[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17777]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      THANKING THE SKENTARIS FAMILY FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say farewell to the 
Skentaris Family, the operators of the food service in the Ford House 
Office Building, and to thank them for their fifteen years of 
outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives.
  Jordan Skentaris, the patriarch of the family business, came to the 
United States through Ellis Island from Greece on April 17, 1955. 
Jordan began his food service career in New York City and eventually 
settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where his family operated 
restaurants for 30 years. In January 1993, Jordan, his lovely wife 
Soula, and their wonderful children--daughter Artemis and son 
Christopher--began their service to the House in the Ford House Office 
Building. Their unwavering commitment to serve the needs of every 
customer to the fullest extent possible no matter who they are--and 
regardless of their political affiliation--has endeared them to 
Members, House staff, Capitol Police and visitors. This was 
particularly evident as the Skentaris family made sure their customers 
and employees were taken care of during 9/11 and anthrax. Since the 
Ford Building was closed for weeks following the anthrax attack, this 
was no easy task, but they persevered and found a way to keep 
continuity of service without missing a beat to the customers and 
community they so value.
  Many times we hear people say that Capitol Hill is a family. I would 
like to say that the Skentaris family has not only been part of the 
Capitol Hill family, they have become my family. Many of the customers 
who pass through the cafeteria daily are greeted by name. Jordan, 
Soula, Artemis and Christopher can be proud of the level of service 
they provide to their customers each and every day.
  On behalf of the entire House community, we bid a fond farewell to 
the Skentaris family and extend our deepest appreciation for their 
dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of 
Representatives. We wish them much success in their future endeavor at 
the Voice of America where I, my staff and hundreds of others will 
follow them--not only for their delicious food, but for the warmth and 
considerate service they provide to all who enter. They will be 
sincerely missed.

                          ____________________