[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO MONA VANNATTER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mona Vannatter. 
On December 31, 2003, Mona will be retiring after 20 years of service 
at the Kentucky Rural Development State Office.
  Raised in Anderson, IN, Mona graduated from Ball State University 
with an associate's degree. However, in 1978, she moved to the 
Bluegrass State with her husband, Steve, and their two daughters, 
Kristi and Sheri. Though a Hoosier by birth, Mona is a Wildcat at 
heart.
  In 1983, Mona became the secretary to the State director of the 
Kentucky Rural Development State Office. Since that time, she has 
proven to be a dedicated and talented employee. Her colleagues praise 
her as a wonderful representative of the office who genuinely cares 
about the Kentuckians with whom she interacts. In 2003, Mona was 
recognized for exemplary performance as secretary to the State 
director. For the past several years, she has also donated her time and 
energy to coordinating the United Way Combined Federal Campaign for the 
agency and successfully reaching the Rural Department goals.
  Mona brings the same enthusiasm and energy to her life outside of 
work. An active member of Broadway Christian Church, Mona served as 
secretary for her Sunday school class and cocoordinator for God's 
Pantry. She taught a self-improvement class at the Women's Federal 
Prison Camp, bringing a positive influence and an optimistic outlook to 
those who need it most.
  For two decades, she has been a dedicated employee of the Kentucky 
Rural Development State Office. Mona continually proves to be a 
positive influence in both her workplace and her community. I ask each 
of my colleagues to join me in thanking Mona Vannatter for all that she 
has done for her community, the commonwealth of Kentucky, and this 
great Nation.

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