[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH ROBERTS

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, Today I wish to 
recognize one of my staff members who is currently battling cancer. 
Joseph F. Roberts has worked in my Rapid City congressional district 
office since September 2002. Combined with service in the Peace Corps 
and the U.S. Air Force, Joe has served our Nation for approximately 19 
years in Federal and military service.
  As a member of my staff, Joe has provided exemplary constituent 
service to veterans and their families, as well as servicemembers and 
constituents facing numerous issues. He has always approached his work 
with a high degree of professionalism and a genuine caring attitude. 
That caring attitude stems from years of therapy and counseling 
services in the private sector he provided to the people of western 
South Dakota.
  His service in the U.S. Air Force has served him well in working with 
veterans, and he has taken particular interest with veterans who suffer 
from military sexual assault, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans and their families know they have a 
true advocate with Joe in their corner when it comes to obtaining 
answers and decisions on claims, searches for records and medical care 
issues. Joe's time in the Peace Corps brought him to Romania and Guyana 
where he served in a number of capacities including education and 
training on domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse and 
communication, as well as working on infrastructure issues and 
providing psychotherapy and other counseling assistance. These 
experiences helped him greatly in my district office as he assisted 
constituents with local, State and Federal issues and problems, 
including a wide array of immigration and passport issues.
  I have always been impressed by Joe's sense of dedication and 
commitment to helping people. One of the great rewards in life is 
helping others and whether it has been his work in the Peace Corps, his 
private work as a therapist and counselor, or his work in constituent 
service in my office, Joe has helped many people. Over the years, I 
have received numerous thank you notes and letters from constituents 
praising the work of Joe Roberts.
  And he has approached his battles with cancer over the years with 
commitment, humor and perspective, always sharing, teaching and 
counseling despite the challenges of the disease.
  I take this opportunity to thank Joe for his service and his work on 
my behalf with the people of South Dakota. I congratulate him on his 
many years of service to the people of South Dakota and to his country 
and commend him for a job well done.

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