[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2522-2523]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JEFFREY CHEATHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK SANFORD

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2014

  Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Jeffrey 
Cheatham, who died on October 3, 2013, at the age of 51. His mother and 
my friend, Patricia McVay, tells me that his life was full of adventure 
and love, and he will be missed by many. As I thought about how 
challenging this time is for Jeff's family and friends, a few thoughts 
struck me.
  First, I couldn't help but think of the parable of the talents, and 
how that story reminds us that we ought to make the most out of what we 
are given each and every day. The parable describes a master who 
traveled away and left his money with his servants. Upon his return, he 
discovers that two of his servants invested and doubled the value of 
their portions, while one servant hid the money and protected it. The 
master rewarded the two who made the most of their time and his wealth, 
and punished the one who didn't take advantage of the opportunity. The 
bigger picture here is simple--we all have limited time, and we have to 
make the most out of what we are given.
  I think Jeff's approach to life and those around him is a good 
example of that. From what I've been told, Jeff lived a life that was 
truly in service to others, and he made the most out of his time. His 
good attitude, jokes and infectious smile were known to many, and I was 
told several stories of how he took a friend's parents to chemo then 
treated them to a lunch after, or how, when he was in school, he gave 
lunch money to a classmate, or even just how his smile could really 
light up a room. The gift of life is significant, and there can be an 
even greater gift in truly living and making the most of your time--as 
Malcom Forbes' tombstone says: ``While alive, he lived.''
  Second, Jeff's passing should also serve as a reminder of the many 
challenges and difficulties faced by those who choose to put on the 
military uniform. Coming from a military

[[Page 2523]]

family and serving four years in the Air Force, Jeff was no stranger to 
those challenges, and as such, we should honor and remember the 
sacrifices he and all our service members make.
  I have no doubt that Jeff leaves behind many fond memories with his 
friends and family, especially his three children, Jenna, Kylie, and 
Phillip. I join his family in being saddened by this loss, but I'm 
comforted in knowing that there are many people out there who got to 
experience Jeff's kindness, and who will miss him dearly.

                          ____________________