[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17805-17806]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       REGARDING PRESENTATION OF THE MILITIA AWARD TO DEBRA WADA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, as we return to session following a 
productive August among the people we represent, it is worth 
remembering that for the most part, the staff of the House has been 
here and working through the month.
  I believe we do not recognize often enough those dedicated public 
servants, who get lumped into that antiseptic word ``staff.'' Among the 
staff of the House are leading experts in their fields, prize winners, 
men and women noted in their own right for achievements both 
professional and prosaic. Many know far more in their fields of 
expertise than any Member of Congress ever will. And yet they bite 
their lips and say ``Yes, sir,'' when we hear their counsel yet choose 
to go another way.
  Perhaps the greatest tribute to the selflessness of the staff is the 
fact that almost any one of them could leave this place tomorrow for 
jobs with better pay, better recognition, and much better hours, yet 
their dedication to the common weal binds them to this House. And we 
Members all wind up looking the better for it.
  Fortunately, while we may not say ``thank you'' often enough, others 
sometimes take up

[[Page 17806]]

the slack. And so it is with Debra Wada, a member of the Armed Services 
Committee staff.
  Debra handles matters concerning military personnel for the 
committee, and does so with zeal and knowledge and grace. She is always 
looking out for the common soldier. Millions of Americans in uniform 
owe the improvement of their pay and benefits to Debra and her 
foresight and dedication. I trust her guidance, and even more admire 
the energy with which she works and lives.
  I am not alone in that sentiment. Not long ago, Debra was recognized 
by the National Guard Association of the United States, who presented 
her with their Militia Award. In their words, she was selected ``for 
her exceptional dedication and effort to improve the status, welfare 
and professionalism of the enlisted members of the National Guard of 
the United States.'' That is indeed an honorable achievement, 
particularly at a time when military personnel are working so hard on 
our behalf.
  While the Association did not formally recognize the effervescent 
personality that suffuses her work and brings joy to those around her, 
I have no doubt that those qualities played a role in her selection as 
well.
  Debra has overcome a great obstacle to get where she is today; she 
was formerly employed in the other body of Congress. I compliment her 
on surmounting this challenge.
  Mr. Speaker, people wonder how Members of Congress can vote one 
minute on education, the next on health, the next on defense, and 
understand so many issues in enough depth to make good decisions. The 
answer is that we are all fortunate to be surrounded by an ocean of 
talent. People like Debra Wada make our job possible. I salute her not 
only for her award, but for the unrecognized work that she and other 
staff professionals perform all year round.

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