[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF MR. BARRY CHASTAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
citizen, Mr. Barry Chastain, a remarkable individual who has devoted 
over 38 years to federal service. Currently serving as the Area Port 
Director for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in North Carolina, Mr. 
Chastain's contributions to the Carolinas and our Nation are 
immeasurable. In his capacity as the Area Port Director, Mr. Chastain 
shoulders the responsibility of overseeing six international ports of 
entry in North Carolina, where he manages a workforce of more than 150 
dedicated employees. These ports collectively process over 3.5 million 
passengers and handle over 4 billion dollars in imported goods 
annually. Under his vigilant leadership, the seamless flow of 
legitimate trade coexists with stringent security measures to safeguard 
our national interests. Mr. Chastain serves as the senior CBP 
representative to all federal, state, and local law enforcement 
partners in North Carolina. His ability to foster cooperation and 
collaboration among these agencies is integral to the safety and well-
being of our citizens.
  Mr. Chastain's illustrious career extends beyond his current role. 
His previous leadership assignments within the United States Department 
of Agriculture's Plant Protection and Quarantine Division in North 
Carolina exemplify his unwavering dedication to protecting our 
agricultural and biological resources. He also served as the Officer in 
Charge in South Carolina and Eastern Georgia, where he provided 
leadership and innovation to shield our natural resources from invasive 
plant pests and foreign animal diseases.
  Mr. Chastain's career within Customs and Border Protection includes 
various leadership roles, such as serving as the Assistant Area Port 
Director for Trade Operations and the Assistant Area Port Director for 
Passenger and Tactical Operations. In these roles, he managed 
international passenger clearance programs, trade processing, maritime 
and military clearance operations, and led all CBP enforcement programs 
for the Area Port of Charlotte.
  Mr. Chastain's commitment to national and regional security extends 
to his involvement in high-profile national projects, including the 
Democratic National Convention, the G-8 Summit, and numerous FEMA 
Region IV hurricane response events. His capacity to manage complex and 
critical tasks on a large scale is a valuable asset to our nation. 
Moreover, Mr. Chastain has excelled in establishing stakeholder 
partnerships and currently serves as an Executive Steering Committee 
Member of the North Carolina Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF). His 
contributions to this task force are crucial to our state's security 
efforts. Mr. Chastain's outstanding career in federal service, his 
commitment to national security, and his exemplary leadership in 
Customs and Border Protection are truly commendable. The Carolinas and 
our Nation are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant. We 
extend our heartfelt appreciation for his remarkable service.

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