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“TRIBUTE TO MR. GERALD R. REED” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E132-E133 on Feb. 12, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO MR. GERALD R. REED
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HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, since 1926 Americans have recognized black history annually, first as ``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' February was chosen because the month marks the birthdays of two men who seriously impacted the African American, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This year's month long celebration's theme is, ``The Journey to Freedom: The Struggles, Trials and Triumphs.''
I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a man who embodies the characteristics of a leader of the African American Population. It is with great pleasure that I introduce and honor Gerald R. Reed as he celebrates his tenth year as a member of Blacks in Government (BIG) and his third year as its president.
In 1992 Mr. Reed began his leadership role within the BIG as President of the Pentagon Chapter. The following year he was the honored recipient of the prestigious BIG National Distinguished Service award.
In 1994, only two years after he joined the organization, Mr. Reed became the President of the Region XI Council. During the three years of his presidency the Council was awarded the bids for the BIG Annual National Training Conference in 1994, 1997, 1998 and year 2000. Additionally, Mr. Reed served on influential BIG National Committees and instituted many major conference improvements as the Co-Chairperson of the BIG National Training Conference in 1997 and 1998.
Furthermore in 1994, during his first year as National President, Mr. Reed successfully implemented many initiatives for BIG, including a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Graduate School and several organizational infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Reed is also affiliated with the Black Leadership Forum, the National Coalition for Equity in Public Service, the Leadership Council on Civil Rights, and a VIP member of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Mr. Reed is presently employed with the Network Infrastructure Services Agency, Pentagon, (NISA-P) as the Branch Chief for the Systems Applications Development Branch. He holds several degrees including a Master of Science degree in Administration with a concentration in Software Engineering from Central Michigan University. He is a veteran of the United States Army and also the author of ``Building A Masterpiece with Simple Poetry.''
Many events have been planned in conjunction with this month's Festivities in my district. Mr. Reed has been selected as the guest speaker at this year's Mentors Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) annual Black History Month Luncheon in Forth Monmouth, New Jersey.
Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing Mr. Reed and his significant accomplishments throughout his career, his work with Blacks in Government and his service to the African American Community.
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