[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING TERRY DEARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2023

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Terry 
Dearden, Director of Government Relations for the New Jersey Department 
of Military and Veteran Affairs, and all her years of service to our 
community. Terry will be retiring from her distinguished 18-year career 
of advocating and supporting New Jersey veterans, National Guard, 
Reserve, and active servicemembers.
  Terry has been an invaluable resource to me and my office staff as we 
navigate complex military issues on the Armed Services Committee. Her 
support has been crucial to my constituent services team for any number 
of requests we receive every single day. From answering questions on 
state benefits to ensuring a veteran can lay with dignity in their 
final resting place, she has always dedicated her work to helping those 
around her.
  Throughout my time working with leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-
Lakehurst, Terry was always there to act as an instrumental person in 
arranging tours and visits for myself and our team. At any available 
opportunity, she would include my office in exciting advancements on 
our base like the refueling flight exercises of the 108th Air Wing, 
tours of New Jersey National Guard facilities, and medal ceremonies 
honoring those who served, so we could also be more involved in helping 
our servicemembers and veterans. Through her leadership, Terry worked 
to show our constituents and servicemembers across the State the 
commitment and dedication of those who answer the call of serving our 
country as well as the legacy of our veterans.
  I thank her for her years of dedicated service to New Jersey 
servicemembers, their families, and our veterans. I wish Terry many 
happy years in retirement with her husband Ed and four daughters.

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