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[Pages S1434-S1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO TOM FONTANA
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would like to offer my congratulations
to Tom Fontana, special assistant to the CEO for the U.S. Capitol
Visitor Center, CVC, on his retirement after 30 years of Federal
service.
Tom began his career at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1988. He
was responsible for communications for one of the Corps' largest
projects, the renovation of the Pentagon in the 1990s. He eventually
joined the U.S. Department of Defense, where he continued working to
successfully completing the project. Tom was at the Pentagon on
September 11, 2001, when a plane hijacked by terrorist crashed into the
building.
While Tom had just accepted a position with the Architect of the
Capitol, AOC, to manage communications for the construction phase of
the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, due to the tragedy, he remained in his
position at the Pentagon to lend assistance before assuming his role
with the CVC in 2001.
[[Page S1435]]
Throughout the construction of the CVC, Tom provided countless tours
and briefings to Members of Congress, including leadership and their
staff. Given his depth of knowledge, responsiveness, and evenhandedness
through that challenging time, Tom earned great respect from the
Members of Congress and the media in Washington.
In 2008, Tom subsequently assumed the role of director of
communications and marketing for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Under
Tom's leadership, the CVC communications division expanded from
providing the basics of a startup operation, to providing a wide range
of communications to help visitors learn about the Capitol and workings
of Congress. He has always looked for ways to take advantage of new
technologies to engage visitors, students in particular, about
Congress's history. Under his leadership, the first AOC apps were
developed, and one of them received a national award for its
innovation.
For many Members of Congress, dignitaries, AOC, and CVC staff, Tom is
the authoritative voice on the Capitol Visitor Center. He is widely
respected for his unique knowledge about the Capitol building and
grounds. From presenting inspiring tours to engaging visitors who are
simply seeking directions, he personifies an experience all visitors
expect when they come to the U.S. Capitol. Tom is an ambassador for the
CVC, the Capitol, and Congress without equal.
Tom has also been an incredible asset to me and my office throughout
his leadership at the CVC. Every year, I host a unique dinner on
Capitol Hill for governmental leaders from all over the continent of
Africa, including heads of state, legislators, and cabinet members.
Ambassadors and guests who are key leaders in Africa also attend, along
with several U.S. legislators. Prior to the dinner, we provide the
guests with a tour of the Capitol to learn more about our Capitol
building and the workings of Congress. Throughout all of the years I
have held the tour and dinner, Tom has gone above and beyond what was
required to make our guests feel welcome and to ensure that everything
runs smoothly. His role in the success of our event has become so
essential that, several years ago, we began inviting Tom to the dinner
not only to support it, but to take part in it.
Tom leaves big shoes to fill. My Senate colleagues and I appreciate
Tom's hard work and commitment to our Capitol and country. He will be
missed, but I wish him all the best in his retirement.
____________________