[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            BILLY ABERCROMBIE: EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise to salute Billy Abercrombie for 
his 36 years of truly exceptional public service with the U.S. Soil 
Conservation Service.
  In his capacity as South Carolina's State conservationist for the 
last 11 years, I came to know Billy as a friend and dedicated 
professional. His finest hour came in the wake of Hurricane Hugo in 
1989. He worked long hours and demonstrated tremendous dedication and 
resourcefulness in helping South Carolinians put their farms and lives 
back together again. For that effort, Billy was awarded the 
Distinguished Service Award, which is the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's highest honor.
  Mr. President, Billy Abercrombie is a native son of South Carolina. 
Born in Fountain Inn, he earned his B.S. degree at Clemson and his 
master's in public administration at Harvard. He began his career with 
the Soil Conservation Service as a trainee in Laurens. He subsequently 
worked in Anderson, was district conservationist in Bamberg and 
Spartanburg, and area conservationist in Chester. He left South 
Carolina to serve as assistant State conservationist in Colorado and 
State conservationist in Maine--also serving a stint in staff positions 
at SCS national headquarters.
  Mr. President, in the course of his distinguished career, Billy 
Abercrombie received numerous honors and awards. He was respected 
across the State of South Carolina for his expertise and exceptional 
professionalism. For 36 years, he was the epitome of the dedicated 
public servant. I appreciate this opportunity to express my respect and 
gratitude, and to wish Bill and Harriet Abercrombie many happy years of 
retirement.

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