[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1706-S1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHERRY DAVICH

  Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to speak about a 
topic that is bittersweet for me. I am here to share my gratitude for a 
person who I not only consider an adviser and an exemplary public 
servant, but a friend and confidant for over 40 years--our director of 
constituent services, Sherry Davich, who retired from the Senate.
  I met Sherry back when we were both admittedly younger, after she 
worked on Jimmy Carter's Presidential campaign and I was running for 
the Florida House of Representatives. Sherry was finishing her 
bachelor's degree at Florida State University and had an undeniable 
curiosity and a nose for politics. After Carter became President and I 
was in the Florida House, I convinced her to intern in our office, and 
the rest is history. Forty years--wow, that is real public service.
  Sherry has been unwavering in her service to the people of our 
country and of Florida as I have served in the House and Senate, as 
well as State treasurer and insurance commissioner. During her 15 years 
in the Senate, she has overseen over 350,000 constituent cases ranging 
from veterans not receiving their benefits, working with folks impacted 
by the BP oil spill, reuniting families as they navigate the 
immigration process, and of course, the lost passports and visa 
assistance.
  She has touched the lives of so many of our constituents as their 
chief advocate. She has also been a part of my family. Actually Sherry 
and her husband, David, started to see each other as a ``Nelson 
Congressional Couple,'' both working in the DC office years ago. Grace 
and I think of Sherry, David, and their son Will, who was an intern in 
our office, as family. We are so thankful for her commitment, her 
loyalty, and her friendship.

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  Sherry has left a lasting mark on our family, our office family, and 
the folks she has served. She will be missed, and I am grateful to her 
beyond words.

                          ____________________