[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1303-E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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       HONORING MS. DEBRA HEMBREE'S SERVICE TO SOUTH MISSISSIPPI

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2022

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
district staff, Ms. Debra Hembree, for her 11 years of dedicated 
service as a congressional staffer. In 2011, Debra began working in my 
Pascagoula district office as a Congressional Liaison providing 
casework assistance for constituents in several counties throughout the 
Fourth Congressional District.
  Debra is originally from Canton, MS, and is a lifelong Mississippian. 
She attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi 
and Mississippi State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science 
Degree in Elementary Education and Master's in Elementary Education, 
respectively.
  Debra served the community, educating young children, the future 
leaders of our great state, during her 30 year teaching career in the 
Pascagoula-Gautier School District before her retirement in 2004. 
Shortly after her retirement, Debra continued her teaching career at 
the Murray School at Wilmer Hall in Mobile, Alabama. While there, she 
embraced this new and challenging opportunity as the resource teacher 
for children in grades 6 through 12.
  Debra's life was blessed 10 years ago when she met and married her 
husband, Tom. Together they share 3 children: Debra's daughter Anna, 
Anna's husband Chip; Tom's son Mitch, Mitch's wife Diana; and Tom's son 
Austin. They also have 2 precious grandsons, Jack and Hudson.
  The foundation of Debra's life is her faith and belief that we are 
here to serve others. She is currently a member of First Baptist Church 
of Vancleave. Through the years, she has been involved in various areas 
of church service, including the preschool ministry, the Girls' 
Auxiliary, the Women's Ministry team, and Vacation Bible School. She 
has also been a member of the choir,
  I genuinely appreciate Debra's years of service to the constituents 
of the Fourth Congressional District. She has always been a loyal team 
member who has worked diligently

[[Page E1304]]

to assist constituents. Her positive attitude and exceptional work 
ethic are exemplary. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to 
express my gratitude to Mrs. Debra Hembree for 11 years of dedicated 
service.

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