[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING TONYA MITCHELL: A HEROIC PUBLIC SERVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of Florida's 
heroes, Tonya Mitchell. Tonya Mitchell, a valiant public servant, was 
abducted on January 31, 2003, while driving a mail truck across 
northwest Miami-Dade County. Tonya Mitchell, extraordinarily composed, 
drove throughout Miami North-Dade and Broward Counties at gunpoint 
while dozens of patrol cars and news choppers followed. For five 
terrifying hours, including a two-hour standoff, Tonya Mitchell, unlike 
most people facing a life or death situation, maintained a remarkably 
calm demeanor until she was finally released to safety.
  Tonya Mitchell, a 32-year-old mother of two from Miramar, Florida, is 
an example of true courage. The target of a very dangerous situation, 
she overcame fear and convinced her abductor, after the two-hour 
standoff, not to commit suicide. Because of her committed faith, she 
persuaded a man who put her life in grave danger to turn himself in to 
the authorities. Tonya Mitchell, a deeply religious woman, is not only 
a survivor, but a model of bravery.
  United States postal employees have a visible presence in our 
community. My district, and districts across our country, function more 
effectively because of their invaluable work. Tonya Mitchell is a 
three-year veteran of the postal service who often fills in on her 
colleague's routes. She is a devotee to her community and as seen 
through last week's experience, a devotee to human kind. Mr. Speaker, 
the South Florida community is very proud of Tonya Mitchell. Clearly 
seen through the dedication she has in her work and through her 
extraordinarily bold composure, she is truly a hero and a role model to 
us all.

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