[Page S4018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. STEVEN T. REED

<bullet> Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, on behalf of the people of 
Mississippi, I submit this statement into the Congressional Record to 
honor the public service of Dr. Steven T. Reed. In his professional and 
personal capacities, Dr. Reed has gone above and beyond for the good of 
his community.
  In 1991, Dr. Reed graduated from the University of Southern 
Mississippi with highest honors and a degree in biochemistry. He 
pursued further studies at the Southern College of Optometry, receiving 
a doctor of optometry. After completing his education, he embraced the 
entrepreneur's life by opening his own clinic in Magee, MS.
  Over the years, countless Mississippians have benefited from Dr. 
Reed's expertise. He reached even more of his neighbors when he opened 
additional clinic locations in nearby cities.
  Despite the demands of running a business, Dr. Reed has consistently 
found time to help those around him. He is a member of the Magee Lion's 
Club, and he stepped up to lead the Magee Chamber of Commerce. At his 
church, Dr. Reed chaired the stewardship committee and served as a 
deacon.
  The optometry community has repeatedly demonstrated its respect for 
Dr. Reed. His colleagues have placed him in numerous leadership 
positions at a variety of organizations, including but not limited to 
the Congress of the American Optometric Association--AOA--and the 
Mississippi Optometric Association, MOA. In both 2010 and 2016, Dr. 
Reed received the MOA's James P. Brownlee Optometrist of the Year 
Award.
  This year, he will assume the presidency of the AOA, the first 
Mississippian to be named to the role. His activities as president-
elect characterize his charitable instincts. Today, he is helping lead 
the ``Eye Deserve More'' campaign, which encourages the public to sign 
up for eye examinations. It is out of gratitude for that spirit of 
service that I praise Dr. Reed today in the Congressional 
Record.<bullet>

                          ____________________