[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 27 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E212-E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE SERVICE OF MR. JACOB GILLISON

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 14, 2014

  Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Jacob 
Gillison, who served as office manager and scheduler in my Washington, 
DC office for nearly 14 years.
  For over a decade, Jacob served as a member of my staff, friend, 
confidant, and counselor to many in what we call Team Lewis, our office 
family. Jacob recently joined the staff of Senator Bernie Sanders as 
the administrative director and scheduler. I would like to congratulate 
him on his new position, and thank him for his many years of service to 
my office and constituents.
  I first met Jacob many years ago when he was a member of the United 
States' Air Force (USAF) Air Traffic Control Field. During his nearly 
two decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, Jacob was recognized 
repeatedly for his dedication and commitment to excellence. When I 
learned that he was considering a transition to a different branch of 
government, I was pleased to invite him to join my Washington, DC staff 
as scheduler and office manager. If he was able to keep military planes 
safe and on-time, I believed he might be able to keep me and my staff 
on schedule.
  When he joined my office, I learned even more about his total 
commitment to service. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., 
Jacob was handpicked by the president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 
Inc. to serve as deputy assistant to the international president of Phi 
Beta Sigma Fraternity focusing on governmental and civic affairs. In 
this capacity, Jacob conceptualized and coordinated ``Sigma

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Day on the Hill,'' which brought local high school students to Capitol 
Hill to lobby on the behalf of legislation affecting high school 
students and their local communities. This experience enlightened and 
exposed young people in learning how their Congress works and inspiring 
them to move from the sidelines to the frontlines.
  During his spare time in the evening and on weekends, Jacob advises 
and counsels young men in the local community. His selfless efforts did 
not go unrecognized as the leadership of Nu Sigma Sigma Chapter of the 
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. voted and honored him as ``Mentor of 
the Year 2010.'' As an additional testament to Jacob's long and 
exceptional service, the Free Masons bestowed on him their 33rd Degree, 
an honorary title granted to those Masons who distinguish themselves.
  A native of Beaufort, South Carolina, Jacob graduated from Battery 
Creek High School and continued his education by earning dual Bachelor 
of Science degrees in Business Administration and Economics from 
Benedict College and an additional degree in Aeronautical Science from 
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
  Over the years, I had the pleasure of visiting Beaufort, South 
Carolina and even attending the beautiful Gullah Festival. I was 
particularly proud to meet and become an honorary member of Jacob's 
welcoming family. He is truly a loving and dedicated family man--a 
proud brother, father, and grandfather. Jacob's son, Dexter, and 
daughter-in-law, Nikita, continue the family tradition of service as 
members of the U.S. Air Force. His lovely daughter, Mekala, is a high 
school honor roll student, ROTC member, athlete and dancer, and Jacob's 
handsome first grandchild, Brice, is the apple of his eye.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, I cannot say enough about how great a 
member of my staff and family Jacob Gillison was. I will truly miss 
him, his children, grandson, twin brother Esau, and brothers-in-
spirit--Tyson and Glenn--but I wish him continued success in his new 
position and this exciting, next stage of his outstanding career.

                          ____________________