[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JEFFREY CHEATHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK SANFORD

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2014

  Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Jeffrey 
Cheatham, who died on October 3, 2013, at the age of 51. His mother and 
my friend, Patricia McVay, tells me that his life was full of adventure 
and love, and he will be missed by many. As I thought about how 
challenging this time is for Jeff's family and friends, a few thoughts 
struck me.
  First, I couldn't help but think of the parable of the talents, and 
how that story reminds us that we ought to make the most out of what we 
are given each and every day. The parable describes a master who 
traveled away and left his money with his servants. Upon his return, he 
discovers that two of his servants invested and doubled the value of 
their portions, while one servant hid the money and protected it. The 
master rewarded the two who made the most of their time and his wealth, 
and punished the one who didn't take advantage of the opportunity. The 
bigger picture here is simple--we all have limited time, and we have to 
make the most out of what we are given.
  I think Jeff's approach to life and those around him is a good 
example of that. From what I've been told, Jeff lived a life that was 
truly in service to others, and he made the most out of his time. His 
good attitude, jokes

[[Page E162]]

and infectious smile were known to many, and I was told several stories 
of how he took a friend's parents to chemo then treated them to a lunch 
after, or how, when he was in school, he gave lunch money to a 
classmate, or even just how his smile could really light up a room. The 
gift of life is significant, and there can be an even greater gift in 
truly living and making the most of your time--as Malcom Forbes' 
tombstone says: ``While alive, he lived.''
  Second, Jeff's passing should also serve as a reminder of the many 
challenges and difficulties faced by those who choose to put on the 
military uniform. Coming from a military family and serving four years 
in the Air Force, Jeff was no stranger to those challenges, and as 
such, we should honor and remember the sacrifices he and all our 
service members make.
  I have no doubt that Jeff leaves behind many fond memories with his 
friends and family, especially his three children, Jenna, Kylie, and 
Phillip. I join his family in being saddened by this loss, but I'm 
comforted in knowing that there are many people out there who got to 
experience Jeff's kindness, and who will miss him dearly.

                          ____________________