[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 102 (Friday, July 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO TINA ALVARADO

                                 ______


                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 1994

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make note of 
the innumerable contributions Tina Alvarado, minority staff director 
for the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care, 
has made to our committee and, by extension, the workings of Congress 
over the past 5 years.
  Tina joined our subcommittee in 1989 and has played a vital part in 
formulating numerous pieces of veterans' legislation through the years. 
During my tenure as the ranking Republican of the subcommittee, I have 
had the privilege of working directly with her. Tina has provided 
important technical assistance in drafting legislation and amendments 
to guarantee that veterans are treated equitably as Congress debates 
health care reform. She has also worked with me on VA eligibility 
reform, hospital construction funding, and the fight to retain much-
needed VHA employees.
  Tina first came to the Hill, Mr. Speaker, in 1985 as a research 
assistant for Senator Frank Murkowski on his Veterans' Affairs staff. 
After a year, she accepted a job with the Paralyzed Veterans of 
America. Tina started as a legislative research analyst, but within a 
year and a half she was associate legislative director.
  Mr. Speaker, as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Reserve, 
Tina was called up to active duty in 1990 and served in Operation 
Desert Storm. While this experience may have strengthened her 
commitment to the Nation's veterans, she was already an expert in her 
field. The veterans service organizations have come to rely on her 
insight and knowledge, as have all of us on the subcommittee, 
Republican and Democrat alike.
  As a testament to the goodwill Tina has spread in the veterans' 
community and on Capitol Hill, a reception was recently held in her 
honor. While previous commitments precluded my attendance, a number of 
other Members, including Chairman Montgomery and ranking member Stump, 
were there to wish her well. Representatives from all the major 
veterans organizations were also there. Clearly, her work has been 
appreciated.
  Tina will be leaving Capitol Hill today for a new career in North 
Carolina. She will be sorely missed by all who have been fortunate 
enough to have worked with her. I wish her the best of luck as she 
brings her knowledge and expertise to the veterans of North Carolina. I 
know she will continue to be a tremendous asset in any future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________