[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RACHEL R. KLAY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I honor a distinguished law 
enforcement officer for her service and dedication to our Nation. After 
nearly 24 years, Ms. Rachel R. Klay recently retired as a special agent 
with the U.S. Secret Service.
  Agent Klay was born in Orange City, IA, which, I might add, is just 
across the border from my home State of South Dakota. After graduating 
from Northwestern College in Orange City, she then went on to graduate 
school at Sangamon State University in Springfield, IL.
  On September 6, 1983, Rachel was sworn in as a Special Agent with the 
United States Secret Service and assigned to the Chicago Field Office, 
where she served with distinction for 4 years. During the course of her 
career, Agent Klay also served at the Secret Service's Western 
Protective Division, the Washington Field Office, the Presidential 
Protective Division, the Liaison Division, and the Investigative 
Support Division.
  From 1999 to 2002, she worked as a Resident Agent in Sioux Falls, SD. 
She then served in the Secret Service's Liaison Division before 
retiring earlier this year to take employment at the Federal Reserve 
Board as a Senior Special Agent.
  Over the past decade, I have had the pleasure of getting to know 
Agent Klay and have had the opportunity to see her in action, both in 
South Dakota and here in Washington, DC. While always quick with a 
smile and a friendly demeanor, she also exuded the professionalism, 
confidence, and courage associated with the tremendous responsibilities 
she bore as a Special Agent with the Secret Service. Simply put, our 
country is better, stronger, and safer because of her service.
  It is important and fitting that we as Americans recognize the 
invaluable contribution made every day by law enforcement officers such 
as Agent Klay. These dedicated professionals put their lives on the 
line to investigate crimes and protect us and our families. Law 
enforcement officers such as Agent Klay are the ones who stand guard 
and preserve our safety. Their tireless efforts, personal sacrifices, 
and dedication to the rule of law are an example of what is right and 
good about our country and those who serve it.
  It is therefore my honor and privilege to pay tribute today to the 
distinguished career and record of accomplishment provided by Special 
Agent Rachel Klay. Through her service, she has added to the reputation 
of integrity and valor of the United States Secret Service, and in 
doing so has provided an invaluable service to our Nation. On behalf of 
South Dakota and a grateful nation, I thank Agent Klay for her service 
and wish her all the best in this new chapter in her life and 
career.

                          ____________________