[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 136 (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1704-E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORY OF UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO LIBYA JOHN CHRISTOPHER STEVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2012

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my Northern 
California colleagues George Miller, Jackie Speier, Zoe Lofgren, Mike 
Thompson, Lynn Woolsey, Anna Eshoo, Doris Matsui, Pete Stark, John 
Garamendi, Jerry McNerney, Mike Honda, and Sam Farr of California, to 
honor, celebrate, and remember Ambassador John Christopher ``Chris'' 
Stevens. A son of Northern California and the Bay Area, Ambassador 
Stevens tragically lost his life in the greatest service to this 
country--selflessly and courageously representing American values in a 
foreign nation he knew intimately and cared for deeply.
  Born in 1960 in Grass Valley, California, Ambassador Stevens made a 
mark early in life as a student at Piedmont High School, where he 
participated with enthusiasm in academics, the performing arts, and 
tennis. His education in the 9th Congressional District continued upon 
his admission to the University of California, Berkeley. As a History 
major, he delved into studies of the Near East and became a member of 
the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Later, he earned a law degree from 
another Bay Area institution, UC Hastings College of the Law in San 
Francisco. His subsequent work in international trade law preceded the 
takeoff of his diplomatic career in 1991.
  Ambassador Stevens' passion for foreign service began early, starting 
with his high school participation in an AFS Intercultural Program in 
Spain and blossoming during his years as a Peace Corps volunteer in 
Morocco. The diverse and instrumental positions he held as a member of 
the U.S. Foreign Service in Israel, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya 
and Washington, D.C., among others, helped to build his deep and 
personal understanding of the Middle and Near East.
  A fluent Arabic speaker, Stevens was selected by President Obama to 
be the U.S. Special Representative to the National Transitional Council 
in Libya, undertaking the complicated task of creating connections with 
insurgents and tribal groups on behalf of the United States. As the 
Qaddafi regime crumbled, Ambassador Stevens worked passionately towards 
establishing a nascent Libyan democracy. In the process, he created 
innumerable personal friendships and professional relationships with 
Libyans--not only with officials and diplomats, but with everyday 
people.
  In his diplomatic capacity, Ambassador Stevens brought a profound and 
prolific knowledge of the Arab world to his assignment. His exemplary 
gift for making personal connections was invaluable in his role as 
Special Representative and, later, Ambassador, to one of the most 
complex and challenging regions of the world. Therefore, as we join in 
recognizing Ambassador Stevens amidst a sober outpouring of praise from 
his family, colleagues, fellow Americans, and the leaders of this 
nation, we remember that Chris Stevens was beloved by many Libyans, as 
well.
  In remembering Ambassador Stevens, we also honor the three other 
Americans who bravely sacrificed their lives alongside him: Sean Smith, 
Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty. The mournful loss of these members of 
the Foreign Service will not be forgotten. We pay tribute to all of 
them today and keep their families in our thoughts. We also express our 
deepest sympathy and condolences to Ambassador Stevens' family, to whom 
he was a devoted son, brother and stepson who always made time for 
visits home despite the incredible demands of his diplomatic missions.
  Therefore, on behalf of the residents of California's 1st, 5th, 6th, 
7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th 
Congressional Districts, we join President Barack Obama, Secretary of 
State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and an 
expansive global network of supporters in saluting Ambassador John 
Christopher Stevens.

[[Page E1705]]

Ambassador Chris Stevens will be remembered for his strong sense of 
dignity, his humility, and his generous service to others. He will be 
truly missed by all who loved him and by all he served through the 
magnitude of his life's work.

                          ____________________