[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATIONS HELEN GALE FERGUSON ON HER 75TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2007

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Helen Gale Ferguson and wish her well on the occasion of her 75th 
birthday. Helen was born in Newfoundland, Canada in February 1932, 
where she grew up with her siblings as the daughter of a fisherman and 
boat builder who sailed the waters of the northern Atlantic.
  Upon completion of high school, Helen began working for the U.S. Air 
Force at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland. It 
was there that she met and married Mark E. Ferguson, Jr., during his 
active duty assignment at the base. Following his honorable discharge 
from the Air Force, they settled with their children in 1960 in Glen 
Burnie, Maryland. In 1966, Helen proudly became a U.S. citizen during a 
ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. Helen and Mark were married for 41 
wonderful years until his passing in 1997.
  Helen is the proud mother of four children. Her personal life is one 
of grace, quiet strength, and love of family. Her values have been 
passed down to her children, as each of them have chosen a life of 
service to our Nation. Her daughters Pamela and Patricia both work for 
the Department of Defense. Her son, David, works for the Department of 
the Treasury, and her son Mark serves as a Rear Admiral in the United 
States Navy. Helen is adored by her seven grandchildren Alex, Hannah, 
Andrew, Eric, Ellie, Ian, and Seth.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in sending our very 
best to Helen Ferguson on the occasion of her 75th birthday and 
recognizing her as a role model for her strength, dignity, and support 
for her family. Coming from a family of immigrants myself, I am 
particularly proud of her as a role model to all who come to this 
country from humble beginnings, and contribute to the rich fabric of 
America.

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