Congratulating Jake Burke Upon His Retirement with Tri-Community Action

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, I'm honored to congratulate Gerald ``Jake'' Burke upon his retirement after 50 years of service with Tri-County Community Action to our community, Commonwealth, and Country. Jake was born on September 11, 1944 in Shippensburg, delivered by his grandmother at home. Growing up, he was a member of both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts before beginning high school. He graduated from Shippensburg High School in 1962, and from the Barber School Harrisburg the following year. He was a member of the AV Club in addition to the proud owner of a 1952 Chevy Coupe, his first car. Jake started his work for Community Action in 1968, working part-time until 1970. He returned in 1972 as a full-time Community Development Coordinator working from the Shippensburg location, and has been with the agency since, becoming Housing Counselor in 1994. With Community Action, Jake has helped thousands achieve their goals, connecting first-time homebuyers to needed resources, and promoting economic self-sufficiency.

While working for Community Action, he managed to balance a litany of other roles that serve as a testament to his character. He worked at both the Carlisle and Chambersburg Hospitals in the 1980s and 90s, graduated Columbia School of Broadcasting in 1980, and honed his craft at WSHP radio, all while owning his own business--JB's Disc Jockey Service, which operated into the 2000s.

Jake is a cancer survivor of 26 years, and remains active in marching bands while being a world-renowned Masters Powerlifting Champion. He is a member of the Reilly Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps and the leader of the Dungeon Powerlifting Crew at the Front Street YMCA, holding numerous world records for his age group. Jake is also a member of the Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church and the Locus Grove Cemetery Committee Firefighter Vigilant Hose Company No. 52. He loves gardening, the LA Dodgers, trains, fireworks, motorcycles, books, firearms, mini whiskey bottles, music, and enjoys collecting African-American relics.

Jake will tell you that his biggest and proudest accomplishment, by far, is his family. He is the proud father of five children (Andrew, Gerald, Mike, Kacey, and Ashley), 11 grandchildren, and 2 great- grandchildren. Jake has lived his life by his personal mantra: ``Never stop learning. Live everyday as if it were your last. Put your faith in God and never give up.''

With great honor, I commend Gerald ``Jake'' Burke's distinguished career of service to Tri-County Community Action, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source