[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15224]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              MARCIA KOZIE

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today Marcia Kozie, who heads up my 
State office in Fairbanks, will retire from Federal service. She has 
served in this capacity since 1981.
  When I think of my Fairbanks office, I think of an advisor and 
friend, Marcia Kozie. She knows everyone in town and stays current on 
all the issues involving Federal, State and local governments. If I 
want to know the whole story, I call Marcia. I know the old addage 
goes, ``no one is irreplaceable,'' but Marcia's boots will be difficult 
to fill. She has trailblazed for me these many years and her calm 
demeanor and soothing voice can smooth out the many wrinkles we often 
encounter.
  When you cross the threshold of the Fairbanks office, you are always 
welcomed by a cheerful smile, a kind word and a sympathetic ear. Marcia 
Kozie has always had these winning ways, even during the most difficult 
of times. We all sometimes shoot the messenger by mistake, but Marcia's 
demeanor has always worked like a charm. Her ability to see the glass 
half full instead of empty, her cool head in times of crises and her 
genuine concern for my constituency have been worth more to me and 
Nancy and my office than a ton of Alaska gold. You just can't buy this 
kind of service.
  Even though Marcia made her way to Alaska via Vermont, New Hampshire, 
Colorado, and Texas, she lived in the Fairbanks community for over 19 
years before she came to work for me. In typical Marcia fashion, she 
immersed herself in the community getting involved with her three 
children and their activities, her husband Walt's business and many 
philanthropic groups who provided a special insight into Fairbanks 
community affairs.
  She told me in her first interview that even though she had not 
worked for many years, she was adaptable and proficient in whatever the 
task. She continued by saying this was a God-given talent and that she 
didn't think He had taken it away from her, yet. And I have never 
regretted that decision to hire Marcia. While her Federal service will 
end, I know she will be devoting her time to spreading those God-given 
talents around the community.
  She will be missed by all the staff members in both the Washington, 
DC, and State offices. It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that 
I thank her for 18 years of a job well done. As a matter of fact, the 
mayor of Fairbanks has proclaimed today, June 30, 1999, as Marcia Kozie 
Day in Fairbanks.
  Toodle-loo, my loyal friend. Thank you for your service to this 
country, the State of Alaska and the people of Fairbanks.

                          ____________________