[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2228]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PATRICK GROSS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the career 
of Patrick Gross, a dedicated public servant and an outstanding former 
member of my staff. He will be ending his career as the community 
development program director for USDA rural development in South 
Dakota. As USDA's rural development community development program 
director, Pat has been a model for other dedicated and talented South 
Dakotans to emulate and an invaluable asset to everyone who had the 
honor of working with him.
  As an original member of my staff, during my first term in the House 
of Representatives, Pat played an essential role in the development and 
creation of my congressional offices in South Dakota. As my first State 
director, Pat laid the groundwork for future members of my State staff 
to follow. A leader in State economic and rural development, both 
constituents and staff members often turned to Pat for his leadership 
and wealth of knowledge.
  An avid outdoorsman and advocate for rural development, Pat was well 
prepared for a position as my State economic development director. 
Pat's work on natural resource initiatives, land management concerns, 
and economic development projects, benefited countless South Dakotans. 
I could not have asked for a more reliable and dedicated individuals to 
head the direction of my State offices.
  As community development program director, Pat oversaw special 
initiatives including the Oglala Sioux Tribe Empowerment Zone, Beadle 
and Spink Enterprise Community, four Champion Communities, and public 
information activities for USDA rural development. He served on the 
senior management team for USDA rural development in South Dakota and 
is the recipient of the 1999 USDA Road Warrior Award. He served as 
chairman of the South Dakota Rural Development Council and also served 
USDA on several national committees. Pat led the process for a 5-year 
strategic plan for rural development in South Dakota, which included 
strategic planning processes for eight American Indian tribes. He 
shared responsibilities in the Federal/private collaboration that 
planned and developed the SuAnne Big Crow Youth Wellness Project on the 
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
  Pat will be greatly missed at the USDA rural development in South 
Dakota, and I wish Pat, his wife Donna, and their family all the best 
in the days to come. They are good friends, and I look forward to 
spending time with them in the future. It is an honor for me to share 
Pat's accomplishments with my colleagues and to publicly commend his 
outstanding services to my office and the people of South 
Dakota.

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