[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1637-E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THANKING THE SKENTARIS FAMILY FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say farewell to the 
Skentaris Family, the operators of the food service in the Ford House 
Office Building, and to thank them for their fifteen years of 
outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives.
  Jordan Skentaris, the patriarch of the family business, came to the 
United States through Ellis Island from Greece on April 17, 1955. 
Jordan began his food service career in New York City and eventually 
settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where his family operated 
restaurants for 30 years. In January 1993, Jordan, his lovely wife 
Soula, and their wonderful

[[Page E1638]]

children--daughter Artemis and son Christopher--began their service to 
the House in the Ford House Office Building. Their unwavering 
commitment to serve the needs of every customer to the fullest extent 
possible no matter who they are--and regardless of their political 
affiliation--has endeared them to Members, House staff, Capitol Police 
and visitors. This was particularly evident as the Skentaris family 
made sure their customers and employees were taken care of during 9/11 
and anthrax. Since the Ford Building was closed for weeks following the 
anthrax attack, this was no easy task, but they persevered and found a 
way to keep continuity of service without missing a beat to the 
customers and community they so value.
  Many times we hear people say that Capitol Hill is a family. I would 
like to say that the Skentaris family has not only been part of the 
Capitol Hill family, they have become my family. Many of the customers 
who pass through the cafeteria daily are greeted by name. Jordan, 
Soula, Artemis and Christopher can be proud of the level of service 
they provide to their customers each and every day.
  On behalf of the entire House community, we bid a fond farewell to 
the Skentaris family and extend our deepest appreciation for their 
dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of 
Representatives. We wish them much success in their future endeavor at 
the Voice of America where I, my staff and hundreds of others will 
follow them--not only for their delicious food, but for the warmth and 
considerate service they provide to all who enter. They will be 
sincerely missed.

                          ____________________