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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E846-E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA D. EVANS
______
HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to someone
who has made a significant impact here in this proud institution for
the past four decades. For the past twelve years, my office and I have
been extremely fortunate to have Patricia ``Tricia'' Evans on our
staff.
Tricia is from Westchester, New York, and to say she is a proud New
Yorker is putting it mildly. She's also an Irish Catholic through and
through--all the way down to being a devout meat and potatoes eater--
except, of
[[Page E847]]
course, on Fridays during Lent. After graduating from Iona College,
Tricia taught first grade at Good Shepherd School for a few years
before shifting to politics. In the summer of 1979, Tricia launched her
career on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant for conservative stalwart
and fellow New Yorker Jack Kemp. Prior to joining my office, Tricia
served a number of House Members, including dedicated tenures serving
my former California colleague Elton Gallegly and Arizonan J.D.
Hayworth.
In 2007, I was incredibly fortunate to have a seasoned staff member
like Tricia join my office. When she first came on board, Tricia wasn't
exactly a big fan of flying, especially cross county to our district in
California. But after we introduced her to In-N-Out Burger she became
more open to flying out West--it's amazing how a Double-Double can ease
anxieties. We never quite converted her from a New Yorker to a
Californian, but I'd like to think she will always carry within her a
little piece of the Golden State.
As Tricia winds up her time in my office to take on a new
opportunity, it's impossible to sum up her immense contributions. Of
all my constituents whom she has helped, I think that the folks from
the Monday Morning Group will miss her the most. I know Tricia
rightfully takes great pride in her efforts to secure passage of the 9/
11 Memorial Act into law. She was deeply and personally touched by the
9/ 11 attack as a native New Yorker and by the loss of her friend, Navy
Captain Bob Dolan, who was killed at the Pentagon on that tragic day.
Tricia took the ''Never Forget'' refrain and put it into action to
honor her friend Bob and all who perished. Tricia has also been
involved in helping the Capitol Concerts that take place on the Hill
every year on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. All Americans who
enjoy these patriotic events can thank Tricia for working overtime to
ensure their success.
Tricia loves her country and everything Disney. There is also no
bigger fan of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Selleck or Joe Namath. But nothing
in her life comes close to her love for her two children: Shannon and
Patrick. They are an incredibly close and loving family, which can be
attested to by me and my Chief of Staff who can't help but overhear
regular calls from each of the kids that always end with, ``I love
you.'' I won't say that these calls happen too frequently, but I have
developed a nervous tick whenever I hear her cell phone ring tone.
Seriously though, Tricia's love for and dedication to her children are
a testament to her fine character. I will deeply miss her and her
selflessness, loyalty and impassioned devotion to supporting me and my
office. I look forward to my continued friendship with Tricia and wish
her, Shannon, and Patrick, the very best in all their future endeavors.
Godspeed.
____________________
