[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GAIL FRENCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KATHERINE HARRIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2003

  Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
public servant from Florida's Thirteenth Congressional District who 
demonstrated unparalleled integrity, commitment, and skill throughout 
her tenure as an employee of the Manatee County, Florida, Veteran 
Services office.
  Gail French began her career in the Manatee County Veteran Services 
office as a receptionist over 22 years ago. She received steady 
promotions due to her professionalism and her selfless initiative in 
assuming responsibility for the most challenging of tasks. Due to Ms. 
French's diligence and compassion in coordinating their transportation 
to Bay Pines, Tampa, and MacDill Air Force Base, thousands of veterans 
received critical medical attention and prescription drugs. Moreover, 
she expertly provided additional support for our nation's heroes, such 
as referrals to community assistance programs, mail and copy services, 
and mail-outs for medical and claim support.
  Throughout the years, Ms. French treated every veteran with honor, 
appreciation, and dignity. At the time of her retirement earlier this 
summer, she had truly established the gold standard for all who follow 
her. As a well-deserved commemoration of her years of service, she 
received an honorary plaque jointly from the Veterans Council and from 
the Manatee County Veterans Services office on June 27, 2003.
  Gail French and her husband, Ronald French, enjoy the blessing of 
three children, four stepchildren, thirteen grand children, and one 
great grand child. During her retirement, Ms. French plans to devote 
her time to her golf game and to her family.
  Mr. Speaker, as we venerate Gail French's contributions to her 
community, her state, and her nation, may the light of her passionate 
commitment to our veterans and to the public at large continue to 
animate our dreams and aspirations as public servants.

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