[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 163 (Thursday, October 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF TOMMIE SPEIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tommie 
Speights, upon his retirement from the Florida Department of 
Transportation (FDOT) as District 3 Public Information Director, after 
22 years of service to the State of Florida.
  Born in Panama City, Florida and raised in Marianna, Mr. Speights 
worked in a number of different capacities prior to joining FDOT. A 
true patriot, he chose to serve his country during the Vietnam era and 
wore the uniform of the United States Army. Upon being honorably 
discharged from the Army, he attended Chipola Junior College and 
Florida A&M University. After completing his studies in Broadcast 
Journalism, he worked as a television news reporter for CBS affiliate 
WTVY-TV 4 News in Dothan, Alabama. During his 15 years there, he 
received several awards, including one from the Associated Press for 
``Best Investigative Reporting.''
  In 1989, Mr. Speights began his impressive career with FDOT as Public 
Information Director for District 3. This district includes 16 counties 
in Northwest Florida, stretching from Jefferson County in the east to 
Escambia County in the west. For the last 22 years he has devoted his 
professional life to helping those in need. Serving others brings him 
great satisfaction, and co-workers and supervisors alike applaud Mr. 
Speights for his dependability and unwavering commitment.
  My wife Vicki and I wish him; his wife, the former Lillie Kendall of 
Marianna; their three children, Sheilah, Ron, and Marisa; and four 
grand-children, Alexus, NyAsia, Amarion, and Kensley all the best.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to 
congratulate Mr. Speights on his retirement and thank him for his 
service to Northwest Florida and our great nation.