[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 116 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MS. SHIRLEY THOMAS UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2011

  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today 
to recognize a hardworking, dedicated member of my staff, Ms. Shirley 
Thomas as she prepares to retire from a long and distinguished career 
of public service. Shirley has committed herself to this great 
institution for over 20 years, serving the U.S. Senate for 13 years and 
the U.S. House of Representatives for 9 years. She has been an 
essential part of my own staff since almost my first day as the 
Representative for the 13th District of Georgia.
  Shirley was born on February 27, 1953 in Western Kentucky as the 
eldest of four children. She remains, to this day, a deeply religious 
woman, devoted to her family and friends. After attaining her 
certificate in Business Administration from the University of Illinois 
Business and Clerical Training School, Shirley stayed on to work for 
the University for almost 8 years. She then relocated to Houston, Texas 
to work for Dresser Industries, where she primarily worked in the 
accounting department.
  Unfortunately, in 1988, Shirley suffered tremendous injuries after 
being hit by a car. To recover from her injuries, Shirley came to live 
in Atlanta, Georgia, where she began her career in public service. 
Shirley first worked for former Senator Sam Nunn for 8 years until his 
retirement, and for his successor, Senator Max Cleland for 5 years.
  I will remain forever grateful that Shirley then chose to help me 
serve my own constituents. As a Constituent Services Representative and 
my Senior Social Security and Medicare Advisor, she worked tirelessly 
with those citizens most in need of my support. As my district 
expanded, she began serving as my Office Manger as well as providing 
administrative support. I am especially thankful for her work in 
organizing several of my annual district events, including our annual 
Health Fair and Jobs Fair. Her experience in working with state, 
federal, and private officials has had an incredible impact on the 
success of these events. This same experience was crucial when my 
district was redistricted in 2005. She has been with me for the past 
nine years, through the historic changes in Medicare and our healthcare 
delivery system, and in that time has helped countless residents access 
benefits that are so vital to their well being.
  I am extremely proud and thankful for all her hard work. It is with 
great sadness that I, along with the rest of my staff, wish her a fond 
farewell as she retires from my office. Shirley, please accept my 
prayers and best wishes for your future. I thank you from the bottom of 
my heart for your support and dedication thorough our many years 
together.
  May God bless you.

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