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“CONGRATULATING BERNARD ``BERNIE'' BEHRENDS ON HIS 89TH BIRTHDAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1144-E1145 on June 17, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONGRATULATING BERNARD ``BERNIE'' BEHRENDS ON HIS 89TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. AARON SCHOCK
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bernard
``Bernie'' Behrends, an exceptional philanthropist with a passion for education. He will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 27, 2010. His passion and dedication for providing charity to others is inspiring and commendable. Bernie's mother was widowed and raised Bernie and his sister Anna with the help of their grandfather. At an early age, they were inspired by a philosophy of charity. They were taught to help others whenever possible and to view their successes as opportunities to help others in the future. These values were the foundation on which Bernie started his volunteer and charity work and why he continues to do so to this day.
Bernie was born in Lincoln, Illinois on July 27, 1921. He completed his primary and secondary education in Lincoln, through the Lincoln public school system. In 1946, after three years of service during World War II, Bernie was honorably discharged from the United States Navy.
Bernie attended Lincoln College from 1946 to 1948 and Bradley University from 1948 to 1950, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from Bradley University. After completing his post-secondary education with assistance from the GI Bill of Rights, Bernie began his successful career working as a civil engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation. After thirty two years of service, he retired in 1982.
Throughout the years, Bernie Behrends has been an invaluable asset to our community in central Illinois by volunteering countless hours of his time and expertise. Between 1958 and 1963, Bernie served as Vice President of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and during the Vietnam War, he was a member of the Logan County Selective Service Board. Through this position, he was assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees from 1967 to 1973. This experience was followed by membership on the Logan County Election Board for eight years. Eventually in 1992, Bernie was elected to the coveted Board of Trustees at Lincoln College, a position he has now held for eighteen years.
Through his position on the Board of Trustees, he has worked to provide financial assistance to high school students seeking to attend college but do not have the means to do so. In 1998, with the help of his sister Anna, Bernie established the Anna and Bernard Behrends Endowed Scholarship Fund. This scholarship has provided more than forty students with the opportunity to go to college since its creation. He has also been a pioneer for education through the founding of Logan County Voiture 985 of the Forty and Eight Nurses in Training Scholarship, which has helped over 150 students pursue careers in nursing through financial assistance.
All of these accomplishments are examples of Bernie's fervor for service and leadership to the Peoria community. Not surprisingly, Bernie is also a lifetime member of many recognizable organizations such as the American Legion, Forty and Eight, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 91, Lincoln Masonic Lodge, Springfield Consistory, Ansar Shrine, Logan County Shrine, and the Legion of Honor.
As of today, there are no signs of Bernie curbing his service to Peoria. He continues to dedicate his time and energy to educational service by working with his sister to provide the necessary resources to the people of our community.
In summary, Madam Speaker, Bernie Behrends is an exceptional example of service and leadership in our community. His charity and commitment to serving those less fortunate than himself has been a hallmark of his life dedicated to being a man for others. Because educational opportunities are the foundation for future success, I believe Bernie's incredible charity to the people of central Illinois is something to be cherished and celebrated. I wish Mr. Behrends a very Happy 89th Birthday, and congratulate him on his continued legacy as a community leader.
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