[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RICHARD AND LINDA SUE BLAKELY: PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two very special 
friends, Richard and Linda Sue Blakely of Caro, Michigan, as they 
celebrate their retirement after many years of serving their community 
in their jobs and in their volunteer efforts. Richard, who spent 30 
years as a deputy with the Tuscola County Sheriffs Department, and 
Linda Sue, who most recently worked as a special education para-
professional with the Caro school system, have set a high standard of 
community involvement for others to emulate.
  Richard met Linda Sue in the fall of 1959 at a USO dance in Oklahoma 
and they married on April 20, 1960. Ever since, Richard and Linda Sue 
have been committed to each other, their family, their church and their 
community. In particular, their work on behalf of young people deserves 
special mention.
  While a student at Saginaw Valley State University, Richard developed 
and completed his own curriculum in the study of child and family 
services. He later used the knowledge to work with Tuscola County's 
Juvenile Diversion Program and Safetyville Program. In 1988, Richard 
graduated with the first DARE training class established for law 
enforcement officers in Michigan and he now teaches DARE on a part-time 
basis for the Tuscola County Sheriffs Department.
  Linda Sue's commitment to children took a different path after the 
couple's youngest son acquired learning challenges as a result of 
traumatic brain injuries suffered as an infant. The experience of 
raising a child with such challenges prompted Linda Sue to take jobs 
devoted to educating and advocating for parents with children facing 
mental and physical challenges. She also has coached volleyball and 
cheerleading.
  The Blakely marriage has been blessed with four remarkable children, 
Michael, David, Mary and Joshua. While Richard and Linda Sue never lost 
sight of their family responsibilities, their faith also led them to 
embrace their Christian duty to others.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Richard 
and Linda Sue Blakely on their retirements and in honoring them for the 
fullness of their work and volunteer efforts. I am confident they will 
continue to find many ways to put their God-given talents to good use 
to benefit others.

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