[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 180 (Wednesday, October 21, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DEIRDRE WALLACE

  Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear 
friend and colleague, Deirdre ``Dee'' Wallace, who retired this year 
after 36 years of Federal service. A true civil servant, Dee served our 
country and its citizens with humility and empathy for decades.
  Since taking the vow to serve and protect our Nation as a soldier in 
the U.S. Army, Dee has never stopped fighting for the American people. 
After 5 years of military service, Dee dedicated her life to making 
government work for the people during decades of service with the Army 
National Guard and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Never discouraged, Dee embodies the type of caring spirit and can-do 
attitude that we should all strive to emulate. As my chief of staff at 
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Dee worked tirelessly to bring 
awareness to servicemembers battling posttraumatic stress disorder and 
veterans facing homelessness.
  In our time together, I learned that no stone will go unturned with 
Dee around. She will always find a way to care for America's heroes. 
Her service to her community is remarkable and her story inspiring. I 
stand here today to applaud my dear friend and to honor her 
extraordinary work.
  Dee, I wish you the best of luck in retirement and thank you for your 
service.

                          ____________________