storied career.
A Navy veteran, Ed became a teacher after graduating from La Salle
College and Temple University. He later served as the head of the
Bensalem Recreation Department and served on the school board.
In 1972, Ed entered State government, serving as a State
representative for the 18th District for nearly 20 years. Notably, Ed
later became the first mayor of Bensalem, serving honorably from 1990
to 1994.
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Ed's wife, Joan;
his son, Joseph F. Burns; and his two beautiful grandchildren.
Ed's legacy of public service to Bensalem and to Bucks County has
left an indelible mark on our community, one that will last for
generations.
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