[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 199 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO SANDY SANDERS

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
career of Edward ``Sandy'' Sanders who is retiring as Mayor of Fort 
Smith, AR, capping a lifetime of service in the public and private 
sectors.
  Sandy Sanders received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the 
University of Oklahoma and spent 32 years with Whirlpool Corporation, 
retiring as the human resources manager in the Fort Smith Division. 
During his corporate career, Sandy was well known as a volunteer and 
leader among countless community organizations and events. Locally he 
served as the chair and president of numerous charitable boards 
including the Fort Smith Symphony, the Old Fort Days Rodeo, Bost Human 
Development Center, Leadership Fort Smith Alumni, the Fort Smith Port 
Authority, and the Fort Smith Park Board.
  His leadership skills were also appreciated at the State level and 
beyond. He was appointed by the Governor to the Arkansas Aeronautic 
Association and also served as President of the Arkansas-Louisiana 
District Exchange Clubs and National President of the Association of 
Community College Trustees.
  Sandy has always looked for ways to improve opportunities for young 
people and create a well-educated workforce. His efforts included 
serving on the Governor's Apprenticeship Coordination Steering 
Committee and the Southern States Apprenticeship Committee. He was a 
member of the board of directors of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 
and continuously provided a bridge between business and community 
needs.
  After his retirement from Whirlpool, Sanders was called over and over 
to fill positions of need in the community. First, as interim director 
of the Children's Emergency Shelter and then as first executive 
director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, which was created 
to transition former military property into a job-creating asset for 
the region. This was supposed to be a temporary position, but Sandy 
stayed for 6 years and laid the groundwork for what we now know as 
Chaffee Crossing.
  He probably thought he was officially retired when he left that 
position. However, the community called again, this time to run for 
public office. Sandy was elected mayor of Fort Smith in 2010. His 
combination of experience in the private and public sectors made him 
the ideal person to lead the city, help the area attract new jobs and 
improve services to the community. During his tenure, the city has seen 
impressive growth and success in business and the arts.
  I know he is especially proud of the events he led during his last 
year in office to celebrate Fort Smith's bicentennial. In many ways, 
his leadership illustrates everything he hoped to highlight about the 
city. He has a rich history in the area, but has always looked forward.
  Sandy has received many accolades for his work over the years, but I 
know from our visits that he is more interested in the success of 
others. His work to promote education and provide opportunities for 
young people will continue to benefit generations to come.
  He is a man of great faith who uses his gifts however they are needed 
at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, whether that is serving on the building 
committee or singing in the choir. He and his wife, Dr. Sandi Sanders, 
have been married for 54 years and are very proud of their two 
daughters and six grandchildren. Beyond all of his personal 
accomplishments, he would tell you that his family is his greatest 
legacy.
  I appreciate Sandy's friendship and am grateful for his years of 
service and efforts devoted to the State of Arkansas.

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