2002 Ron Paul 68:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend
the efforts of three men, John Keating,
Joe Sapere and Jerry Suggs. These three
gentlemen are now embarked upon a bicycle
ride across America, having begun June 8 in
Newport Beach, CA with anticipated completion
in Jamestown, VA on the 21st of July, the
anniversary of the “Americans with Disabilities
Act” (ADA). What is most extraordinary about
this journey Mr. Speaker is that each of these
gentlemen is an amputee.
2002 Ron Paul 68:2
John Keating, age 40, is the son of a former
U.S. Defense attache and is the father of
three sons. Joe Sapere, age 61, is a retired
Air Force Colonel and a recent amputee. Jerry
Suggs, 68, is retired form our U.S. Navy.
2002 Ron Paul 68:3
The reason for this trip, Mr. Speaker, is to
demonstrate that life does not end with amputation,
but can include high-intensity activities
such as bicycling and skydiving. These men
are visiting rehab facilities along the way and
giving encouragement to those who have felt
constrained. One young lady they have met
was a tennis player and had given up the
sport when she lost a leg. They convinced her
to take up the racquet again and start playing.
2002 Ron Paul 68:4
As a Physician and Congressman, I honor
these gentlemen for their efforts and invite
others to learn more about these activities on
line at www.amputees-across-america.com.
