[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E395-E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF TILLIE FOWLER, FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DAVID DREIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, we were all stunned by the sudden passing of 
our former colleague Tillie Fowler. It was a shock that someone so 
young, so vibrant, so engaged could be gone so quickly. Her family, 
especially her husband Buck and two daughters Tillie and Elizabeth, 
remain in our thoughts

[[Page E396]]

and prayers as they deal with their tremendous loss.
  As I've thought about Tillie over the past week, I remember that 
Tillie always seemed to know where she was going. She wasn't 
necessarily in a hurry, but she knew where she wanted to be, and what 
she needed to do. Many of my colleagues may remember the brisk pace of 
Tillie as she hustled between meetings and votes and other commitments. 
She was dainty but determined, small yet sure, focused yet always 
friendly.
  Tillie was deeply dedicated to her work on the Armed Services 
Committee and to the men and women who serve our country in the 
military. In her mind, they deserved the best, and she was determined 
to see that they got it. She had the respect of members from both sides 
of the aisle, and especially the leadership of the military and the 
Pentagon for her commitment.
  Today, as we find ourselves engaged in the Global War on Terror and 
we see all that our military has accomplished to further the cause of 
liberty across the Middle East, we should remember Tillie's hard work 
on their behalf. She deserves a tremendous amount of credit for 
recognizing the importance of a strong military, even in times of 
relative peace and prosperity. You never know when you might need it. 
And we need it today. Thanks to Tillie, and many other people, we have 
it.
  Tillie Fowler will long be remembered here on Capitol Hill for her 
dedication, her grace, her love of this country and those who serve it. 
She set a shining example for all of us to follow--love your family, 
love your country, love your job, and know where you're going.

                          ____________________