[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          TRIBUTE TO THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND RELATED OFFICES

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, the Sergeant at Arms has a number of 
diverse offices under his purview. Each of these offices is essential 
to the smooth running of the Senate, and I want to take a moment to 
express my appreciation to those who perform these vital functions.
  For 14 years I depended on Larry Benoit as my chief field 
representative in Maine and as my campaign manager. Few people know the 
State of Maine as well as Larry. He is insightful, thoughtful and 
persuasive.
  He was so effective and tireless in those demanding but often 
thankless positions that when the opportunity arose, I appointed him to 
serve as the Senate's Sergeant at Arms. Larry has held this position 
for only a short period of time, but he has already proven himself an 
outstanding public servant. I thank him for taking the position and for 
the professional work he is doing.
  I also commend his superior staff, Deputy Sergeant at Arms Robert 
Bean and their able and energetic assistants, Patty McNally, Loretta 
Fuller Symms, Patrick Hynes, Alvin Spriggs, Pete Beatty, Laura Parker, 
Jennifer Carter, Colin Raymond, Rita Harris, and Ted Jones. Thanks also 
to Director of Human Resources, Patty Fitzgibbons.
  I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the work of 
Gayle Cory. Gayle is now postmaster of the Senate, but I have known her 
for so long and worked with her in so many ways that I still like to 
consider her as personal staff. We worked together on Senator Muskie's 
staff, and she served as my executive assistant after I was appointed 
to the Senate. She has always been there, as an ally, as my right hand 
and as a friend. I thank her for her work and her long and loyal 
friendship, and I wish her well. I also appreciate the work of the post 
office staff who sort and deliver many thousands of letters every day.
  Russell Jackson and the entire service department staff make sure 
that Senate publications are ready the next day. Their hours can be 
long. Their jobs can be difficult and tedious. But their work always is 
important and they are extraordinary in performing it. I give them a 
special thank you for their efforts to ensure that the publications of 
the Democratic policy committee, including the DPC daily reports, 
legislative bulletins, special reports, and issue alerts are always 
prompt and timely. I am aware that the policy committee has 
occasionally made nearly impossible demands, but the service department 
always comes through.
  The director of the computer center, Michael Bartell, and the 
director of telecommunications, Robert McCormick, and their staffs, do 
outstanding work in very demanding jobs. A special thanks goes to the 
telephone operators who answer thousands of calls daily.
  I also want to commend those who keep this historic building so clean 
and well maintained, including Karen Ellis, Phyllis Timms, and Ross 
Thomas.
  Special acknowledgement also goes to the financial management team of 
Chris Dey, Ray Payne, Richard Zelkowitz, Amy Blanchard, and Alan Block. 
They may not always get the recognition they deserve for their 
outstanding work in their very demanding jobs, but all of them are 
appreciated.
  One of the most demanding and difficult jobs on Capitol Hill belongs 
to the Capitol security forces. Chief Abrecht and Assistant Chief 
Langley and all the U.S. Capitol Police deal with the public and their 
right of free speech, their right to observe their law makers in 
action, and their right to petition their government. At the same time, 
during these dangerous times, they must provide for the safety of the 
men and women who work here, and for the security and integrity of this 
magnificent building. Theirs is a most difficult task. They handle it 
courageously and superbly. They have my respect and my thanks.
  Senate doorkeepers are with us each hour we are in session. Their 
long hours are noted, and their work is always appreciated. I express 
my sincerest thanks to Supervisor Arthur Curran and his assistant Donn 
Larson.
  The Capitol Guide service, headed by Frances Rademaekers, helps 
thousands of visitors more fully appreciate the Capitol building and 
its historic contents.
  Debbie Jans and her outstanding staff provide special services for 
staff and visitors with disabilities. Debbie and her team have made 
great strides in improving the accessibility of the Capitol.
  Don Gardner is the foreman of the cabinet shop, Vince Proctor is the 
garage foreman, and Pete O'Brien manages the parking office. These 
individuals and all of their employees, do an outstanding job and are a 
great help to the Senate.
  I also commend the outstanding work of the Senate photographers. The 
quality of their finished products usually far outshines the crudeness 
of the raw materials with which they have to work. I congratulate as 
well as praise them for the quality of their work.
  Crucial in enabling Americans to follow Senate proceedings are the 
Senate press galleries. Bob Peterson, press gallery; Jim Talbert, 
periodical press gallery; Maurice Johnson, press photographers gallery; 
Larry Janezich, radio, television gallery, and their deputies perform a 
valuable service in assisting members of the media in following the 
activities of this chamber.
  As everyone is aware, the American people can now follow the 
deliberations of the U.S. Senate in their own homes, thus enabling them 
to become even better participants in their Federal Government. Jim 
Grahne, director, and the staffs for the recording studio's broadcast 
control and the TV control offices are in the forefront of this effort, 
and they do a splendid job.
  I also call attention to services of the people who manage the Senate 
reception room, Shirley Herath, ``Irish'' McLain, and Ruby Paone. Their 
friendliness and cooperation are well known, as is the excellent and 
dedicated work they do.
  Mr. President, I am grateful to each of these individuals for their 
tremendous efforts on behalf of the Senate. Without them, it would be 
practically impossible for the Senate to transact business, and I 
commend them for their work.

                          ____________________