[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF CHARLIE REAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I honor a fine gentleman, Mr. Charlie Reagan 
of my home town of Bay City, Michigan, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the Social Security Administration. As our area 
Congressional Liaison for Social Security matters, Charlie has been an 
invaluable resource for the constituents of the Fifth Congressional 
District, which I am proud to represent in Congress today.
  Charlie was born in Gladwin, Michigan and has a long history of 
contributing to our community, both in his capacity as a representative 
of the Social Security Administration and as a citizen and community 
leader.
  Charlie graduated from the former Bay City Handy High School and 
later, from my alma mater, Saginaw Valley State University. In 1968, he 
became one of our nation's most honored citizens, when he joined the 
United States Army. He served two years in Anchorage, Alaska, and was 
honorably discharged in 1970.
  Charlie began his career with the Social Security Administration 
[SSA] prior to his service in our nation's armed forces, and upon his 
discharge, rejoined the agency in Bay City. In 1973, he was transferred 
to the Quality Assurance Group in Chicago, and in 1975, was promoted to 
Supervisor in the Muskegon SSA office. In 1982, we were fortunate to 
welcome Charlie to the Saginaw SSA office, where he has helped 
countless men, women and children with their Social Security rights and 
benefits.
  Not only has Charlie's career effectively served the greater public 
interest, he has been involved in our community as a private citizen as 
well. Charlie and his wife of twenty-eight years, Beverly, are both 
members of St. John's Episcopal, where Charlie has served as Senior 
Warden, Junior Warden and Usher Coordinator. Both he and Beverly are 
members of the Education For Ministry at the Church. Charlie has, for 
many years, lent his services to helping the United Way in our 
community, where he has chaired the Combined Federal Campaign program. 
Charlie has also been involved in the Social Security Find Program, 
which helps sons and daughters find their parents and grandparents. And 
in 1999, Charlie received an award from the Office of the Inspector 
General, Office of Investigations for his service in bringing to 
justice individuals who commit Social Security fraud.
  In his retirement, it is my understanding that Charlie intends to 
spend some quality time with his wife, Beverly, and their son, 
Christopher. Charlie is an avid racquetball player and dedicated 
crossword puzzle fan, so I fully expect him to continue with his 
favorite hobbies. It is also my understanding that Charlie has plans to 
build a state-of-the-art hot rod, much to the dismay of his wife. I 
wish Beverly much luck in this endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite you and our colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating Mr. Charlie Reagan on the occasion of his retirement, 
and thanking him for his selfless service to our community. I wish him, 
and his family, continued success in all his future endeavors.

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