[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THANKING MR. CALVIN WARE FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY G. BROWN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2021

  Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Madam Speaker, on his retirement in September 
2021, we rise today to thank Mr. Calvin Ware for his over 22 years of 
outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives as a 
member of the Logistics and Support Team.
  Calvin began his career in 1990 working at the Smithsonian 
Institution, in the housekeeping department. He left to pursue other 
job opportunities, until he secured a job on Capitol Hill. Calvin first 
began working as a temporary employee with the Logistics Department in 
the Labor Room for about two years. He left for a brief period to work 
at Home Depot, then received a phone call from George Simler, a former 
Manager, who implored him to apply for a full-time opening in the 
Logistics Department. He was immediately hired, thus began his 22-year 
career with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
  While he started in the Labor Room, Calvin was soon asked to work in 
the Rayburn Penthouse, where cages were stored with excess furniture, a 
position which required a level of responsibility and dependability. He 
moved around the organization, working for the Office Supply Store, 
reporting to John Hodges, Manager and Tom Coyne, Director.
  Calvin proved himself to be a reliable employee, and as such, was 
tasked to work in the Logistics equipment room for several years, 
providing check-out access to Audio/Visual equipment, and the use of 
the government fleet of vehicles. It was in this position that he had a 
lot of access to Members and their staff. When this function was 
reassigned, Calvin moved over to become a Receiving and Warehousing 
Specialist tasked with checking on excess furniture in the hallways of 
the Congressional Buildings. Ironically, he is again reporting to his 
former Director, Tom Coyne, now the Chief Logistics Officer for 
Logistics & Support (L&S). It is in this position that Calvin will 
retire his career.
  Calvin remembers back to the first CAO, Jay Eagen, who used to meet 
with the Logistics staff on a variety of issues. Jay developed a 
program for extended schooling for staff to complete their High School 
level education and to receive a diploma. While Calvin had previously 
attended Anacostia High School, he never completed his schooling. 
Through this opportunity, Calvin was able to complete and receive his 
diploma, and even considered going on to higher education, but instead 
elected to go to work full-time.
  Calvin remembers fondly, his favorite boss, Freddie Bowles, Manager, 
Logistics, who retired a few years back. He credits Freddie with 
mentoring him and showing him the ropes. Some other bosses who also had 
a great impact on him were Bobby Small, Manager, Allen King, 
Supervisor, and Kevin Chambers, former Supervisor. He built many fond 
memories with this staff and credits them with enhancing his enjoyment 
of his government job.
  One such memory that stands out is the time Mohamad Ali was scheduled 
to visit Capitol Hill. The entire campus was abuzz with excitement, and 
word was out that he was in the Cannon Caucus Room. He missed his first 
opportunity to see the legend but received a phone call later that day 
that he would be in the Capitol. When Calvin arrived for a shot of the 
fighter, there were mobs of people surrounding him. While on standby, 
he started talking to a coworker, who arranged for him to meet in a 
Member's office later that day, where he was able to meet the king in 
person had a special picture taken with Mohammed Ali and his daughter, 
Layla, who also became a boxer in her own right. He later met the 
famous singer, Glen Campbell, and ran into countless other singers and 
celebrities he could rarely get close to.
  In reflecting over his long career, Calvin recalls just where he was 
on 9/11. Since he had a late arrival to work, he was home and did not 
have the news on. When he finally turned on the news, he saw the 
President talking about the unfolding tragedy. Unsure of his next move, 
Calvin decided to try and make it into work, but when he drew nearer to 
the Capitol complex, he saw the black smoke emanating from the 
Pentagon, and immediately turned around and returned home. During the 
Anthrax scare, Calvin and his team went to the undisclosed location and 
were tasked with building cubicles for the Members and their staff. 
Each Member had to have a full PC/monitor set up and Calvin was 
instrumental in unpacking and delivering these items and other 
supplies, ensuring the Legislative work of the House could successfully 
continue. During the earthquake of 10 years ago, Calvin was on Capitol 
Hill. Once he saw the room sway, he began to evacuate the building 
remembers the former Chief, Jerry Bennet, standing in the hallways 
until everyone was evacuated.
  Calvin is a well-known lover of all types of music, and possesses a 
fine singing voice himself, honed by singing in the church choir. As a 
former football player, basketball player, and boxer, most people 
remember him as an ardent Washington Football Team fan. Calvin often 
came to work wearing remnants of the Washington gear and credits his 
love for football to his Dad, who used to play semi-Pro football, and 
engaged his young son into the sport. In retirement, Calvin would like 
to spend more time with his family, three sisters, and many children he 
helped to raise.
  On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to 
Calvin Ware for his many years of dedication and outstanding 
contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many 
wonderful years in retirement and in pursuit of future endeavors.

                          ____________________