[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MELISSA GALVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, recently I said 
goodbye to a member of my Washington, DC staff who started with me the 
day I took office back in 1999. Melissa Galvan served as my manager and 
scheduler. From managing my schedule and our interns, to handling the 
office finances and many other important functions, Melissa performed 
admirably and with dedication.
  Melissa was raised in the great state of Oregon and began honing her 
skills early at Corvallis High School and my college alma mater, the 
University of Oregon. Upon graduation from college, Melissa embarked to 
Washington, D.C. to serve the public as a staff member to my 
predecessor, then-House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Smith. Upon 
my election, I was fortunate to successfully recruit Melissa. From day 
one of my first term, I--and the residents of the Second Congressional 
District of Oregon--benefited from Melissa's expertise and affable 
personality.
  I never had to worry about having a seat on a plane, because I knew 
that Melissa had it taken care of properly. Considering the fluid 
nature of the schedule in Congress and the fact that I commute back to 
my district most every week, I assure you that securing a seat on a 
plane at the last minute is not an easy task. I never had to worry 
about missing a meeting, because Melissa had it covered. Visitors to my 
office were always made to feel welcome and cared for because of 
Melissa.
  Simply put, Melissa was a delight to work with and always displayed 
care and determination during her service on Capitol Hill. She also 
became a real pal to my son, Anthony, and kept all the ``guys'' in the 
office in line, too.
  We miss her friendly smile and upbeat attitude, which she has taken 
to a new job in the private sector. We also are very excited for her 
and her fiancee, Jason Vaillancourt, an outstanding young man and 
professional staff member on the House Agriculture Committee. They will 
marry this fall. Melissa, thanks for your help and a job well done.

                          ____________________