[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 14 (Monday, January 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S128-S129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     REMEMBERING BARBARA HARDCASTLE

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madman President, I rise today to honor the life 
of Mrs. Barbara Hardcastle, who passed away on January 13, 2020, at the 
age of 94.
  Mrs. Hardcastle was trailblazer and a fierce advocate for her 
community and her State. A native of Fort Smith, AK, she also made her 
mark in politics and government in California. I was honored to know 
her, and so I join her friends and family in grieving her loss.
  Barbara Turner was born in Fort Smith on April 6, 1927. She graduated 
from Fort Smith High School in 1944 and went on to earn a bachelor's 
degree from Fort Smith Junior College. She

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married Ben Hardcastle, a banker and World War II veteran, in 1947, and 
they would spend almost 63 years together before his passing in 2010.
  Early in their married life, Ben accepted a job at the Beverly Hills 
Savings and Loan, so they moved to North Hollywood, CA. They 
immediately became active in their local church and, as a result, made 
friends with many Hollywood actors, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
  Their friendship with the Reagans led to Barbara's involvement in 
California politics, including playing a key role in his race for 
Governor of California. She is also credited by many as having 
introduced the future President to Jelly Belly candy as he attempted to 
stop smoking. Friends and family say she kept him stocked with the 
company's signature jelly beans throughout his Presidency.
  During their time in California, Barbara became an ordained minister 
and public speaker. She was also a trailblazing professional, serving 
as a supervisor and one of the first female executives with the Federal 
housing agency, Fannie Mae.
  Ben and Barbara decided to retire in 1991 and returned to Arkansas, 
where they continued to be active in local, State and national 
politics. In addition to helping candidates for all levels of public 
office, Barbara used her experience to make a difference in the 
community.
  I had many opportunities to work with Barbara over the years, but no 
occasion stands out more than her determined efforts on behalf of the 
188th Fighter Wing when its future was threatened by the Base 
Realignment and Closure Commission, BRAC. She used her organizing 
skills to rally the community and show visiting BRAC committee members 
how strong support was for the base. Her leadership and industry helped 
save the Wing and bring more opportunity to the region.
  Barbara was truly a force. Her strong values, hard work, wonderful 
sense of humor and personal conviction made a difference. I am grateful 
to have counted her as a friend and hope her legacy will continue to 
inspire young Arkansans to fight for their communities and their causes 
with the same determination that she did throughout her life.

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