[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7662-7663]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF BRIAN PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, today I would like to honor a member of 
my staff, Brian Perry, as he leaves to join Mississippians for Economic 
Progress as executive director. Brian has served as my communications 
director for the past 5 years and has done an outstanding job handling 
the press inquiries my office has received from the national, State, 
and local level. He has served in a composed, calm, and patient manner; 
which is to be admired in a position so demanding.
  Brian grew up in the Nashville, Tennessee area and then moved to 
Mississippi where he attended Northwest Rankin High School. Once in 
Mississippi, he settled there and graduated from Belhaven College in 
1997 with a bachelor of arts in philosophy and then obtained a masters 
in communication from Mississippi College. Before starting in my 
office, Brian was a reporter for the Madison County Journal, creator 
and editor of the Magnolia Report, and campaign director for Judge 
Keith Starrett's successful run for election. His personal experience 
as a journalist helped make him a very effective communications 
director for me.
  In addition to serving as my communications director, Brian also 
focused on education, human rights, and religious freedom issues. In 
2006, Brian moved back to Mississippi to work in my district office in 
Pearl. We have missed having Brian in the DC office.
  Since moving back to Mississippi, Brian has been extremely involved 
in neighborhood and community activities. He is a loyal alumnus of 
Belhaven, living just one block from the school. Canoeing, fishing, and 
camping are among his favorite outdoor activities. He also enjoys 
listening to bluegrass, grilling with friends, and attending the 
Neshoba County Fair. Over the past 2 years, the district office has 
come to really know Brian and will remember him as an ardent 1st 
amendment defender, Christian advocate, political junkie, and the 
world's fastest eater. But most significantly, he will be remembered as 
a dedicated and conscientious member of my staff, a good listener, and 
a loyal friend to his fellow coworkers.
  As a tribute to Brian for his exemplary work, I would like to share 
some words from people he has worked closely with throughout his 
career.

       ``Brian Perry's five year tenure in Congressman Pickering's 
     office is noteworthy, as his record of public service is 
     marked by a strong commitment to excellence and 
     professionalism. Personally, I am grateful for Brian's 
     willingness to serve as the spokesman for my 2007 re-election 
     campaign; his vision, maturity, and experience were nothing 
     short of exceptional. I commend Brian for his outstanding 
     career and look forward to his continued contributions to 
     government and politics. ``--Governor Haley Barbour
       ``Brian Perry has served Congressman Pickering and the 
     Third District with distinction. He is a man of unwavering 
     conviction and his integrity is above reproach. That's why it 
     is my distinct privilege to count Brian among my closest and 
     most trusted friends, a relationship that has developed as I 
     have worked with him professionally. He's always been willing 
     and able to meet the request of our newspapers--and then 
     some. He has always proven to be of the strongest character 
     when dealing with members of the press.''--James E. Prince 
     III, president, Prince Newspapers
       ``Brian Perry has been one of my closest and most trusted 
     friends for well over a decade. We both met as activists in 
     the Mississippi Republican Party. He has served as a loyal 
     member of Congressman Chip Pickering's staff where he 
     facilitated and communicated the various initiatives 
     Congressman Pickering spearheaded in the interest of 
     Mississippi's Third Congressional District. While serving as 
     Republican Chairman of the Third District, and now as MRP 
     Executive Director, Brian has proven himself over and over 
     again to be a man of character whose integrity and 
     professionalism are above reproach. Brian's mark of service 
     to the Republican Party, Congressman Pickering, and 
     Mississippi and even the nation will be long lasting.''--Brad 
     White, executive director, Mississippi Republican Party
       ``Brian Perry worked very hard ensuring that the needs of 
     rural areas were addressed

[[Page 7663]]

     along with the many other demands placed on Congress. He took 
     a personal interest in the progress of Noxubee County and 
     assisted us whenever possible. Brian's attention to detail 
     and pride in his work was evident whether at his desk in the 
     Cannon Building or during a much-deserved weekend break to 
     fish the Shenandoah River. Brian Perry's presence on the Hill 
     will be greatly missed by many Mississippians.''--Brian 
     Wilson, executive director, Noxubee Economic and Community 
     Development Alliance
       ``It has truly been a pleasure to get to know Brian Perry 
     during his tenure with Chip. He and I have developed a 
     special friendship. I appreciate his intellect and character. 
     He is an excellent writer and conscientious in his work. His 
     public service has made a difference to our nation, our great 
     state, and to Chip and our family. I will always be 
     grateful.''--Judge Charles W. Pickering, Sr.

  Madam Speaker, Brian has provided wise counsel, effective 
communication and a passion for service to Mississippi. He served with 
poise throughout the aftermath of Katrina and in congressional and 
confirmation battles. I treasure his faith, reason and friendship. He 
has my deep respect and appreciation for all the contributions he has 
made and the work he has done. I wish him the very best and know he has 
a bright future communicating and fighting for good causes.

                          ____________________