[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE LONG SERVICE OF MARGARET ``PEGGY'' THERESA GIERIE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2015

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and 
distinguished service to the country of one of my constituents, 
Margaret ``Peggy'' Theresa Gierie, who is turning 90 and is, I believe, 
among our nation's oldest federal employees.
  Ms. Gierie comes from a long line of military service. She had a 
great grandfather who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, her father 
survived gas attacks in World War I, and her husband was a U.S. Army 
Air Corps navigator in World War II. Ms. Gierie added to that legacy in 
1945 by enlisting in the WAVES, a women's division of the U.S. Navy in 
which she served as a telegrapher at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Her 
service earned her a World War II Victory Medal.
  Ms. Gierie went on to attend college and work at several different 
jobs while raising three children with her husband.
  At this point in her story, no one would have faulted her for taking 
a well-earned rest in retirement. She has done no such thing. Ms. 
Gierie re-entered the workforce after her husband of 50 years passed 
away. And since 2007, she has found a new way to serve the country--as 
a receptionist at the Sanford Vet Center, which offers a range of 
services to Maine veterans and their families.
  In her time there, she has become a familiar and welcome face to the 
clients who often come to appointments early just to chat with her. At 
the same time, she handles demanding duties with a positive attitude, 
professionalism, dedication, and, above all, a never-ending supply of 
energy. She goes above and beyond for every veteran who calls or comes 
through the door.
  Mr. Speaker, I truly admire Ms. Gierie for her incredible service, 
and would like to thank her for the difference she has made in the 
lives of Maine veterans and wish her a very happy 90th birthday.

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