[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING REVEREND EDWARD ARTHUR STERLING'S COMMITMENT AND SERVICE TO 
              THE GREATER TACOMA AREA OF WASHINGTON STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Edward 
Arthur Sterling for his faithful and tireless service as a member of 
the United States Army and to his community. His work has touched many 
lives throughout the South Puget Sound Region of Washington State.
   Fr. Sterling joined the United States Army after he graduated from 
college in 1942. After 12 years of continuous active duty service, he 
began his studies at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. Upon 
completion, Fr. Sterling was ordained June 16, 1958 and served a local 
Texas Congregation for a number of years.
   Fr. Sterling returned to the Army and continued his service to God 
and fellow soldiers. He dedicated an additional 16 years of service to 
the Army as a chaplain--serving throughout the world, including 
Germany, Vietnam and Korea. Fr. Sterling provided comfort, spiritual 
guidance and solace to soldiers in the most trying conditions. After a 
28 years of active duty military service, Lieutenant Colonel Sterling 
retired.
   Mr. Speaker, Fr. Sterling continued his life of service by 
dedicating himself to civilian pursuits and civic contributions in 
Tacoma, Washington.
   Since his retirement, Fr. Sterling has served in several 
congregations throughout South Puget Sound. Since 1986, he has been an 
Associate Priest at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Tacoma; where he 
is a spiritual counselor, teacher, and friend to many.
   In 2008, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination. 
Surrounded by family, friends, and community members, letters of 
appreciation from several local and national elected officials were 
read aloud. The grand occasion included a service led by two Bishops 
from the Dioceses of Olympia.
   As I close, I can say with absolute confidence that our community is 
a better place thank to the selfless service of people like Reverend 
Edward Arthur Sterling. He has dedicated his life to serve God and 
country. I am pleased to recognize that extraordinary service today in 
the United States Congress.

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