[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18198]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MS. LYNN COWART

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2003

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and acknowledge my 
Chief of Staff and friend, Ms. Lynn Cowart on the occasion of her 
retirement. Through the course of my career, working in the business 
world and as a public official, rarely have I been so privileged to 
work with such an extraordinary person that gives unselfishly and 
wholeheartedly to the interests and welfare of other people.
  Lynn was born in Virginia to Molly and Andy Cowart and is the middle 
sister to Ms. Nora McCormick and Ms. Chris Cowart. Daughter of a 
Captain in the U.S. Navy, Lynn moved all around the United States, 
attending both public and Catholic schools, and graduated high school 
in Alexandria, Virginia. She then attended the University of Hawaii and 
business school in Hawaii.
  Lynn's lengthy and impressive career began as a temporary employee 
for the Department of the Navy in Pearl Harbor. In 1968, Lynn moved to 
Washington, D.C. and worked in the Pentagon until 1972. Then, in 1973 
she moved across the Atlantic Ocean to England where she worked in the 
United States Embassy in London under the auspices of the Defense 
Intelligence Agency. Lynn moved back to the United States in 1980 and 
worked for an attorney here in Washington, D.C. In 1982, she began 
working for Senator John Tower from Texas until his retirement. She 
then moved from the U.S. Senate to the U.S. House of Representatives to 
work for Representative Larry Combest where she worked for 18 years. In 
May of 2003, Representative Combest retired. On June 3rd, I was elected 
to fill the seat for the 19th District of Texas and Lynn accepted the 
position of Chief of Staff in my office.
  Lynn's dedication to public service will continue after she retires 
from politics. This fall she will begin work at Island Creek Elementary 
School, serving the people of Fairfax County in Virginia's public 
school system.
  Her career is impressive not only for its duration and the intriguing 
posts she has filled but more so for the integrity and strong work 
ethic she brings to each job. For over 30 years, Lynn has been a model 
of devotion, stability, fairness, and attentiveness that is nothing 
short of amazing. Her loyalty and passion for the 19th District is 
evident through her nearly 20-year commitment to the area. The Permian 
Basin and South Plains of Texas is a unique area where hard-working 
people are faithful to their roots in the oil and gas industry and 
agriculture. Lynn's integrity and personal attention to these people is 
astonishing. She has always taken time to listen and act upon any 
complaints or concerns that farmers or the hard-working folks of Texas 
had. When I was sworn in on June 5th, I know I would have been stranded 
and lost without Lynn's incredible capability to maintain patience with 
me. Six days out of the week, Lynn kept an incredible schedule and put 
in extended hours in order to keep the office running. Thanks to Lynn, 
who is the glue which holds my staff together, the offices in 
Washington D.C., Odessa and Lubbock stayed in business leading up to my 
election and my first hectic week as a U.S. Congressman. Her ability to 
remain positive in tough situations only proved to me that Lynn 
possesses confidence beyond anyone I have ever known. Without her I 
would not be as I am today: sure that my transition could not have gone 
any smoother. Over the years, Lynn has made a powerful impression upon 
people here on Capitol Hill and back home in Texas. Anyone in public 
service would do well to emulate her example if they truly desire a 
career that makes a difference and leaves a legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending my sincere thanks to Lynn 
Cowart. I am truly honored to recognize her accomplishments. She will 
certainly be missed.

                          ____________________