APhA announced yesterday that we’ll be working with our colleagues at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to develop a program for community pharmacy accreditation. Leading that project is Tom Temple, who's retiring from the Iowa Pharmacy Association. We’re fortunate to be working with him.

As I write this, I'm sitting at the airport, waiting for my flight to Iowa to participate in Tom's farewell event. Along the way, I'll be visiting several Iowa pharmacies and both the Drake and Iowa schools of pharmacy, thanks to our Board of Trustees member Matt Osterhaus and a host of his fellow Iowans.

Below is a speech given by Rep. Bruce Braley of Iowa on the House floor in honor of Tom and his many contributions to pharmacy in Iowa.

Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to congratulate my good friend Tom Temple on his upcoming retirement from the Iowa Pharmacy Association. Tom has served in his current role at the Iowa Pharmacy Association since 1980, and has become a friend and adviser to me.

Tom has dedicated his life to medicine, and has been a leader on pharmaceutical issues across the state of Iowa. He has served as CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Foundation and the Collaborative Education Institute. He has assisted numerous professional organizations including the American Pharmacists Association, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, and the American Society of Association Executives.

Tom has also been active in the higher education community, advising universities on current issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry. He served on the Advisory Committees for Drake University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy.

Tom has been a tremendous advocate for Iowa pharmacists. When I was traveling in Afghanistan earlier this year, and came across a tiny pharmacy in a village there, my first thought was, “wouldn’t Tom Temple get a kick out of this?”

Tom will be missed very much by his colleagues and peers in the coming years, but his influence and leadership will never be forgotten. I congratulate him on all of his success and wish him a rewarding and relaxing future.