[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 55 (Friday, April 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CHERYL DIEHM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 4, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cheryl 
Diehm upon her retirement as the District Representative in my 
Congressional office. Cheryl has been an integral member of my staff, 
both in the California State Senate and in Congress for the past 
twenty-six years. The unwavering dedication, loyalty and compassion she 
has displayed throughout these twenty-six years is both admirable and 
deserving of recognition.
  Cheryl came to work on my staff after my first campaign and has been 
the best person to work with, both in the State Senate and in Congress. 
In twenty-six years, there is no part of our district that Cheryl has 
not touched. From our offices in Vallejo to Napa to Santa Rosa, 
wherever I needed her to go, she went. No matter what office she was 
in, and no matter what her role in the office was, she made the office 
better and she made the community those offices served better.
  Cheryl is loyal, compassionate and committed to our office, our 
district and the institution of representative government. She knows 
that government has a responsibility to make sure things are fair and 
she's always working for what is best for the American people. When 
constituents called with problems, she solved them. She has helped 
countless constituents navigate everything from Medicare benefits to 
mortgage problems, and VA payments. She spearheaded our office's 
Military Service Academy nominations. She organized interviews, sorted 
through applications, and worked with liaison officers to help make 
sure that young people who wanted to serve our country had the 
opportunity to do so.
  Cheryl has an unrivaled political antenna, and she always took time 
to nurture and mentor young staff. She shared her skills and traits 
with the other people in our office and because of that, her service to 
our county and country will endure long past her retirement from our 
office.
  Cheryl is an asset to our district, a role model to our younger 
staff, and a best friend to me. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this 
time that we honor and thank Cheryl for her invaluable service and wish 
her a most enjoyable retirement.

                          ____________________