[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H2480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA SHELTON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my chief 
caseworker, Virginia Shelton, who will retire at the end of this month 
after 25 years of service to the Illinois 17th Congressional District 
and our Nation.
  Ginny, as she is known by her friends and colleagues, handled one of 
the most important jobs in any congressional office: outreach to 
veterans.
  My predecessor, Lane Evans, had a great reputation for fighting for 
our Nation's heroes. I have sought to continue that legacy. But the 
constant behind both of our efforts has always been Ginny, who has 
dedicated not just her career but her entire life to the men and women 
who served our Nation in uniform. She is known for spending countless 
hours explaining each and every right to veterans who are looking to 
exercise them. She built invaluable relationships with VA staff, 
putting herself in the best position to advocate for the constituents 
who sought her help. She studied hard and made herself an expert on VA 
disability, health care, and other crucial benefits.
  For Ginny, serving our veterans was a labor of love. Whether it was 
on the phone or over a drink at a VFW, Ginny listened and learned about 
the lives of our veterans. She knew them personally. She was not only 
an advocate, she was their friend. Their struggle was her struggle. She 
recognized that behind every case file was a human being, and she 
understood that when it comes to our veterans, justice delayed is 
justice denied.
  Ginny was passionate about the issues of veterans' homelessness. Each 
and every year, she was active in the local Stand Down, an event where 
our homeless heroes are provided haircuts, food, medical care, a place 
to stay for the night, and counseling. She believed that our Nation 
should have a Stand Down 365 days a year. Inspired by her efforts, I 
introduced a bill last year to reduce veterans' homelessness.
  Ginny was instrumental in helping me secure a VA outpatient clinic 
for Whiteside County. The VA predicts approximately 2,500 veterans will 
use this facility during its first year of operation. Thanks to Ginny, 
many veterans will no longer have to travel hours upon hours just to 
receive basic care.
  Ginny also managed my nominations to America's service academies, 
fully investing herself in the process to ensure our young people get 
the best opportunities possible. She always made sure students filled 
out their applications fully and got them in on time. She treated each 
applicant as if they were one of her own kids. I know one her favorite 
things to do is visit the academies and see firsthand the young men and 
women who will be our future warriors.
  Ginny has been a wonderful friend to my wife, Beckie, and me for many 
years. I know her late husband, Jack, himself a Marine, is very proud 
of her today. There are many things I will miss about Ginny: her sense 
of humor, that unmistakable voice, her invaluable advice and guidance. 
But it is our veterans who will miss her the most. Her retirement is 
the end of an era, but I know she will continue her great work going 
forward. She leaves a legacy marked by selfless service to our Nation 
and its heroes. And for all the work she has done for our veterans, 
Ginny Shelton is a hero in her own right.
  Ginny, thank you. Thank you so much for 25 years of wonderful work.

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