[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF SYLVIA FRASIER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise today 
to pay tribute and to honor the life of Sylvia Frasier, who was one of 
12 dedicated civilian employees and contractors that were senselessly 
murdered at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC, on September 16. Mass 
shootings are always difficult to bear. My heart breaks for their loved 
ones and for the tight-knit military, government, and contractor 
community found in the Washington metropolitan area.
  As her funeral service is tomorrow at the Rhema Christian Center 
Church in Northeast Washington, DC, I want to remember the legacy Ms. 
Frasier leaves behind. She earned a bachelor of science in computer 
information systems and a master's in information systems. Ms. Frasier 
worked at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) as an information 
assurance manager since 2000. Her duties at NAVSEA included providing 
policy and guidance on network security, and assuring that all computer 
systems operated by the headquarters met Department of Navy and 
Department of Defense requirements.
  According to those that knew her best--her family and colleagues--Ms. 
Frasier was a friend to everyone she met and a stranger to no one. One 
friend stated that her personality was ``bright, just like her blond 
hair, and lit up a room.'' A colleague at work recalled what she would 
miss most about Sylvia are all the jokes they shared at the beginning 
of their phone calls before they got down to business. In a statement, 
her family said ``if there are any words to describe her, it would be 
faithful, family oriented, and dedicated professional.''
  Ms. Frasier's outgoing personality just wasn't suited to sitting 
still. She had choir rehearsal every Saturday morning, church on Sunday 
mornings, lots of travel for the Navy, friends and family to spend time 
with, and yet she still worked a second job in the evenings and on 
weekends because she was a people person.
  Ms. Frasier was a deaconess, altar counselor, and member of the arts 
and music ministry at Rhema Christian Center Church. So, her faith was 
obviously very important to her.
  Sylvia Frasier's record of service was characterized by sacrifice, by 
hard work and dedication to duty, and most of all by achievement. She 
leaves behind a legacy of service that others can aspire to.
  Now that her time on earth has come to a needlessly premature end, it 
is my hope that Sylvia Frasier has found the peace she has earned. On 
behalf of this House, I extend the thanks of a grateful nation and our 
sincere condolences to James and Eloise Frasier, her parents; each of 
her siblings and their families; and to the many friends whose lives 
she touched. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy go out to all 
of the victims of this horrendous tragedy and their families. May God 
continue to comfort and sustain each of you.

                          ____________________