[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 26 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E368]]
                         TRIBUTE TO DIRK OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 1998

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my 
staff members who has denied to return to his family business.
  Mr. Dirk Owens has served on my staff since the beginning--if not 
before--since he was a valued volunteer in my campaign for the House. 
Dirk has always displayed the qualities that are essential to have as a 
congressional employee: dedication, hard work, and a desire to serve 
the people of his community. It seems that in the short time that he 
has been with me Dirk has served in almost every capacity ranging from 
field representative to scheduler, caseworker to surrogate speaker, and 
the all-important position of Agricultural Liaison. It is in this 
capacity that he has done his best work.
  Mr. Speaker, as I've told this body several times, the district that 
I represent is one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation. 
I myself am a farmer and thus know how important it is to stay in touch 
with and communicate to the agricultural community. It's not a job that 
everyone can do--but Dirk did. Because he is from farm country he 
understands the pressures facing the American farmer, he knows the 
frustration of paperwork and regulations, he knows the joy of bringing 
in a good crop. On several occasions Dirk has represented me to the 
farmers of the 1st District and done an outstanding job. Our 
agricultural community owes him a debt of gratitude.
  In this business, staff members come and go, often stopping by to 
serve their communities before moving down the road to different 
careers. Dirk has come to that point and has made the decision to 
return to his family farm to continue the work of generations. He will 
be missed but his contribution will always be appreciated. Dirk I wish 
you Godspeed and good luck.

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