[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CHARLES M. ``SKIP'' RUSSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2012

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great constituent. 
Charles ``Skip'' Russell of Enfield, Connecticut passed away earlier 
this week and will be interred with Military Honors at St. Patrick King 
Street Cemetery. Skip was a mentor and friend to many, coaching Little 
League for over ten years, and serving as the Past Grand Knight of the 
Knights of Columbus Council 50. An Enfield resident since 1951, Skip 
began as an employee of Bigelow-Stanford Carpet Company. He later 
served as Sales Manager with Nutmeg Building Supplies for 35 years 
until his retirement in 1992.
  During World War II, Skip was also proud to serve his country in both 
the Merchant Marines and the United States Army. For his years of 
outstanding service, Skip was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. 
Committed to supporting veterans and their families, he remained a 
lifelong member of AMVETS.
  Even after his retirement, Skip was a dedicated and active 
participant in local grassroots politics of Enfield, Connecticut. As a 
member of the Enfield Democratic Committee, Skip contributed 
enthusiastically to local efforts. He was always the first at 
Headquarters to volunteer for projects, and he could always be counted 
on to have a car trunk full of signs and hand cards, and pockets 
stuffed with stickers and buttons. Skip was an eloquent supporter of 
Social Security and Medicare at numerous public forums in the Enfield 
area. His passion and energy for the political process will be fondly 
remembered by all his fellow campaigners, as well as the many elected 
officials and candidates who were fortunate enough to meet him.
  Skip Russell's legacy is not just that of a devoted father, husband, 
and servicemen, but also of an engaged and involved citizen in his 
local community. Skip will be dearly missed by his wife, children, 
grandchildren, great grandchild, and all those in Enfield whom he 
touched with his years of community service. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in mourning the loss and honoring the life of Skip Russell.

                          ____________________