[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 29 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THOMAS C. BALLARD AS THE OKALOOSA COUNTY EDUCATIONAL 
                    SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2019

  Mr. GAETZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Thomas Ballard as the 
Educational Support Professional of the Year for Okaloosa County, 
Florida.
  Mr. Ballard is a P.E. Classroom Assistant at Mary Esther Elementary 
School. For many years, Mr. Ballard has served the Okaloosa County 
School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment 
to excellence.
  Prior to his service with the school district, he served as a full-
time firefighter with the City of Mary Esther from 1981 to 2009. Mr. 
Ballard's exemplary contributions earned him numerous awards; such as 
the ``City of Mary Esther Life Saving Medal'' and the ``Military Order 
of World Wars Award of Appreciation''.
  Sharing his invaluable experience gained as a firefighter, Mr. 
Ballard graciously assisted in the creation of his school's Crisis 
Plan.
  He continually demonstrates his dedication to his school and 
community by participating in additional duties such as acting as a 
member of the school safety committee and serving as a volunteer 
firefighter at Florosa Fire Department.
  Mr. Ballard displays incredible devotion to helping students and 
children in his community feel safe and happy. He generously donates 
his time to proactively address needs identified in the community as 
evidenced by his organization of the first official Volunteer Umpires 
for the Mary Esther Little League.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Thomas C. Ballard for his many contributions 
and for his profound impact in the Okaloosa County School District. I 
offer my gratitude for his service and wish him all the best for 
continued success.

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