[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF META FULLER WALLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of Meta Fuller Waller, a dear friend to many, a dedicated public 
servant and athletic team captain who tragically lost her life in the 
Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
  Born into a family steeped in the civil rights movement, Meta Waller 
learned at a very young age an appreciation for the arts and the value 
of a good education. Her two famous grandparents, Meta Warrick Fuller, 
an African American sculptor and Solomon Carter Fuller, the first 
African American psychiatrist in the United States, inspired Meta to 
pursue her dreams regardless of what stood in her path. These instilled 
values guided Meta throughout life, especially during the sorrowful 
loss of some of her closest family members.
  With a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a 
master's degree from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of 
Government in 1982, Meta worked hard to meet the many challenges she 
faced as the Special Programs Manager for the Administrative Assistant 
to the Secretary of the Army. In her twelve years at the Pentagon, Meta 
was heavily involved in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the annual 
fund raising drive conducted by Federal employees on behalf of numerous 
non-profit charities. She diligently served as the Army CFC 
administrator for 14 years and helped raise in excess of $30 million 
dollars to benefit the least fortunate in our society.
  An avid writer and poet, Meta charmed those fortunate enough to 
witness her literary talent. Meta's active imagination made her a 
gifted storyteller whose vividly refreshing tales could keep an 
audience spellbound for hours. Always in search of new challenges, Meta 
picked up the game of tennis much later in life than most. Despite a 
lack of past exposure to the sport, she rose to become captain of her 
women's tennis team, holding the position for three years.
  Ever conscientious and adventure seeking, Meta's passions led her to 
travel the world often. Her most recent trip took her to Durban, South 
Africa for the World Conference on Racism. Traveling with a group of 
schoolchildren, Meta gained a first-hand knowledge of the continuing 
struggle to end racism across the globe. Upon returning home, Meta told 
family members that the experience had changed her life.
  Mr. Speaker, Meta's life serves as a testament to us all that with 
love and determination we can overcome any odds and lead inspired 
lives. Everyone misses her dearly but the memory of her indomitable 
spirit will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________