[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8804]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NANCY AAMODT

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, it is no secret that those of us who are 
privileged to serve in the U.S. Senate could not do so without the 
support of the hard working and dedicated staff. And I rise today to 
pay tribute to one of the most valuable members of my staff, who will 
be retiring at the end of May.
  For the past 7\1/2\ years, anyone who has called or visited my 
Portland office has probably talked with Nancy Aamodt. Indeed, from her 
post at the office's front desk, Nancy is usually the first person who 
answers the phone, and the first person who greets visitors. I have 
long believed in the wisdom of the old saying that ``first impressions 
are the most important ones,'' and I know that when Oregonians talk 
with or meet Nancy, their first impression will be of a kind, caring, 
and courteous individual. She treats all callers and visitors with 
hospitality and courtesy, and leaves everyone knowing that they were 
treated with great respect.
  The Bible tells us that ``God loves a cheerful giver,'' and I can't 
think of a better description of Nancy. She truly is a ``cheerful 
giver,'' as she constantly reaches out and offers kind words and 
support to those who need it most.
  The commitment to helping others and interest in current events that 
Nancy exhibits at the office also extends to her personal life, as 
well. For many years, Nancy has been a respected leader in both the 
Oregon and National Federations of Republican Women. She has served as 
President of the OFRW, and is a member of the NFRW Legislative 
Committee.
  I am very proud to call Nancy and her husband, Dave, my friends, and 
wish her the very best as she retires from service to the U.S. Senate.

                          ____________________