[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               JACK BALLARD, U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER

  Mr. WARNER. Madame President, I stand today to recognize the 
achievements and contributions of a man well-known to and admired by my 
colleagues: Jack Ballard, U.S. Capitol Police officer. Since 1974, Jack 
has served with great distinction, most recently at his post on 
Delaware Avenue next to the Russell Senate Office Building. Now he is 
about to embark on a well-deserved retirement.
  During my 15 years in the Senate, I have had the good fortune to be 
greeted by Officer Ballard almost every day, rain or shine. Not only 
has Jack provided invaluable and professional service to me personally, 
or to my colleagues--he has always gone out of his way to assist 
visitors to find their way and enjoy their Capitol. Jack Ballard's kind 
attentions have often transformed a visitor's stay from an experience 
in bewilderment and confusion to one of pride and enjoyment. He has 
never been above assisting others confronted with Washington's 
challenging winter weather conditions, either. His knowledge, guidance, 
friendliness, and willingness are but a part of the dedication 
demonstrated by the Capitol Police--qualities which make our police 
force such a strong and effective organization. Moreover, Jack's 
intelligence, competence, and experience have been matched by his wit, 
humor, and patience.
  I am pleased to count Jack Ballard, a resident of Springfield, VA, 
among those I am privileged to represent. A ``second generation'' 
Capitol Police officer, Jack followed in the footsteps of his father, 
himself a 38-year veteran of our force. Obviously Jack was no novice in 
the ways of the Capitol Police force when he chose to join its ranks.
  Conversations with Jack have always been fascinating for Senators and 
staff alike, largely due to his previous experience. Before his Capitol 
Hill service, Jack Ballard gained diverse and colorful experience in 
the field of motion pictures. Indeed, he has had a lifelong interest in 
the field--his very first job was as a theater usher during school 
vacations. When school was in session, Jack polished his second field 
of interest delivering newspapers in the House office buildings.
  Following graduation from D.C. Eastern High School, Jack returned to 
the movies, managing local theaters specializing in foreign films. With 
the help of a childhood friend, Jack broke into motion picture 
production. That career took him to Boston and, ultimately, to New 
York, where he met his beloved Isabel, who would become his wife.
  Shortly after Jack and Isabel were married, Jack brought his wife 
back to Washington and began his service with the U.S. Capitol Police. 
After 7 years of general assignments, Jack was pleased to be assigned 
to his present Delaware Avenue post. From then until the present day, 
he has provided for the safety and well-being of all he meets--not to 
mention their enjoyment.
  Jack summarizes his career in the words of his father: ``A job I 
could do and a job I enjoyed doing.'' To those of us who have benefited 
from his years of exemplary service, those words are an understatement. 
His service has touched us all, and I know we all wish him many 
wonderful, joyous and prosperous years ahead.

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