[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 112 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOHN EDWARD WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2002

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Edward 
Wright, originally from Aiken, South Carolina. Mr. Wright was recently 
awarded a citation for distinguished service from the Secretary of the 
Interior for his outstanding contributions in the field of public 
affairs for the Office of the Secretary.
  Mr. Wright is the Senior Public Information Officer in the 
Secretary's Office of Communications, where he is held in high esteem 
and is respected for his media relations expertise, institutional 
knowledge, and familiarity with the key issues confronting the 
Department of Interior.
  As Senior Public Information Officer, he provides expert public 
affairs counsel to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Director of 
Communications. In addition, departmental communications managers rely 
upon Mr. Wright for guidance and direction regarding public affairs 
messages and strategies.
  Mr. Wright has also fostered important working relationships with 
reporters in the national media. He has a reputation for his 
responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile to meet media 
deadlines. Earlier this year during the Department of Interior's 
unveiling of the Competitive Sourcing program, Mr. Wright worked 
closely with the Office of Policy, Management, and Budget was 
responsible for all media relations planning and execution. With his 
guidance, the launch of this plan in the media was an outstanding 
success, generating accurate and positive media coverage.
  Most recently, Mr. Wright has been the lead for the public affairs 
office in the Office of the Secretary for implementation of media 
outreach and communications related to the Department of Interior/USDA 
National Fire Plan. In this capacity, Mr. Wright has worked effectively 
with federal and state communications officers to develop news 
releases, fact sheets, and interviews with key media. Mr. Wright, 
through his enduring hard work, unwavering attention to detail and 
diligence in promoting Departmental ideals, portrays a public 
information specialist that others can emulate.
  For his service which has earned him Departmental commendation as 
well as his coworkers' respect, I recognize Mr. John Edward Wright.

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