[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE TRAGIC PASSING OF NEALE CHANEY SLATER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, late last month--on April 25, 2005--the 
family and friends of Neale Chaney Slater, the community of 
Mechanicsville, and the State of Maryland suffered a devastating loss 
when this caring and accomplished young man was struck down just as he 
was preparing to enter the prime of his life.
  WhIle driving out to help a local farmer, Neale, 20 years old, was 
killed in a tragic two-vehicle accident on Route 5 in Hughesville.
  Yet, in such a short period of time, Neale gave so much to so many 
others.
  At the age of 16, Neale joined the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire 
Department, and had held the office of assistant secretary and 
treasurer.
  Neale was a Firefighter II and certified emergency medical 
technician, and was recognized by his peers with the Mechanicsville 
Volunteer Fire Department as ``Rookie of the Year'' in 2001. He also 
was awarded Fire Prevention Awards in 2001 and 2002.
  ``He told me he was following the family tradition,'' said Willie 
Wilkerson, president of the department, noting that Neale's grandfather 
and uncle had also been members of the department. ``For such a short 
life, he got a lot accomplished.''
  That, in fact, is an understatement.
  Neale was a 2003 honors graduate of the Leonard Hall Junior Naval 
Academy in Leonardstown, where he achieved the rank of Battalion 
Commander in his junior and senior years.
  He also was awarded Midshipman of the Year in 2001, 2002, and 2003, 
and was also awarded the Military Excellence, Headmaster's and Loyalty 
Awards at graduation.
  Clearly, Mr. Speaker, this was an exceptional young man--a young man 
who envisioned a career in public service early on.
  At the time of his passing, Neale was a Cadet in the Maryland State 
Police, which he joined in 2003. This coming fall, he was set to join 
the State Police Academy.
  Without question, Neale embodied the best this country has to offer 
through his dedicated public service, his educational achievements, and 
the respect he had earned from all who knew him.
  Neale was held in high regards by the community he served, and 
rightly so. Colonel Thomas E. Hutchins, Secretary of the Department of 
State Police, said that Neale was ``a young man with a strong work 
ethic who was committed to doing his best in every mission he 
undertook.''
  Mr. Speaker, the passing of one's child, particularly one with so 
much to contribute to his community, his State and his Nation is as 
painful as it is incomprehensible.
  Today, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Neale's parents, 
Eleanor Fowler Slater and Austin Joseph Slater, Sr., as well as all of 
his family members and friends.
  I realize that these words are small solace. But I hope the Slaters, 
in time, find some comfort in the fact that they raised a truly fine 
young man who will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
  The Slaters have established the Neale Slater Memorial Fund in his 
honor at the Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy for a graduating senior 
intending to enter law enforcement.
  I know the recipients of this scholarship will always be inspired by 
the example set by Neale, and the extraordinarily positive impact he 
had on his community will be felt for generations to come.

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