[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING BETTE COOK AND HER 47 YEARS OF SERVICE TO USAID

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Bette Cook 
on the occasion of her second attempt at retiring after 47 years of 
dedicated public service. Bette served for 42 years in both the Foreign 
Service and the Civil Service, working with USAID and its predecessor, 
the International Cooperation Administration, the Department of 
Defense, and SSA. Despite the fact that she ``officially'' retired in 
2004, Bette has continued to serve the public at USAID as a consultant 
in the office of Legislative and Public Affairs and as a congressional 
liaison officer.
  Bette began her career in development in 1961 when she was hired as 
Foreign Service staff at the United States Operations Mission in the 
newly independent Tunisia. Working as the American Secretary, she 
helped to manage a successful economic and technical assistance program 
that ultimately led to the nation's graduation from USAID funding in 
1994. Leaving for Saigon in 1963, Bette was confronted with the rising 
threat of the Viet Cong as the conflict in Vietnam escalated, and she 
braved many attacks and bombings to carry out USAID's mission.
  When she returned to the United States in 1965, Bette continued to 
devote herself to the many humanitarian and development challenges that 
Vietnam faced by joining the newly-established Vietnam Bureau. As a 
member of the Congressional Affairs and Public Relations Division, she 
devoted the next four years to explaining USAID's Vietnam programs to 
Congress and the public. She served as an on-air spokesperson, 
publicizing USAID's recruiting visits across the country to enlist 
people in what she called ``The other war: The war against hunger, 
poverty, illiteracy, and disease.'' Her work was instrumental in 
emphasizing the promotion of development in any effective foreign 
policy.
  Throughout her years of service, Bette has played a pivotal role in 
ensuring that USAID continues to deliver on its mission. She's known 
for her 15 years of skillfully managing the Congressional Budget 
Justification preparation and submission and for her efforts on the 
Hill to continually share information about the Agency's humanitarian 
assistance efforts. Additionally, her work has securely positioned 
development as vital to maintaining national security. I have fond 
memories of working closely with Bette during my days on the staff of 
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I developed a profound 
respect for her abilities and commitment. Her dedication to bettering 
the lives of people around the world was always clear.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bette Cook 
and thanking her for her years of service and for her dedication to 
improving the awareness of issues that developing nations face. Her 
distinguished service has greatly contributed to the advancement and 
emphasis on development as an effective foreign policy strategy.

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