[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SKEETER WEEKS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, there are those moments as we navigate 
through life's journey in which our path crosses with people of genuine 
character and compassion. When we come about one of these persons, it 
is as if a window is raised allowing the spring breeze to enter our 
very soul. On these rare occasions, our spirit is lifted causing us to 
believe anew in the goodness of God and the magic of his gift to 
mankind. Mr. Albert Colmer Weeks of Pascagoula, MS, is one of these 
rare people.
  Known as ``Skeeter'' to his friends--who are many--his life is a 
testament of service, love, and dedication to his family and community. 
While Skeeter counts Pascagoula as his home, he was born in Ponchatula, 
LA, and moved at the age of 3 to Perkinston, MS, where his father 
served as a coach, athletic director, and later vice president and dean 
of men at Perkinston Junior College. After completing high school in 
Perkinston in 1944, Skeeter was appointed a page in the U.S. House of 
Representatives by his uncle and former Congressman, Hon. Bill Colmer.
  As many of my colleagues know, I also worked for Representative 
Colmer as his administrative assistant for 4 years. The fateful year in 
which I crossed paths with Skeeter in a large and substantive way was 
1968. By that time, Skeeter had been working for Ingalls Shipbuilding 
for 9 years as director of public relations.
  As director of public relations at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Skeeter was 
the one individual most responsible for planning, directing, and 
coordinating the launching, christening, and commissioning of hundreds 
of ships for the United States Navy. Skeeter is a big part of the 
reason Ingalls is today known as America's Shipyard. His 
professionalism, attention to detail, and customer oriented service 
ethic has endeared him to many of our nation's political leaders--from 
President's to Cabinet Secretaries to Secretaries of the Navy--over the 
span of almost 40 years.
  On January 31, 1997, Skeeter will be retiring from Ingalls 
Shipbuilding. Behind he will leave a legacy of 38 years in service to 
Ingalls, the city of Pascagoula, Jackson County, the State of 
Mississippi, and indeed, the country as a whole. Skeeter is a veteran 
of the United States Navy, a 1951 graduate of Mississippi State 
University, and a man of honor.
  To his wife, Janet, and his children Leah and Alice, I say thank you. 
We have all borrowed Skeeter's time and talent for years, a gift he has 
freely given us. Beginning Saturday, February 1, 1997, you have him all 
to yourself. It is your gain, and with this gain we give you our 
gratitude and envy.
  As Skeeter turns the page and begins this new chapter in his life, I 
am reminded of a verse penned by Robert Louis Stevenson:

       So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by 
     others, I would almost say we are indispensable; and no man 
     is useless while he has a friend.

  In celebration of this special event, I am proud to declare to the 
U.S. Senate, Albert Colmer Weeks is my friend. Enjoy your retirement, 
Skeeter. You have richly earned it.

                          ____________________