[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BARBARA JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Barbara Johnson, a trusted and dedicated member of my staff who has 
served the U.S House of Representatives and my constituents with 
distinction and an unswerving commitment to excellence.
  Barbara keeps my district schedule in a meticulous fashion. Due to 
her efficient ways, I've never missed an official meeting on her 
scheduling watch. Every constituent seeking an appointment or my 
assistance receives a prompt and accurate response from Barbara, and 
visitors leave my office with a smile after dealing with her. Simply 
put, Barbara is a pleasure for people to work with and she's darn good 
at what she does.
  In over three years of making district travel arrangements for me and 
my staff, there has never been a glitch. My colleagues can fully 
appreciate what a significant achievement that is. With a district 
larger than thirty-three states and my commuting back to my district 
every week, it is comforting to know that even the most ambitious 
travel schedule will go smoothly in Barbara's hands.
  Mr. Speaker, as we all know, many times our constituents receive 
their first impression of us when they visit our offices. Barbara 
greets every visitor with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. People 
walking into my District Office know immediately from Barbara's 
cheerful demeanor and hospitable nature that they are welcome and are 
going to receive the best service I can render.
  Although I could list many more of her significant contributions to 
our enterprise, her greatest asset is her ability to work with the 
fellow members of the team. She is always of good cheer and considerate 
of her fellow staff members. She is the calming force in stressful 
times and the mature, steady hand in any crisis. We tease her about 
being the ``Mom,'' but without a doubt, she demonstrates that quiet and 
loving leadership that is often associated with an outstanding mother.
  Sadly for our office and the residents of southern, central and 
eastern Oregon, at the end of this month Barbara will be leaving her 
service post in the United States Congress. Fortunately, she is moving 
on to new opportunities and a new phase in her very productive life. 
Although I am very happy that Barbara and her husband, Jim, will be 
enjoying the many new adventures that lie ahead for them, there is no 
doubt that Barbara will be sorely missed.
  She leaves with my deepest gratitude for her service and the enduring 
friendship of all who have had the good fortune to work with her. She 
may be living in another city, but she will always be a member of our 
team.

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