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“IN HONOR OF JACK CALEGARI DISTINGUISHED LEGIONNAIRE OF THE MISSOURI AMERICAN LEGION” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1235-E1236 on July 11, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF JACK CALEGARI DISTINGUISHED LEGIONNAIRE OF THE MISSOURI
AMERICAN LEGION
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HON. KAREN McCARTHY
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Calegari, an outstanding individual, Veteran, and public servant from the State of Missouri. Mr. Calegari is known for his gentle manner, warm smile, and his tireless efforts for the betterment of our community and region. His dedication and consistent support to various veterans programs and issues have proven to be a valued resource. It is with great pride that we acknowledge the honor bestowed on him as the Distinguished Legionnaire in the Western Region of Missouri from the R.C. Connie Burns American Legion Post 71.
In the tradition of the American Legion, Jack Calegari has demonstrated the patriotic and philanthropic values throughout his military and civilian careers. On January 28, 1952, Mr. Calegari began his service in the United States Army and performed duties as a valuable cryptographer. He was later stationed in Stuttgart, Germany and quickly made the rank of Corporal. Shortly after his return from overseas, he married Tessa and their family soon expanded to include their son, Jack. Mr. Calegari worked as a television repairman and eventually began employment at Bendix Corporation, which would later evolve into Allied Signal and is currently Honeywell's Kansas City Plant integral to the Department of Energy's manufacturing system.
Mr. Jack Calegari has held every office in Post 71, serving as Post Commander for four terms and as Fifth District Commander in 1997-1999. This noble gentleman and his charming wife, Tessa, have donated much of their time at the Kansas City VA Hospital lifting spirits, helping the Women's Auxiliary wrapping Christmas gifts, and taking pictures around the holidays. As a member of the American Legion's Forty/Eight Club, Honor Society of the American Legion, he volunteered to work on their fund raising bingo project. The proceeds from bingo have furnished four rooms on the 11th floor of the Kansas City VA Medical Center so family members have a place to stay with their critically ill veterans. In addition, the Forty-Eight recently donated a new van with a wheelchair lift to the hospital. At Christmas time you can find Jack volunteering as a Christmas Kettle bell ringer for the Post 71 Salvation Army Bell Ringers.
Jack Calegari is active in many local causes and civic endeavors. He has been a mentor for our youth through his work in programs such as Boys State Program Committee that ensures leadership in future generations. He promotes and has worked with the District Oratorical Program to provide high school students with the opportunity to develop oratory skills while learning and understanding our Constitution. Another important youth project he participates is the J.R.O.T.C. program at Paseo High School of Performing Arts where he is a beloved figure.
For the past ten years he has served as Chairman of the Cadet Patrol Committee for Missouri. The American Legion sponsors Missouri high school students to attend the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. Yearly preparations required six months of Jack's time to organize, market and purchase necessities like uniforms and insurance for the cadets. In an effort to provide the cadets with a college opportunity he partnered with Central Missouri University to insure the availability of two college scholarships. The reward for Jack has been the opportunity to work with the cadets and attend graduation ceremonies. He believes that students obtain an understanding of law enforcement while developing practical lifetime skills.
Mr. Calegari is quite active as President of the Permanent Memorial Day Committee and worked on the KC150 Committee to honor Veterans during Kansas City's celebration of its 150th birthday. Most significantly, Jack was instrumental in a national project very dear to me. We both worked for several years in partnership with community stakeholders to restore and rededicate the Liberty Memorial to honor our World War I veterans. He has been a wonderful resource to me and for my staff.
Jack's legacy lives in the work he has so graciously performed, and in the lives of those he has assisted with kindness and understanding. Jack gives his time and energies to make our community a better place to live.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Jack Calegari the Western Region's District Legionnaire of 2002 from Missouri's Fifth District.
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