[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 10510-10511]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DOMNELIA ``NELLEN'' BUDD

  Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Nellen Budd, my 
longtime office manager and dedicated staffer whose patience, 
organizational skills and kindness have served the people of Alaska 
very well for many years. She has listened to thousands of Alaskans on 
the phone and in person, and directed many people toward help when they 
needed it most.
  Nearly 40 years ago, a young professional named Domnelia ``Nellen'' 
Regal, traveled from the Philippines to the United States to realize a 
dream. Nellen married Larry Budd and raised three sons in Alaska: Earl, 
Don and Evan Budd. All three of her sons currently serve in the U.S. 
military, as does her daughter-in-law Kay. As a working mother, Nellen 
balanced home, social, church and career responsibilities with finesse 
and gained an excellent reputation as an esteemed professional.
  For 25 years, Nellen greeted the people of Anchorage and kept city 
hall running smoothly while working in the mayor's office. Between 2003 
and 2009, during my tenure as mayor, Nellen was there for me every day. 
After I was elected to the Senate, Nellen moved across downtown 
Anchorage from city

[[Page 10511]]

hall to the Senate. She managed my Anchorage regional office, and she 
continued to be a dedicated public servant and valuable part of my 
staff.
  Nellen is known as ``Lola'' to her grandchildren and to a few others 
who are lucky enough to know her well. For years she has served as an 
articulate emcee and featured dancer at Maharlika, an annual cultural 
celebration of the Filipino community of Anchorage.
  Nellen Budd is kind, considerate and gracious. She has a keen fashion 
sense and has modeled professional decorum for many interns and young 
staffers. Nellen is the example of courtesy, style and conduct and has 
mentored many people including, I am certain, a few future executives 
and legislators.
  While Nellen is retiring from official public service, I know she 
will stay busy as a volunteer and grandmother. I encourage her to relax 
and enjoy Alaska and all of her friends and family--and to not work too 
hard. Nellen is a bright shining star in our community, and my wife 
Deborah and I thank her for all of her years of hard work and 
dedication. Salamat, Nellen.

                          ____________________