[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15900-S15901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SPECIAL THANKS TO WALLY RUSTAD

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I want to pay tribute to an 
outstanding friend and advisor, Wally Rustad, who will be concluding 
his time as chief of staff on January 10, 2008.

[[Page S15901]]

  In July 2007, when my longtime chief of staff announced his intention 
to retire, Wally agreed to come out of retirement to serve as interim 
chief of staff during the transition period. Wally was no stranger to 
my office. Following a long career working for the National Rural 
Electric Cooperatives, he served as my state liaison for 6 years. In 
fact, Wally and I have a history of working together that spans back 
over 40 years when I was an intern in the office of Congressman Rolland 
Redlin and he was serving as the young chief of staff for the 
Congressman. Wally and I have been working together in one form or 
another ever since.
  Wally came on board as my interim chief of staff and immediately 
provided the steady leadership that is crucial during times of change. 
During his tenure in my office, Wally has done an outstanding job of 
seeing my staff through personnel changes and legislative challenges, 
and has provided me the steady advice of a seasoned veteran. His work 
has been outstanding.
  Finally, and most importantly, Wally Rustad is an outstanding person. 
He has never forgotten the small-town values he learned growing up 
Grenora, ND. He has worked quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes to 
make things happen and was always happy to divert credit to others. He 
has been tremendously loyal, dedicated, and a passionate advocate for 
the people of my State. He has never forgotten that he is working for 
the American taxpayer. And he has been a good friend and a mentor to 
others on staff.
  With extraordinary gratitude for his time serving as my chief of 
staff, I wish Wally well as he returns home to his lovely wife Marlys. 
I have been blessed to have Wally as a trusted advisor and confidante 
but most importantly he has been a great friend. I wish him all the 
best as he returns to retirement and look forward to continuing our 
association for many years to come.

                          ____________________