[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 108 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1139-E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF PATTY SHAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2013

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize 
Patty Shay, who is retiring after 34 years of distinguished service to 
the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Patty is the Director of Constituent Services and Office Manager for 
my office, and will retire on August 31, 2013. Patty began her career 
in civil service in 1977 with the office of Assemblyman Bill Dannemeyer 
and remained on staff after he was elected to Congress in 1979. 
Fourteen years later, Patty continued her service by joining my office 
when I succeeded Dannemeyer as Representative of the 39th District. By 
this time, Patty knew that she preferred casework and that the U.S. 
Service Academy process was her specialty.
  Patty has enjoyed the challenge of helping people. Her motto is 
always, ``do the best that I can in the place where I am and be kind.'' 
Over her years of service, Patty has handled thousands of cases. And 
often, people will call after years have gone by and continue to say 
thank you.
  Her favorite casework is the Department of Veterans Affairs, and in 
particular dealing with those who served in WWII. The stories told by 
these humble warriors left her forever grateful for the Greatest 
Generation.
  Patty's true passion during her service was the U.S. Service Academy 
process. She developed a very structured nomination system in order to 
develop the young nominees, which has helped them to succeed at the 
academies. She became known as Mama Shay due to a Cadet from the 3rd 
class that attended West Point. Patty has worn this as a badge of 
honor. Many officers continue to write messages to Mom/Mama Shay today.
  Through the years, the long line of Patty's kids that received 
appointments grew to 607. Of that number, 414 graduated and are serving 
all over the world today. Many have accomplished fulfilling military 
careers while others have become lawyers, doctors, or dentists. She 
feels privileged to know so many bright, capable nominees, and has been 
happy to provide them with support, guidance, and direction throughout 
the years.
  As a testament to her work, Patty has received numerous public 
service awards including; the ``Duty Honor Country'' award by the West 
Point Society of Orange County; ``The Donald'' which is an award 
selecting the legislative staffer of the year by fellow Orange County 
staffers; and the ``Everyday Hero Award'' from the Fullerton Rotary 
Club. Patty is extremely thankful and grateful for the years she has 
spent in public service.
  Patty has always kept family close and of the highest priority. 
Having raised two active boys as a single parent, she was constantly 
running from one event to another. Who knew this would be the prologue 
to her duties handling the Academy Nominations. Her non-stop

[[Page E1140]]

energy and attitude toward teaching and helping others has always 
translated into family. Now that her sons are grown, she continues that 
same philosophy with her three grandsons. She is constantly researching 
and providing pathways to higher learning for each of her grandsons. 
She does this by taking each one of their strengths individually and 
providing a specific learning goal for each one, which is very similar 
to the approach she uses to provide Military Academy Appointments each 
year. Patty loves sharing the accomplishments of her sons & grandsons 
to her many friends and extended family members. She stays in close 
contact with her sister, niece, and nephew who all live in Oregon and 
Washington.
  So I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking Patty Shay for 
her service to Congress, and the Nation. I wish her all the best in her 
retirement.

                          ____________________