[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 13, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ROLAND J. BABIN

 Mr. CASSIDY. Madam President, I rise today to express my 
appreciation for and offer my sincere congratulations to a dedicated 
public servant, Mr. Roland J. Babin, on his retirement after 67 years 
of service for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and 
Development. Mr. Babin commenced his career as a student worker in 
1955. He currently serves as the districtwide maintenance specialist 
for the department's Acadian region, making him the department's and 
the State of Louisiana's longest actively serving employee.
  During his long tenure, Mr. Babin served the department and the State 
in a number of ways, from working as an engineer aide I to an engineer 
technician VII. He has supervised and trained countless construction 
and maintenance personnel over the years, making an impact on the 
department that will last for years to come. Even at 85 years old, Mr. 
Babin can be found on a job site operating a shovel, measuring tools, a 
roller behind a hot mix paver, or a vibratory compactor. Mr. Babin also 
recorded daily journal entries, dating back to 1970, narrating the 
department's construction and maintenance projects, hurricanes, ice 
storms, other emergency responses, and personal anecdotes from his 
career. In 2017, Mr. Babin was a recipient of the Charles E. Dunbar, 
Jr., Career Civil Service Award, the highest honor awarded to 
classified Louisiana State employees for outstanding and selfless 
service for the Louisianan community.
  His tireless work throughout the years has ensured that the Louisiana 
Department of Transportation and Development will continue to serve 
Louisiana for decades to come. The department and the State of 
Louisiana have benefited greatly from his leadership and contributions, 
and his legacy will not be soon forgotten. I personally thank Mr. Babin 
for his notable service and congratulate him on his well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________