The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING GOVERNOR JOSEPH KERNAN FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E643 on April 29, 2016.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING GOVERNOR JOSEPH KERNAN FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN PUBLIC
SERVICE
______
HON. JACKIE WALORSKI
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, April 29, 2016
Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Governor Joseph E. Kernan and honor him for a long career in public service.
Kernan is the oldest of nine children and a graduate of St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he was a catcher on the baseball team and earned a degree in government. Upon graduation, Kernan joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a Naval Flight Officer aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. During a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam, Kernan was shot down and held captive as a POW for nearly 11 months. After his release from captivity, Kernan continued to serve his country on active duty. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
After his military service, Kernan worked in the private sector as a successful businessman before serving as South Bend's City Controller from 1980 to 1984. In 1987, he was elected Mayor of South Bend and would become the longest serving mayor in the city's history.
In 1996, Frank O'Bannon and Kernan were elected as Indiana's governor and lieutenant governor and were reelected in 2000. As lieutenant governor, Kernan served as president of the Indiana Senate, director of the Indiana Department of Commerce, and commissioner of Agriculture. In particular, Kernan played a vital role in improving services for veterans, having spearheaded a Veterans Outreach Initiative to educate veterans on available benefits through the state and federal government.
In 2003, after the unfortunate passing of Governor Frank O'Bannon, Kernan assumed the role of Governor until 2005. Since then, he has been active in the community, serving in various leadership roles.
Governor Kernan and his wife Maggie have spent their careers serving the city, state, and nation. On behalf of Hoosiers in the Second Congressional District, it is my honor to thank them both for their service and sacrifice to our community.
____________________
