A DOJ Tax alumnus,
Joe Thibodeau, received the Jules Ritholz award,
here, at the Civil and Criminal Penalties Section Luncheon on May 10, 2013. I attended that session and asked Joe to write up his remarks because, well, I thought they were remarkable. In his remarks, Joe said that an important decision in his life was to join the Tax Division. And, Joe had some gracious things to say about our late colleague and friend, Jerry Feffer. (The Tax Division Alumni Blog on Jerry's Passing is
here.) Accordingly, I offer
here Joe's complete remarks in pdf format for readers to view or download and have cut and paste some of the remarks as they relate to the Tax Division. By excerpting, I do not mean to take away from any part of his remarks and I strongly encourage readers to view and download the complete pdf.
II. PEER RECOGNITION; NO GREATER HONOR
There is no greater honor for a professional than to be recognized by his/her peers.
There is no professional group for whom I have greater respect, admiration and affection – or from whom that recognition would mean more -- than the members of this committee.
"Iron Men/Wooden Ships"
Second only to my decision (a light-year, nearly 50 years - - ago), to apply for a trial attorney slot in the Tax Division, among the most important professional decisions that I’ve made, 3 were to: (1) Join this Committee; (2) Teach in D.U.’s Graduate Tax Program; and, (3) Hire Mary.
Clearly, of the 3, hiring Mary – 30 years ago -- was the most important. Without her nothing would have been possible.
But, joining this Committee was a close second.
* * * *
IV. JERRY [FEFFER]
But, I could not possibly accept this award without acknowledging and crediting the one person, who, for me – and I suspect for many others in this room (including the 5 D.C. "tax Divas") – provided ongoing inspiration, support, and encouragement in Jules’ image.
