[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 13431]]

                          TRIBUTE TO COY SHORT

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, whether as an officer in the United 
States Army or as a dedicated public servant at the Social Security 
Administration, Coy A. Short has served his Nation with honor and 
integrity. After two and a half decades of devoted service, Coy will 
retire from the Social Security Administration, and I rise today to pay 
tribute to a man who has made countless contributions to the welfare of 
America.
  Coy has a rich history of public service which began when he 
volunteered to serve as an officer in the United States Army. 
Recognized as a leader with a solid work ethic and uncompromising 
character, Coy eventually rose to the rank of Captain. After departing 
the Army, he has continued to support our Armed Forces. He served as 
Chairman of the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and 
Reserve for over ten years, and continues to work with this committee 
and other organizations dedicated to assisting our men and women in 
uniform.
  Coy's selfless involvement with these associations has resulted in 
his receipt of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Sam Nunn 
Award, the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal for Outstanding 
Support of the Georgia Guard, and the Patrick Henry Award from the 
National Guard Association both in 1997 and 1999. Also, in 1998, he was 
appointed to the prestigious position of Ambassador for the U.S. Army 
Reserve.
  Though a successful businessman, Coy's devotion to his country 
eventually lured him back to the realm of public service. In 1977, he 
began his career at the Social Security Administration--an agency on 
which many livelihoods depend.
  During Coy's tenure with the Social Security Administration, his 
workhorse attitude and proficient managerial skills enabled him to 
quickly ascend through the ranks. He held several management positions 
at both district and branch offices throughout the Atlanta region and 
served as Director of the Office of Congressional, Governmental and 
External Affairs prior to his selection as Deputy Regional 
Commissioner. Though a humble man, whose greatest reward is assisting 
others, he was recognized for his dedication to the Social Security 
Administration with their highest award, the ``Commissioner's 
Citation.''
  It has been a privilege to know Coy for the last thirty years. He is 
a true patriot, and I commend him for his service to our Nation. Though 
the Administration will be losing one of their finest, they will no 
doubt continue to benefit from his contributions for years to come. I 
wish him, his wife Judy, and their two children, Greg and Karen, 
health, happiness, and success in all of their future endeavors.

                          ____________________