[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 49 (Monday, March 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE SERVICE OF CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER FRANK W. 
                                 WILKES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2008

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize and thank one of 
my constituents, Frank W. Wilkes of Clinton, Maryland, for his 
outstanding service to the United States Congress, the Members who 
serve here, and the entire Capitol Hill community over the last two 
decades.
  I also want to thank and acknowledge his family--his beautiful wife 
of 30 years, Paulette, and his sons, Trevor and his wife Delania, and 
Frank W. Wilkes III.
  After 20 years of service with the Capitol Police, Officer Wilkes 
retired recently and will move into a new phase in his life.
  For most of his last years of service, Officer Wilkes served as the 
officer on duty at the Senate Day Care Center, a position replete with 
responsibility and challenge. However, what his resume does not capture 
is the fact that the children there adore their friend, ``Officer 
Frank.''
  In turn, Frank has been a wonderful presence at the day care center, 
watching and ensuring that the children go about their day safely and 
securely. It's my understanding that he plans to come back and read to 
them on a monthly basis as part of his ``retirement'' plans.
  Let me say, too, that I have heard from more than one resident in the 
neighborhood that Officer Wilkes will be sorely missed; that he was 
quite popular with the surrounding residents who trusted his judgment, 
respected his extraordinary common sense, and enjoyed his presence.
  During his 20 years with the Capitol Police, Officer Wilkes served a 
key role in protecting Members of Congress, the President, Vice 
President, and visiting dignitaries.
  In fact, Frank was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for 
apprehending and subduing a suspect who was attempting to physically 
assault then-Vice President Dan Quayle.
  Prior to joining the Capitol Police force, Officer Wilkes served for 
9 years in the United States Air Force. Among other things, he was an 
administrative executive support manager, and served as liaison between 
the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the White House, the 
State Department, and the CIA to ensure the proper exchange of 
critical, time-urgent information.
  Madam Speaker, those of us who enjoy the protection of the Capitol 
Police force--Members of Congress, government officials, and the 
general public who visit the Capitol complex--take their presence and 
their professionalism for granted far too often.
  The truth is, we owe our Capitol Police officers--people like Frank 
Wilkes--a real debt of gratitude for doing such an important, 
oftentimes complicated job with great dedication and commitment.
  Thus, today, I again want to thank Frank for his two decades of 
service to the Capitol Police and our Nation, and to wish him all the 
best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________