[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF PATRICK R. FOSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
Patrick R. Foster.
  As a Vietnam War veteran who served in a Naval Attack Squadron and a 
superintendant with the city of Federal Way, Washington, Pat Foster's 
life was dedicated to public service. As the self-proclaimed ``CEO of 
potholes'' for the city, Pat supervised a staff that maintained the 
city's many roads and sidewalks, using his warmth and sense of humor to 
add a human touch in handling the multitude of requests the city 
received.
  Pat's tireless efforts and down-to-earth demeanor led his colleagues 
throughout the Federal Way city government to consider him an integral 
part of its operations. He was trusted to develop and implement 
creative and resourceful solutions to the issues and challenges faced 
by the city and its residents, while involving others and making them 
feel equally important in the process. As a leader, he spared no 
opportunity to make sure his staff's good work received due 
recognition. Under Pat's leadership, his Public Works division and 
those who worked in it earned a great deal of respect from all. He was 
also so well regarded by residents that they would request assistance 
from him by name.
  Fiercely proud of his service with the Navy, colleagues fondly 
remember Pat's many stories of his time in the military and remarked 
about the wealth of aviation knowledge he was able to share. Nowhere 
was this on more prominent display than during a visit to the National 
Air and Space Museum. During their trip to Washington, DC, they also 
shared an especially moving time with Pat at the Vietnam Veterans 
Memorial.
  Pat's unrelenting and quiet dedication to serving the public, in the 
military and in local government, serves as an example of the 
tremendous impact one outstanding person can have on his community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the life of 
Pat Foster. He is a reminder of the standards of service to which we 
should aspire every day.

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