[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 61 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO CLAUDINA McCAMMACK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a 
remarkable Hoosier, Mrs. Claudina McCammack, who passed away on April 
18, 2014. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for 
her friendship and service to our community, state, and country.
  Claudina was a dedicated Republican Precinct Committeewoman, county 
voter registration officer, and secretary to the Delaware County 
Commissioners and U.S. Congressman David Dennis. Claudina also served 
on the March of Dimes Board, the Muncie Housing Authority Board, and in 
many other community organizations.
  Claudina was one of the first elected convention delegates in 
Delaware County to fully support my candidacy for Indiana Secretary of 
State. Throughout my service, I received no less than a dozen 
handwritten letters of encouragement, congratulations and recognition 
from her. I frequently sought her wisdom, both personally and 
professionally. More than anything, she always helped me keep things in 
perspective. She was a constant reminder to me and others in public 
service, like Governor Mike Pence, that we should draw on our faith in 
God. In fact, such reliance was the only way we could truly serve the 
people of Indiana.
  Known in Delaware County simply as ``Claudina'', she was a frequent 
stop when I traveled to Muncie. My family always enjoyed our visits 
with her, as recently as last December. I often ate, prayed, laughed 
and cried in her home--all in one visit. In casual conversation at her 
home, Claudina would confide that she paid for her neighbor's roof, 
even though she was a woman of modest means. She would tell me how she 
assisted the elderly in the community, even though she was 92 herself. 
Claudina personified selflessness and humility.
  Mr. Speaker, you know I speak often here of American Exceptionalism. 
I describe it in terms of our unique history and how we are blessed to 
have as a primary source of that Exceptionalism our founding documents: 
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as amended by the 
Bill of Rights. What I don't do enough is provide examples of people 
who embody American Exceptionalism. Claudina, like many of her 
generation, was a product and a shining example of what Americans ought 
to be. I hope we never forget Claudina's unwavering commitment to our 
national heritage and responsibility to future generations. She would 
expect nothing less from her community, her friends, and her country. 
If, for no other reason, I can hear her say: 'God demands it of us.'
  Claudina leaves her three children, seven grandchildren, and fourteen 
great-grandchildren behind to remember her love and kindness. She also 
leaves her extended Republican family to celebrate her life and legacy. 
She will be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved her as a 
woman of faith, conviction and compassion. Rest in peace Claudina, and 
thank you for having such a meaningful impact on my life.

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