[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E668]]
                   A TRIBUTE TO SPENCER MARK RITCHIE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2002

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Spencer Ritchie who is leaving the Hill this week to finish his last 
semester and pursue his degree at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, 
Texas, and then maybe even law school. The efforts and energy of 
Spencer will be missed dearly by all members of my office.
  Spencer is a first-rate Southern gentleman with a keen understanding 
of people, poise and patience; the latter is most needed when juggling 
numerous tasks while managing the front desk.
  He conquered the thankless jobs of being the gatekeeper, all the 
while supporting my entire staff and office guests. Because of his 
academic performance and student leadership, Texas Tech selected 
Spencer to represent the University as a Presidential Intern--and they 
could not have selected a more well-rounded young man who puts 
priorities like faith and family first.
  Although he's only been with the office for a short time, he's left a 
lasting impression on many. Numerous constituents and visitors have 
commented to my staff and me that Spencer has an amazing way with 
making people feel welcome. Spencer has the unique ability to make 
every guest feel like family--and after meeting Spencer, they wanted to 
be Texans too!
  His knowledge, insight, guidance and generosity have been inspiring 
to others. Though Spencer's good graces will be missed in Washington, I 
know that our loss is most definitely Texas Tech's gain.
  He enjoyed a unique and historic experience and one which I hope will 
serve him well as he continues his education and begins his career. You 
name it--he's done it. No job is too big or too little for Spencer. He 
just does it--and he does it enthusiastically with a smile on his face 
and a laugh for others. He's given Capitol tours in the wake of 
September 11th. He's welcomed tired tourists from Texas! He's written 
letters and called constituents. I was proud to have him up front as an 
ambassador, if you will, for the people of the Third District.
  So much of what we do in Congress is done for the next generation, 
for young people like Spencer. He can be proud that what we have done 
in this Congress has not only been done for him--but with him.
  Like each Member of Congress, he is now a part of this institution. 
And as of Friday, he will be a part of its history. I wouldn't be 
surprised if he may even be part of its future, returning some day as a 
staff member or even a Representative!
  Too many Americans do not have a full understanding of how hard the 
staffs of Members of Congress work, how conscientious they are and how 
much they care about doing the right thing for their country, 
regardless of whether they are conservatives or liberals, moderates, 
Republicans, Democrats or Independents.
  Spencer has learned that lesson firsthand. So he will have something 
that many of his neighbors and friends and relatives will not have had: 
hands on experience of how the greatest democratic institution in the 
world works.
  He will have the opportunity to go back and tell our fellow citizens 
that the system works--and that it works well! And that they need to 
participate, not necessarily run for Congress, but to participate by 
voting. By speaking out. By writing. By communicating--by involving 
themselves in the democratic process that makes our great nation a 
beacon of freedom and liberty!
  I wish Spencer luck and look forward to the day when I meet him 
again--as a proud Texas Tech graduate and Sam Johnson office alum!

                          ____________________