[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA OBRADOVICH

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, the late Oregon Governor 
Tom McCall once said, ``Heroes are not giant statues framed against a 
red sky. They are people who say, `This is my community and it's my 
responsibility to make it better.' ''
  I rise today to pay tribute to Patricia Obradovich, a remarkable 
Oregonian who was a true hero, because she dedicated her entire career 
to making her community, her State, and her Nation a better place. 
Patricia passed away last month at the young age of 44, after a 
courageous battle against cancer. Her legacy, however, will continue 
long into the future.
  Patricia dedicated her entire professional life to working for the 
Federal Government. I have long believed that government service is a 
high and important calling. The hours are often long, the pressures are 
great, and the monetary compensation is frequently lower than what is 
available in the private sector. Patricia was one of those individuals 
who was more concerned with making a difference than making a fortune.
  Patricia joined the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as an economist with 
the Portland, OR District in May of 1981, and continued with the Corps 
for 21 years. In that time, she served in many roles, including Chief 
of Economics, Acting Chief of Planning, and Outreach Coordinator.
  During her two decades of service, Patricia earned a reputation in 
Oregon and across the Nation as a public servant of great intelligence 
and integrity. She played a leadership role in formulating policy on 
many projects of national significance, including salmon restoration 
and navigation projects along the Oregon coast and the Columbia River. 
As an employee of the Federal Government, Patricia received a 
remarkable 26 awards, including an Achievement Medal for Civilian 
Service.
  I had the occasion to meet Patricia several times, and know the very 
high regard in which she was held by her co-workers, her countless 
friends, and her loving family. It is my hope they will take solace in 
the fact that through two decades of doing the day-to-day work of 
democracy, Patricia Obradovich truly earned the title of 
``hero.''

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