[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SHARON JOSEPHSON ON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2015

  Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated 
service of my long time district staff assistant, Sharon Josephson.
  After 24 years of service to me and the constituents of Minnesota's 
Seventh District, Sharon retired at the end of the 113th Congress.
  Sharon began working for me when I was elected to Congress in 1990, 
and very ably served the people of Minnesota's Seventh District, 
handling nearly every issue and concern that our office faced. Over the 
years, Sharon drove countless miles through a geographically large and 
rural district to help constituents, communities and businesses 
navigate federal issues.
  In the wake of severe flooding events, Sharon worked with community 
leaders throughout the Red River Valley as they dealt with the 
challenges of clean up, recovery and mitigation of future events. She 
was a steady presence at meetings of watershed districts, the Red River 
Basin Commission, the Fargo/Moorhead Diversion, the Red River Retention 
Authority and many others.
  As a former educator, Sharon enjoyed speaking to classrooms around 
the district about the workings of Congress and the political process. 
She also coordinated the Military Academy nominations process, helping 
many high school students achieve their dreams of attending places like 
West Point, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.
  Sharon was a trusted advisor that I called on for advice on a regular 
basis. It will be difficult to see her leave and she will be missed by 
so many.
  After many years of dedicated public service, Sharon will now be able 
to enjoy more time with her husband Roger, children Sarah, Dan, and 
Martha, granddaughter Sophia, and another grandchild who will be born 
later this month.
  So again, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Sharon's service to 
the House of Representatives and her dedication to Minnesota's Seventh 
District. I wish her all the best in her retirement.

                          ____________________