[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DIANE BERRY CAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2010

  Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, our nation lost an extraordinary public 
servant on January 12, 2010, when a catastrophic earthquake devastated 
the island nation of Haiti. Diane Berry Caves died tragically in Port-
Au-Prince helping others in the impoverished country through her work 
at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her life and 
her dedication to public service are an example and high standard for 
us all.
  This remarkable young woman accomplished more in her 31 years than 
many people contribute in a lifetime. A devoted wife, daughter and 
sister, Diane dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate. Her 
professionalism and commitment to improving the world around her was 
recognized twice with outstanding service awards. In 2008, Diane was 
awarded the Public Administration Achievement Award from the Andrew 
Young School of Policy Studies, one of the country's best policy 
schools. Last year, Diane was chosen from 6,000 other Federal workers 
and honored as the Atlanta Federal Executive Board Employee of the 
Year.
  Diane grew up in the heart of my congressional district and graduated 
from Oak Ridge High School, where teachers remember her as an 
outstanding student and her classmates described her as adventurous. In 
addition to her work at the CDC and graduate studies at Georgia State 
University, Diane furthered her thirst for knowledge through book clubs 
and even found time to hike both the Andes Mountains and European Alps. 
There is no doubt, Diane's work ethic and zest for life left a lasting 
impression and inspired those around her.
  The void she leaves in public health, outreach and volunteerism will 
be felt far beyond the CDC in Atlanta and her hometown of Oak Ridge, 
Tennessee. May Diane's family be comforted by her memory and may her 
extraordinary legacy serve as an example to others.

                          ____________________