[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              ROBERT STURM

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
honest, humble and dedicated servant of the United States Senate who 
has decided to turn in his Senate badge and enter retirement. For over 
33 years, Robert E. Sturm, has selflessly served the Senate in various 
positions. His humble beginnings can be traced to his first Senate 
position as a mail clerk for Senator Birch Bayh in 1974. Bob 
undoubtedly performed his duties in an exemplary fashion, for his 
Senate career continued in the offices of Senators Dick Clark, Donald 
Stewart and Russell B. Long. He eventually rose to the respected 
position of chief clerk of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition and Forestry, and has served in that capacity for five 
current U.S. Senators including Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Richard 
Lugar, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Thad Cochran, and myself. After 
enjoying a 33-year career in the United States Senate, I speak on 
behalf of all of those who have had the pleasure of serving with Bob 
when I say; your retirement is well deserved.
  I would like to share with you all the uniqueness of Bob's character, 
kind spirit and devotion to his position as chief clerk. Whether 
addressing an intern or chairman of a Senate committee, Bob always 
displayed the same measured approach, graciousness, patience and 
understanding. Bob never hesitates to place the needs of others before 
his own. It is commonplace for Bob to spend late nights at work in 
preparation for farm bill mark ups, accommodate last minute travel 
requests from impatient Senators and staff alike, fly to the furthest 
reaches of our great Nation to set up hearings, or answer any 
procedural question with the temperance of a man who has not answered 
the question a thousand times before. Robert Sturm is that 
indispensable part of your staff upon whom you grow so reliant, you 
wonder how you will function in his absence.
  Bob, while a patient and understanding man, is not shy about 
enforcing the rules of the Senate Agriculture Committee which he loves. 
Any visitor to a Senate hearing who attempted to open a newspaper 
during the hearing, spoke too loudly from the audience or attempted to 
pass out materials not reviewed and approved by Bob, knows how quick 
the wrath of Bob Sturm can be meted out. Similarly, Bob guarded the 
Senate Agriculture Committee hearing room with diligence and insisted 
that its appearance always reflected the high esteem in which he held 
the committee and this august body.
  During my first hearing as chairman, I remember reaching for the 
gavel to call the hearing to order. As I looked down at the gavel, I 
was shocked to find that someone had placed my name on it. Humbled by 
this kind act, I turned to my staff and quietly asked, ``Who did 
this?'' The answer was of course Bob Sturm. During my chairmanship, I 
could always depend on Bob to place a few bags of my beloved Georgia 
peanuts at the seat of each Senator attending the hearings. It is the 
little things like this that exemplify Bob's attention to detail and 
willingness to serve. I also remember when the Agriculture Committee 
traveled around the country in the summer of 2006 to eight different 
farm bill field hearings. Bob was on the front lines of every hearing--
from educating staff on how to select an appropriate hearing site, 
traveling in advance to prepare for the hearing, arranging all the 
necessary travel, hotel accommodations and food, to running the actual 
hearing--Bob was in control. Even after being exhausted from continuous 
travel, Bob was always the first one to arrive and the last one to 
leave each hearing and I never heard one word of complaint. Bob, as in 
the performance of all his duties, was meticulous and saw things 
through to the end. I will always be grateful for his devotion.
  Let me finish by saying, Bob, that the Senate will sincerely miss you 
and most of all we thank you for your loyalty and the model of service 
you leave behind. Best of wishes on a healthy and happy retirement with 
your family. It is certainly well deserved.

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