February 14, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S1379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BRENDAN MACKIE

  Mr. COONS, Madam President, I rise to recognize with gratitude the 
dedicated service of Jeffrey Brendan Mackie to Delawareans as a member 
of my constituent services staff. Brendan is smart, funny, kind, and 
creative, with a deep respect for our Nation's history and institution 
and a genuine, intense passion for public service.
  Over the past 5\1/2\ years, Brendan has put the needs and challenges 
of people from across Delaware first. Brendan worked on my constituent 
outreach and communication teams, serving as veterans advocate, staff 
photographer, and press assistant. In total, Brendan resolved more than 
1,500 cases for constituents and in his last year alone produced more 
than 350 documents and postings for our communications team.
  Brendan has also served with distinction in the U.S. Army, Delaware 
National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, twice overseas in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as a first 
responder following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Maria, and served 
as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Corporation for National and 
Community Service.
  Brendan's ability to balance his workload while focusing on his own 
professional development was equally admirable. While on my team, he 
graduated from Wilmington University in 2014, Officer Candidate Schoo1 
in 2015, Military Intelligence School in 2016, and Air Assault School 
in 2017. These milestones have strengthened Brendan's capacity as a 
leader and have increased his knowledge of defense and intelligence 
matters.
  Tomorrow, Brendan will finish his service with my Senate office and 
soon after will join the staff of the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, where I know he will be a zealous advocate for members of the 
military and veteran community. His colleagues--now friends--who enjoy 
his wit and wisdom will miss him. While we will miss his regular 
anecdotes laced with historical references, we know we will continue to 
enjoy his ``on this day'' Facebook posts and updates as he continues to 
read biographies on every American president.
  In sum, Brendan stood out amongst my staff and demonstrated a level 
of intelligence, analytical ability, character, and a devotion that 
will serve him well in the future. I will miss his insights and his 
constant focus on making things better for the constituents we serve, 
and I look forward to hearing about his successes to come.

                          ____________________