[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING BOB WENZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exemplary public 
servant, Bob Wenzel. Bob recently concluded 40 years of government 
service, 38 of which were spent with the Internal Revenue Service. I am 
privileged to say that I know Bob, and I commend him for dedicating his 
professional career to the betterment of our country.
  A son of German immigrants, Bob's patriotism to our Nation began as a 
young child, when he would daily raise and lower the family's American 
flag. In his words, ``[w]hat it instilled in me was what this country 
represents.''
  Bob's interest in taxes was initially developed through his 
responsibility for calculating the family's taxes. This chore, coupled 
with a desire to contribute to his country, led him to join the IRS in 
1963, turning down significantly more lucrative private sector 
positions. Bob has made serving his country a guiding principle for his 
entire working life, and has made his life choices based on what he 
could contribute. He rose up through the ranks, from a revenue officer 
in Chicago, to director of the IRS Service Center in Ogden, Utah, 
eventually rising to Deputy Commissioner and even Acting Commissioner. 
Bob's commitment to customer service won a presidential award for his 
quality improvements in Utah.
  Bob's demonstrated leadership in customer service led former IRS 
Commissioner Charles Rossotti to name him as Deputy Commissioner during 
a time of great transition following passage of the IRS Restructuring 
and Reform Act of 1998. Upon confirmation of Mark Everson as 
Commissioner earlier this year, Bob was again named Deputy 
Commissioner, where his efforts continue to result in a more favorable 
public perception of the IRS.
  Bob leaves the IRS with the universal respect of his peers, including 
former Commissioners, front-line managers, and the union. His 
contributions will long be remembered at the IRS. Mr. Speaker, on 
behalf of my colleagues, we pay tribute to Bob's service and wish him 
and his family good health and good fortune in his well-deserved 
retirement.

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