[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1663-E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SHARON SCHULTZE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the 
passing of a truly dedicated public servant, Sharon Schultze. Sharon 
was a tireless advocate for social justice and civility, a loyal senior 
Congressional aide, and generous mentor. Sharon dedicated her life to 
serving the poor, the downtrodden, and the most vulnerable. She will be 
remembered by all those who knew her for her selflessness and love. 
Sharon was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and moved to San Diego 
after getting married. She was instrumental in creating a ground 
breaking program at the University of San Diego's Law School, the Mira 
Mesa Mediation Center, which helped people from diverse backgrounds 
resolve conflict peacefully and civilly. The center later developed 
into the National Conflict Resolution Center.
  Sharon worked for Bob Filner throughout his entire political career, 
from the San Diego School Board to San Diego City Council to the United 
States Congress. Sharon passionately served the people of San Diego for 
over three decades, taking on various responsibilities throughout 
Filner's different elected offices. One of her favorite projects while 
working for Congressman Filner was helping him chose the district 
winner of the Congressional Art Competition wherein high school 
students from every congressional district in the country compete for 
an opportunity to display their artwork in the Halls of Congress.
  Her favorite role, and the one she found most rewarding, was that of 
advocate. Sharon took the most joy out of writing legislation that 
promoted veterans and San Diego residents.
  Perhaps the achievements of which Sharon was most proud were her 
contributions to the veteran community. She helped draft and pass the 
Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, which provides 
full, four-year tuition to military veterans who enlisted after 
September 11, 2001 attending public universities across the country. 
She was instrumental in the passage of legislation supporting Filipino 
veterans and Merchant Marines who served the United States during World 
War II receiving full veteran benefits, which they had been previously 
denied.
  Sharon was an amazing, accomplished woman. Her strong worth ethic and 
professionalism made her a role model and devoted mentor to the young 
people who looked to her for guidance both in San Diego and in 
Washington, DC. My office and I were on the receiving end of some of 
her mentorship. Soon after I was elected to Congress, Sharon was the 
first to offer guidance and support. Her best quality, noted by many of 
her friends and family, was that Sharon was a gifted listener. She was 
there for whoever needed her help, without regard for her time and 
energy. Sharon bestowed unconditional positive support, kindness, 
compassion, and empathy to those around her, assuring them that they 
were loved and valued. She shared her ideas and common sense with 
others, always making sure to keep people's best interest in mind. She 
never gave up on making a difference in the world.
  Our thoughts go out to her partner of nearly 30 years, Doug Duffield; 
her three children, Blair, David, and Carol; and Natalie and Zachary, 
her two grandchildren, who made her heart smile.

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