[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MARY OLSON ON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege for 
me to rise today to recognize the contributions of Ms. Mary Olson, a 
resident of Mahtomedi, Minnesota who has served as a dedicated 
Department of Defense civilian employee since 1980. On this, the 
occasion of her retirement, it is fitting to reflect on her remarkable 
career as a public servant.
  For 28 years, Ms. Olson has tirelessly supported the United States 
and the Department of Defense as a Policy Program Manager and Human 
Resources Specialist focusing in the areas of pay, leave and quality of 
work life issues. Her insights and policy initiatives have contributed 
greatly to the Department's ability to acquire and sustain the talent 
required to successfully accomplish its mission. It is a pleasure to 
commend her for her service and to extend to her the gratitude of a 
grateful nation.
  Ms. Olson has served both in the continental United States and 
overseas. When leadership and managers needed an answer on which they 
could rely, they called on Ms. Olson. Her expertise is in and of itself 
worthy of recognition. However, she has also mentored untold numbers of 
human resources personnel in a manner that instilled unparalleled 
professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a model for persistence in 
resolving issues adeptly and accurately. She leaves a legacy of 
comprehensive compensation policies, as well as a cadre of expertly 
prepared human resources practitioners who will ensure the Department 
has and will continue to have the policies it needs for talent 
management.
  Mary has been an inspiration and example for younger Federal 
employees and to her family. She battled back from a debilitating 
accident that would have caused most to give up. In Mary's case, 
however, her courage, fortitude and generosity of spirit spurred her on 
to be a major contributor to the Department's Civilian Personnel 
Policies, and a leader for all with whom she came in contact. Her zest 
for life was and is contagious!
  After many years away, Mary has returned to Minnesota where she will 
no doubt continue to inspire others. With Mary's retirement from 
Federal service, Minnesota has reclaimed a fine daughter who will be a 
great contributor to her community. Mary may be retiring, but, we can 
be assured that she will continue working in some form, and will 
through her words and deeds be an exemplary citizen.
  On behalf of myself and the many Federal employees, managers and 
leaders who have been helped directly by her work, I offer sincere 
gratitude to Ms. Mary Olson and wish her and her family all the best in 
her retirement years.

                          ____________________