[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CASEY ROATS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to convey my deepest 
appreciation to a member of my Washington, D.C. staff for his tireless 
efforts on behalf of the good people of Oregon's 2nd Congressional 
District. Casey Roats will conclude his internship in my office this 
week to continue his studies at Oregon State University and assist in 
the operations of his family's business, Roats Water System, Inc. in 
Bend, Oregon. As he leaves our nation's capital, I wish Casey well in 
his future endeavors, and I know that his intelligence and discipline 
will bring him success in whatever calling he answers.
  Casey was raised in Bend, Oregon, growing up in a family with 
indelible ties to central Oregon. He is, in short, a son of the 
American west. As a youngster he developed an interest in horsemanship, 
where he excelled as he does in every pursuit that I have witnessed him 
attempt. Casey's success in rodeo competitions provided him with the 
resources to attend his first year of college at Oregon State 
University. The travel required by these competitions allowed Casey to 
become familiar with much of eastern Oregon, which strengthened both 
his ties to the land and his appreciation for the western way of life. 
Moreover, his intimate knowledge of the issues that are so important to 
the people of Oregon has made him an invaluable asset during his tenure 
in my office.
  Mr. Speaker, Casey's early involvement with the Oregon chapter of 
Future Farmers of America provided a foundation of civic participation 
that he continues to build upon. His contributions to the Mountain View 
Chapter and the Central Oregon District soon earned statewide 
attention, and Casey was elected Vice-President of the Oregon Future 
Farmers of America for the 1999-2000 term.
  Throughout his internship, Casey has endeavored to learn more about 
his native state, as well as the workings of the federal government. 
His interest in the latter has been insatiable, leading him to pepper 
my staff with thoughtful questions about how things work in Washington, 
D.C. and why. His fascination with the legislative process, coupled 
with a firm ideological underpinning, promises to carry him far in the 
arena of public service if he chooses to embark on such a career.
  Mr. Speaker, Casey exudes competence, and he welcomed visitors to my 
office with the same friendly and forthright manner that is so common 
of Oregonians. My trust in him to complete tasks flawlessly and without 
supervision was vindicated time and time again. My staff reports that 
Casey ranks among the finest items ever to serve in my congressional 
office. Simply put, Casey was a delight to work with and always 
demonstrated a high level of professionalism and attention to detail 
during his service on Capitol Hill.
  It goes without saying that Casey will be difficult to replace. While 
I am deeply sorry to see him leave, I am confident that he will 
continue to make central Oregon proud in whatever career he chooses in 
the future. Thank you, Casey, for a job well done.

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