[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 127 (Monday, July 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E650-E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF DR. RICHARD WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. 
Richard S. Williams, MD, MPH for his service to the Commonwealth of 
Virginia during the COVID-19 outbreak and response. Dr. Williams is the 
District Director of the Three Rivers Health District and Acting 
District Director of the Eastern Shore Health District for Virginia 
Department

[[Page E651]]

of Health and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure 
Virginians were protected and received the most up to date information.
  Dr. Williams is certified by the American Board of Preventive 
Medicine, served for 27 years in the United States Air Force, retiring 
as a Colonel, and served for 16 years as NASA Chief Medical Officer. 
His extensive experience in medical leadership through multiple 
contingencies, including all previous infectious disease events over 
the last 30 years, prepared him to be a key asset during these 
uncertain times.
  Throughout the Coronavirus outbreak and response, Dr. Williams was a 
valued resource to both my operations to keep Virginians informed, as 
well as to the people he serves in the Three Rivers Health District. He 
served as an expert on four district-wide telephone town halls to 
thousands of my constituents, answering questions on the outbreak, 
testing, and preventative actions. Dr. Williams also participated in 
over a dozen calls to provide an update on Virginia's response to the 
pandemic to local officials from areas across the Commonwealth. He was 
critical to getting information to my constituents when information and 
transparency was in high demand. Through one of the most uncertain 
times in recent history, his professionalism, preparedness, and even 
temperament put Virginians at ease.
  Dr. Williams is a true patriot and the First Congressional District 
is grateful for his service to the Commonwealth and the Nation. Madam 
Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Dr. Richard S. Williams.

                          ____________________