[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 28, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM CONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of 
Florida's most cherished and dedicated civil servants, Tom Connell. Tom 
will be leaving our office at the end of the month to begin his much-
deserved retirement and I would like to express my sincere gratitude 
for all he has given and wish him well in his future endeavors. For the 
past 5 years Tom has worked as the Veterans' and Military Affairs 
caseworker for Florida's First Congressional District. He is the 
ultimate professional, the greatest of friends, and one of the most 
valuable members of our organization.
  Over 100,000 veterans and 18,000 active duty military personnel 
reside in the district I represent, giving Mr. Connell the heaviest 
case-load of all our caseworkers. He continuously brings unique and 
valuable insight into the primary issues faced in the office, drawing 
from over 30 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. Entering the 
service in 1965, he sailed beneath the open seas as a submariner, 
serving as Chief of the Boat on three different submarines. For the 
last 5\1/2\ years of his duty, Mr. Connell was appointed Fleet Master 
Chief of CNET, all the while learning and developing the tools he would 
need to truly become the district's expert on veteran's affairs and 
military issues.
  Kindly referred to as ``Father Tom'' around the office, he has 
infinite patience when dealing with the more challenging casework. 
Regardless, he listens and genuinely tries to resolve their issues as 
best he can. The phone on his desk never seems to stop ringing and 
walk-ins have become a part of his daily routine. A gifted public 
speaker, Mr. Connell has been an outstanding representative at various 
veterans rallies and numerous events.
  Mr. Connell joined the office with considerable experience as a 
caseworker and was instrumental in getting the office up and running in 
very short order. A talented and strong leader, Mr. Connell 
continuously takes the time to train and advise other members of the 
staff in an effort to make our office the best it can be in 
representing the people of Northwest Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, at the end of the month I will lose a great member of my 
team. Not a day goes by where Tom's tremendous sense of humor does not 
make us laugh and we will miss his unique capability of never letting 
us forget that we work for the greatest government in the world. 
Respected and admired by us all, I wish Tom nothing but the best as he 
embarks on his well-earned retirement with his beautiful wife Billie. 
He will be truly missed. Tom Connell, you are and always will be a 
reason for our success.

                          ____________________