[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE WORK OF FORMER DIRECTOR OF CASEWORK AND CONSTITUENT 
                         SERVICES ELLIE LaBOTTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 2022

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize 
the work of Ellie LaBotte, my former Director of Casework and 
Constituent Services in Rock Island, Illinois.
  Ellie was the very first intern to be hired in my district office, 
and due to her exceptional work, was hired as a Constituent Advocate 
before she even graduated college. She quickly moved up to Senior 
Constituent Advocate and was later promoted to Director of Constituent 
Services. In our office Ellie handled Veterans and Department of 
Defense casework, and was instrumental in identifying issues with the 
Department of Veterans Affairs on the ground. She also ran our robust 
intern program in Illinois, maintaining strong ties to many former 
interns and assisting them in their future careers.
  Ellie was responsible for getting military medals for many 
constituents. However, the one that meant the most to her and was a 
major casework achievement, was getting a Prisoner of War Medal for 
Richard Holmquist, who earned this during his service in the Korean 
War, and had previously fought in World War II. I had the great 
pleasure of presenting the award to his son, Paul Holmquist, during a 
prominent medals ceremony with participation from the Deputy Commanding 
General of First Army at the Rock Island Arsenal. During her time in 
the office, Ellie successfully closed nearly 2,000 cases and has made a 
significant difference in the lives of countless constituents.
  It is because of dedicated and impactful leaders such as my former 
Director of Casework and Constituent Services, Ellie LaBotte, that I am 
especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam 
Speaker, I would like to, again, formally celebrate the amazing work of 
Ellie LaBotte.

                          ____________________