[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11551]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       THANK YOU TERRY VANSUMEREN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt as to the value of the 
characteristics of dedication, loyalty and perseverance. These are 
traits that distinguish the ordinary from the extraordinary. Today, I 
rise to recognize Terry VanSumeren, an extraordinary individual who has 
served the Hampton Township community every day for the past 32 years.
  Terry was born on September 19, 1937, to Lawrence and Mary 
VanSumeren. After growing up in the area where he would make a name for 
himself, he was hired by the Hampton Township Department of Public 
Works on June 5, 1967. This would begin one of the most impressive 
streaks ever by a local government employee. Since his date of hire, 
Terry VanSumeren has never taken a sick day--not one single day. 
Blessed with good health and an unmatched devotion to the residents of 
Hampton Township, Terry has been there every day for the people of his 
township. He has become a very well respected member of the community. 
Always looking to improve Hampton Township, he is an active member of 
the township board.
  At a time when many people are skeptical about government, the 
excellent work done by Terry VanSumeren should instill a sense of 
confidence in the residents of Hampton Township. They have been 
extremely fortunate to have someone so hard working and devoted to 
attending to the needs of their community. Today, Terry retires as the 
Superintendent of the Hampton Township of Public Works, a position he 
has held for the past 15 years. There is no doubt that as he leaves 
this position, Terry has made the township a much stronger community. 
As he now enters into his retirement, Terry will have the opportunity 
to spend time in his workshop and, more importantly, to spend time with 
his charming wife, Margaret, his two daughters Kym and Keri, as well as 
his grandson Zane.
  Mr. Speaker, dedication is defined as the act of being wholly 
committed to a particular course of thought or action. I know of no one

who better exemplifies what it means to be dedicated than Terry 
VanSumeren. For the past 32 years, he has been wholly committed to the 
people of Hampton Township. I urge you and all of our colleagues to 
join with me to congratulate the outstanding accomplishments of Terry 
VanSumeren and to wish him continued health and happiness.

                          ____________________