[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CAMERON BALLANTYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2001

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
member of my Washington, DC staff for his tireless efforts on behalf of 
the good people of Oregon's 2nd Congressional District. Cameron 
Ballantyne will conclude his internship this week to pursue a degree at 
my alma mater, the University of Oregon. I wish him well in this 
endeavor and know that he will excel in his pursuit of a career in the 
field of journalism.
  Cameron comes from a fine Oregon family. I know and admire his 
parents, Kent and Mary Ballantyne of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and count 
myself fortunate to call them my friends. I have not been surprised to 
find that in Cameron's case, the apple does not fall far from the tree.
  Following his graduation from high school, Cameron's academic 
pursuits led him to the Rexburg, Idaho, campus of Brigham Young 
University. After an exemplary academic performance there, Cameron 
embarked on a two-year mission in the service of his church in Moscow, 
Russia, where he became fluent in the Russian language. His strong 
sense of duty and idealism was further demonstrated when he returned to 
Oregon to work for the American Red Cross Blood Service. Cameron 
continued his record of civic service in September by moving to the 
nation's capital to serve as an intem in my congressional office.
  During his stay in Washington, DC, Cameron experienced much more than 
the typical intern. He joined my staff only one week before the tragic 
events of September 11th and from his vantage point in Washington 
witnessed the best and worst of humanity. Cameron was undeterred by the 
attacks and continued to perform every task he was given with diligence 
and attention to detail. His efforts were instrumental in responding to 
the immediate challenges facing my staff, providing much needed help 
during our temporary displacement from the Longworth Building. 
Cameron's faithful service gave me full confidence to trust him with 
important work in a number of subject areas, including press relations.
  Cameron's departure will not go unnoticed in my office, especially 
among my staff, who relied upon his assistance on a daily basis. I know 
I speak for them all in testifying to the competence and 
professionalism Cameron exhibited in carrying out his duties, 
attributes that will serve him well in any career he chooses. I am 
confident that Cameron will always approach life with the same 
enthusiasm he brought with him to work every day. I am sorry to see him 
leave, but wish him the best life has to offer. Cameron, good luck, Go 
Ducks, and thank you for a job well done.

                          ____________________