[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16929-16930]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW WALKER

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
service provided by one of my long-serving staff members, Matthew 
Walker, to the Small Business Committee, our beloved home State of 
Maine, and indeed our Nation. Matt is a dedicated individual whose 
enthusiasm and insights will be sorely missed. As he moves on to the 
next step in his professional life, I wish him the best and thank him 
for his years of service.
  A native son of Bangor, ME, Matt attended my alma mater, the 
University of Maine, before earning his Juris Doctor from the Maine 
School of Law. I first met Matt when he served as an intern in my 
office in 1994, when I was still a Member of the House of 
Representatives, and since then he has been an integral part of my 
staff for nearly 14 years collectively. Among his experiences, he has 
been a volunteer on my first Senatorial campaign, worked in two of my 
district offices handling constituent casework, served in my personal 
office in Washington, and most recently, Matt performed the absolutely 
crucial role of Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel on the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. From these roles he 
has gained diverse and invaluable knowledge from many areas, from 
providing effective constituent services to the people of Maine to 
drafting and introducing significant legislation. His flexibility and 
wide range of experience have made him a vital member of my

[[Page 16930]]

staff. On the Small Business Committee, Matt has been a trusted advisor 
on a host of legislative issues that have come before the Committee 
since 2003, as well as shaping the Committee's agenda during my tenure 
as chair and ranking member.
  Anyone who knows Matt can attest to the crucial role service to our 
Nation plays in his life. A recent retiree from the National Guard and 
a veteran, Matt served a 1-year tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006 and 
2007. And I certainly gained an even greater sense of what it was like 
to experience the gratification and honor--as well as trepidation--that 
service members feel when we saw Master Sergeant Walker deploy. I was 
so touched when Matt had an American flag fly over Bagram Air Field in 
Afghanistan for me, and when he sent it to me, I had it framed and 
displayed in my front office.
  Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Matt's boundless 
energy, personable demeanor, and infectious sense of humor. Over the 
years, I have been truly fortunate to benefit from Matt's indispensable 
wisdom and thoughtful guidance. I will miss his strong work ethic and 
cheerful demeanor, which have been nearly constant in my office for so 
long. Matt's strengths and attributes will serve him well as he moves 
off the Hill. I wish Matt, his wife Rhonda, and their beautiful 
children, Riley and Logan, all the best as they begin an exciting new 
chapter.

                          ____________________