[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 106 (Thursday, August 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RETIREMENT OF MARTY BERMAN

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, the Senate community is losing a longtime 
and valued employee. After 18 years of loyal and distinguished service, 
Marty Berman is retiring from the Senate Recording Studio. Marty played 
an integral part in the television broadcast of the Senate's 
proceedings and in helping facilitate the audio and video needs of 
Senators and their staffs.
  His service to his country really started 45 years ago. Marty served 
faithfully, enlisting twice in a military career that began when he was 
17 and lasted 6 years, from 1961 to 1967. Before leaving the military, 
he was a communications specialist with duty in Vietnam.
  Marty brought extensive television experience to his job at SRS. In 
the private sector he worked at Satellite News Network, CNN, and 
finally at CBS. His work for Charles Kuralt and ``CBS Sunday Morning'' 
was nominated for an Emmy. A 13-minute long story he had photographed 
was aired, which is the television equivalent of a long book.
  His career at the recording studio began in 1988 where he quickly 
came to specialize in audio operations. However, his contributions were 
not only technical. He also had just the right personal touch with 
Senators. It isn't always easy to get up in front of TV cameras and 
lights to speak, even for Senators, but Marty had the ability to put 
any Senator at ease. When floor directing, he spoke to each Senator 
easily and with warmth, and they trusted him. He was never intimidated, 
but he was always respectful.
  Marty can be a bit feisty, but his bark is much worse than his bite. 
To those who have gotten to know him, he is warm and caring, too.
  Marty ended where he had started, working the Senate television 
shift. In 18 years he braved many long days and late nights through the 
Senate's always unpredictable schedule. Throughout his time at the 
studio, Marty could always be counted on to be at his post. That 
included his work as chief STV audio operator where for most days 
during his shift he started up in the audio booth, assuring that the 
Senators could always be heard in the Chamber and on television.
  Marty is the father of 3 grown children: Tracy, Eric, and Alex. The 3 
have been the pride of his life and have become responsible and caring 
adults. He is also the proud grandfather of two. His marriage to 
Darlene has brought him much happiness. Both share the same three 
hobbies: antique collecting, antique collecting, and more antique 
collecting. Their home is a somewhat cluttered but fascinating museum 
of American Western and American Indian artifacts, pottery, Big Little 
Books, and just about anything else you can think of. Last, but not 
least, there are four others who hold a place in his heart. They are 
Hoover the yellow lab, Clarence the bassett hound, Crystal, the cat, 
and Birdie the cockatiel. Birdie likes to lay back and listen to the 
blues with Marty and Darlene and can even whistle Colonel Bogey's March 
from ``Bridge on the River Kwai.''
  Marty's unique personality, loyalty, and dedication will be missed. 
We all join to wish Marty the best as he begins this next adventure in 
his life and know he will enjoy the newfound time for family, friends, 
pets, and antique collecting.

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