[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF KENT SYLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 17, 2010

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
James Kent Syler for his contributions to the Sixth Congressional 
District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative 
achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be 
possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. 
Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many 
bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by 
working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out someone who has 
accomplished an amazing feat that deserves recognition, applause, and 
perhaps, a test of his sanity; incredibly, Kent Syler has been a part 
of my staff for all of my 26 years in Congress.
  Kent and I both attended Middle Tennessee State University, where we 
both served as student body president. Kent then came to work for the 
Tennessee State Democratic Party, where I served as chairman. As my 
district Chief of Staff, he has managed an outstanding staff in 
Tennessee, represented me at events when Congress' voting schedule has 
prevented me from being home, and provided me with advice and counsel 
on some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
  So many of my legislative accomplishments would never have been 
possible without Kent's invaluable contributions and hard work. In the 
early 1990s, Kent traveled with me to Romania to visit orphanages and 
talk with Romanian policymakers about the country's adoption policies. 
His hard work helped lead to the easing of Romania's cumbersome 
adoption restrictions, allowing hundreds of Romanian children to find 
loving homes in the United States. Kent also inspired the first 
regulations on the 1-800 and 1-900 number industry, prompted by a late 
night TV session when he was on bottle-feeding duty with his then-baby 
daughter Liala. The Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act is 
now law, and Liala is now a student at MTSU.
  Kent and I have done our best to stay true to our principles over the 
years, and we have never lost faith in MTSU's Blue Raiders. Kent has 
always had his finger on the pulse of the community, a valuable 
attribute that has made him a trusted advisor.
  Kent is an institution in Rutherford County, which has seen enormous 
development and nearly tripled in population since he and I first began 
working together three decades ago. Together, we have worked to improve 
the quality of life in our community through the expansion to Stones 
River National Battlefield, the development of the Greenway system and 
improvements to MTSU.
  Kent is one of three men who have stood by me from the very 
beginning, through victories and disasters--through hell and, 
literally, high water in the aftermath of tornadoes and severe 
flooding. Along with Jimmy Stubblefield and Billy G. Smith, Kent has 
been there every step of the way.
  Kent has dedicated his entire adult life to me and to our community. 
I can't ask for much more than that. He was best man at my wedding. He 
met his wife Lynell while working for me, and I've watched their 
daughters Liala and Emily grow up to be bright, accomplished young 
women.
  Madam Speaker, any success I've had is Kent's success. He is a 
dedicated public servant, a respected leader in his community and a 
trusted friend. Kent, thank you for all your help and dedication over 
these many years. I wish you, Lynell, Liala and Emily all the best.

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