[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING GLENDA GRAY ON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an employee 
of the U.S. House of Representatives who has touched the lives of 
countless people across northern Michigan over the past quarter 
century. Glenda Gray will retire on June 30 after more than 25 years of 
dedicated public service to the residents of the 1st Congressional 
District of Michigan.
  Glenda, known as ``Glink'' to her friends, has worked in my 
Marquette, Michigan, district office since I was sworn into office in 
1993. The decision to hire her was an easy one. Having worked for my 
predecessor, former Congressman Bob Davis, for 10 years, Glenda brought 
to the job experience and know-how that couldn't be matched.
  A lot has changed in the more than 25 years Glenda has served the 
people of Michigan's 1st Congressional District. As a matter of fact, 
even the borders and designation of this district have changed. She has 
seen the transition from business conducted largely on paper and by 
typewriter, to a system where computers, copy machines, Blackberrys and 
video conferencing dominate.
  Throughout her tenure, Glenda has handled casework on postal and 
passport issues throughout the expansive 1st District. She has been 
responsible for casework on Medicare, Social Security, disability and 
other senior's issues for six of the 31 counties in the district. She 
has evolved into an expert on Social Security and is proud of the 
individuals and families she has been able to help through difficult 
situations over the years.
  This list does not do justice to the thousands of phone calls and 
walk-in visitors Glenda has spoken with about their problems or their 
views on a particular issue. I have known her to give each individual's 
concern the time it deserves and treat every person with courtesy and 
respect.
   Since 1997, my district director has been stationed out of my 
Marquette office, making it the de facto headquarters for my district 
operations. This has placed increased responsibility on Glenda, who--in 
addition to continuing to handle casework and assist constituents in 
Marquette and the surrounding counties--is tasked with the duty of 
covering the busy office alone when my district director, Tom Baldini, 
is away.
  Evident from her seamless transition from working for a Republican 
Congressman to a Democrat, Glenda never viewed casework as a political 
or partisan issue. For her, it has always been about helping the 
individual. Over time, Glenda has seen other staff members come and go. 
Throughout, she has been a valuable asset in helping new staff with her 
sound and kind advice on assisting constituents--even the challenging 
ones--while maintaining a sense of humor.
  Shortly after I took office, we lost one our young staff people, 
Brian Schlientz, to brain cancer. This was a difficult loss for all of 
our staff, but especially for Glenda, who had trained Brian and 
mentored him during my first year in office. Glenda provided untold 
support to Brian both in the office and throughout his courageous 
battle.
  Glenda can relate to the unique challenges acing my constituents in 
northern Michigan--and particularly the Upper Peninsula--because it is 
has long been home for her. She was born and raised in Sault Ste. 
Marie, Michigan in 1943, one of 11 children raised there by her father, 
Harry, and stepmother, Eva Gilroy. She attended and graduated from 
Sault Area Schools before marrying her husband of 45 years, Joe Gray, 
who is also a Sault Ste. Marie native.
  Joe and Glenda moved south to Dearborn, Michigan, where they lived 
for 8 years and began to raise two children, Joe Jr. and Kelly. They 
returned to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula in 1970 and have resided 
on Lakewood Lane in Chocolay Township for the past 38 years. Before 
going to work for Congressman Davis, Glenda worked for 7 years at 
Silver Creek Elementary School in the Marquette Public School District.
  After more than 25 years of devoted service, Glenda plans to enjoy 
her retirement with her husband, children, grandchildren, extended 
family and friends. And while I know she is looking forward to spending 
more time with her family and friends, she will be greatly missed by 
those who work with her day in and day out and by the countless 
Michiganders who have come to turn to Glenda when they need assistance.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues here in the United 
States House of Representatives join me in thanking Glenda Gray for her 
outstanding quarter century of service and in wishing her well as she 
embarks on a well-deserved retirement.

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