[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1197-E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THANKING MR. JOHN LARRY CARTER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT E. LATTA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2018

  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on his retirement on October 3, 2018, I rise 
today to thank John Larry Carter for over 36 years of outstanding 
service to the United States House of Representatives.
  John ``Larry'' Carter is a rarity, in that he spent nearly his entire 
career at the U.S. House of Representatives. He also joined the U.S. 
Navy Reserves in October 2000 and continues to serve the Reserves 
today, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, conferred on 
September 16, 2016.
  Thinking at first it was an April Fool's joke, Larry began his 
Congressional journey on April 1, 1982 as a laborer under the Clerk, 
Don Anderson, moving furniture throughout the House campus and working 
as a storeroom clerk. Due to his outstanding work ethic he quickly 
moved up the ranks to Inventory Control Specialist and began 
inventorying furniture and completing service orders.
  In the span of 3 short years, Larry was a laborer's helper, group 
leader, warehousing specialist and eventual finisher in the Finishing 
Shop. It is here in the Finishing Shop with the Office of the Chief 
Administrative Officer (CAO) that Larry really shined. He spent the 
bulk of his career in the Finishing Shop, utilizing his experience from 
vocational school, to work on such projects as the House Floor, chairs 
and seats in the House Chamber, the dais, the House Speaker's Chair, 
and the page desks in the back. One of his major accomplishment is the 
original lectern still used today on the House Floor. Larry's imprint 
is on many furniture pieces in Congress and will no doubt be his 
legacy.
  Larry was promoted to Manager of Furnishings in 1999, a position he 
still holds today, and considers one of his greatest career 
accomplishments. Larry's enthusiasm for doing the right thing and 
helping others to understand the challenges of safety and perfection 
for finishing furniture is immeasurable. Larry's list of 
accomplishments is long, and some of his most exemplary work can be 
seen on Speaker Tip O'Neill's Desk and the desk of Speaker Tom Foley, 
which included hand-painted birds on the desk. The finishing work that 
he and his staff completed in the House Chamber on the chairs and dais, 
will surely stand the test of time. He also made major contributions to 
17 Congressional Transitions, assisted with Departmental budgets, 
developed his employee's training plans, and mentoring them to accept 
greater responsibilities and an appreciation for fine furniture.
  Larry, as an aviation enthusiast, has mentioned as one of his fondest 
Congressional memories, besides all his finishing work accomplishments, 
is when he had the privilege to meet the Tuskegee Airmen at the Rayburn 
House Office Building. They were being feted and awarded the 
Congressional Gold Medal, Congress's Highest Civilian Award, bestowed 
in 2006.
  His compilation of the great antiquities found on the Hill truly is a 
great legacy he will leave behind since it will help future historians 
better understand the Capitol's and House of Representatives' true 
treasures. Mr. Carter has always been prompt, courteous, and helpful in 
dealings I have had with him. His expertise, skill, and knowledge will 
be missed.
  Following his retirement, Larry intends to stay in Military Service 
and would like to spend more time with his wife of 25 years, Debbi, and 
his three children. He plans to continue his active lifestyle, fishing, 
running, teaching aviation, and spending quality time with his family.

[[Page E1198]]

  On behalf of the entire House community, I extend congratulations to 
Larry for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to 
the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in 
fulfilling his retirement dreams.

                          ____________________