[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO BOBETTE FRANKLIN

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to one of 
the most patriotic and dedicated Kentuckians I have had the pleasure of 
knowing, Mrs. Bobette Franklin.
  A Bowling Green, KY, native, Bobette is a graduate of Western 
Kentucky University. She married Steve Franklin, and they made their 
home in Bowling Green. They have been married for 24 years and have a 
son, Noah, who is their pride and joy.
  Upon being elected to office in 2010, I set out to hire a director of 
constituent services for my State office in Bowling Green. I asked for 
recommendations for the very best and received one clear answer from 
many: Bobette Franklin. Bobette began her congressional career in 
constituent services with Congressman Ron Lewis and, upon his 
retirement, continued her career with Congressman Brett Guthrie. I was 
thrilled when Bobette accepted my offer to lead my constituent services 
operation. My constituent services team is second to none and would not 
be known for their stellar reputation throughout the Commonwealth of 
Kentucky without Bobette's leadership. Anyone who knows Bobette knows 
she takes tremendous pride in her work and strives to excel in all 
aspects of her life. Her commitment to excellence and attention to 
detail is evident in every interaction she has with Kentuckians who 
need assistance, no matter the size or scope of the request. During 
Bobette's tenure in my office, she has overseen more than 20,000 
constituent service cases, which has directly impacted thousands of 
Kentuckians and people across the Nation.
  While Bobette has served Kentuckians in numerous ways, her 
outstanding reputation is most evident through her outreach and 
advocacy for veterans. Bobette has received numerous awards from the 
veteran community. In 2016, the Southern Kentucky Veterans Council 
presented her with its Distinguished Service Award for over 20 years of 
devoted service assisting veterans. And earlier this year, the 
Department of Defense Joint Executive Council of Veterans presented her 
with an award in recognition of her work for veterans and their 
families across Kentucky.
  After 29 years of Federal service and nearly 13 years in my office 
alone, Bobette has decided to retire and close this chapter in her 
lifelong commitment to serving her community and her country. I will 
always be thankful to have had Bobette as a part of my team from the 
very beginning. Thank you, Bobette, for your service to Kentucky and to 
this country.

                          ____________________