[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13428]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MS. STEPHANIE STUCKEY BENFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate 
Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield upon her retirement from the 
Georgia General Assembly and to thank her for her fourteen years of 
service.
  For years, Stephanie has valiantly fought for women's rights, the 
environment, and families. She has been a leader in the Democratic 
Party, an advocate for all Georgians, and a dear friend.
  Born in Eastman, Georgia, Stephanie has always been an outdoors 
enthusiast. Her love for nature has translated into an active 
dedication to improving the environment and a commitment to clean water 
and air that grew stronger when her son was diagnosed with asthma.
  Stephanie obtained both her undergraduate and law degree from the 
University of Georgia. While in office, she received several 
prestigious awards, including the Environmental Leadership Award by the 
Georgia Conservation Voters and the Georgia Urban Forest Council Award 
for Promoting Arbor Day in public schools. It goes without question 
that her most notable accomplishment, however, has been her impeccable 
and unwavering service and support to Georgians.
  We all know how much Stephanie adores her husband, Robert H. 
Benfield, Jr., her son, Robert, and her daughter, Beverly. Although we 
will miss Stephanie's enthusiasm and infinite knowledge in the General 
Assembly, I applaud her for continuing to be a proponent of the 
environment. Upon the end of her term, she will be the full-time leader 
of GreenLaw, where she will maintain her pledge to prevent air and 
water pollution that endangers human health and degrades Georgia's 
natural resources.
  Representative Benfield, we will miss you terribly; you leave 
enormous shoes to fill. Thank you for your 14 years of service and for 
always putting the people of Georgia first.

                          ____________________