[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E197-E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO GARY DOUGLAS MEADE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICK BOUCHER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. BOUCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Douglas Meade 
and pay tribute to his 43-year public service career to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia.
  Douglas Meade, the son of a coal miner, grew up on a farm in Wise 
County, Virginia. He started his public service career in 1964 as a 
social worker in Wise County. In 1970 after receiving a master's degree 
in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, Douglas worked 
briefly for the Virginia Department of Social Services in Richmond, 
Virginia, before returning back to his native roots in southwest 
Virginia.
  For the past 36 years, Douglas has been the director of the 
Washington County, Virginia, Department of Social Services. His office 
administers and provides annually over $40 million in services to 
citizens of Washington County. In fiscal year 2007-2008, the Washington 
County Department of Social Services will touch the life in some way of 
over 16,000 county citizens. Over the years, Douglas has served on 
numerous State and local task forces and committees that focused on 
improving the quality of life and opportunities for rural Virginians. 
Currently he is involved in several southwest Virginia regional 
initiatives that are focused on improving the job skills, employment 
opportunity, health care access, and educational attainment of area 
citizens.
  Through his advocacy and public policy development work, Douglas has 
worked extensively with the Virginia General Assembly and has done some 
work at the Federal level. He has been recognized as a leader in his 
field and has received numerous awards. In 1994, Douglas received the 
President's Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and a Certificate 
of Appreciation from the Virginia League of Social Service Executives 
for his work.
  Douglas' rural upbringing has helped form his strong work ethic, 
values and community spirit. His warmth and eternal optimism brighten 
the lives of his family and friends.
  In 2005, Douglas graduated from the nationally renowned University of 
Virginia's Sorenson Political Leadership Institute. After retiring from 
a 43-year career in social services, Douglas has not ruled out running 
for a political office or continuing, in some way, his commitment to 
public service.

[[Page E198]]

  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the distinguished career of 
Douglas Meade and the outstanding public service he has given to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia.

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