Thanking Mr. Calvin Ware for His Service to the House

Floor Speech

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Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Madam Speaker, on his retirement in September 2021, we rise today to thank Mr. Calvin Ware for his over 22 years of outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Logistics and Support Team.

Calvin began his career in 1990 working at the Smithsonian Institution, in the housekeeping department. He left to pursue other job opportunities, until he secured a job on Capitol Hill. Calvin first began working as a temporary employee with the Logistics Department in the Labor Room for about two years. He left for a brief period to work at Home Depot, then received a phone call from George Simler, a former Manager, who implored him to apply for a full-time opening in the Logistics Department. He was immediately hired, thus began his 22-year career with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

While he started in the Labor Room, Calvin was soon asked to work in the Rayburn Penthouse, where cages were stored with excess furniture, a position which required a level of responsibility and dependability. He moved around the organization, working for the Office Supply Store, reporting to John Hodges, Manager and Tom Coyne, Director.

Calvin proved himself to be a reliable employee, and as such, was tasked to work in the Logistics equipment room for several years, providing check-out access to Audio/Visual equipment, and the use of the government fleet of vehicles. It was in this position that he had a lot of access to Members and their staff. When this function was reassigned, Calvin moved over to become a Receiving and Warehousing Specialist tasked with checking on excess furniture in the hallways of the Congressional Buildings. Ironically, he is again reporting to his former Director, Tom Coyne, now the Chief Logistics Officer for Logistics & Support (L&S). It is in this position that Calvin will retire his career.

Calvin remembers back to the first CAO, Jay Eagen, who used to meet with the Logistics staff on a variety of issues. Jay developed a program for extended schooling for staff to complete their High School level education and to receive a diploma. While Calvin had previously attended Anacostia High School, he never completed his schooling. Through this opportunity, Calvin was able to complete and receive his diploma, and even considered going on to higher education, but instead elected to go to work full-time.

Calvin remembers fondly, his favorite boss, Freddie Bowles, Manager, Logistics, who retired a few years back. He credits Freddie with mentoring him and showing him the ropes. Some other bosses who also had a great impact on him were Bobby Small, Manager, Allen King, Supervisor, and Kevin Chambers, former Supervisor. He built many fond memories with this staff and credits them with enhancing his enjoyment of his government job.

One such memory that stands out is the time Mohamad Ali was scheduled to visit Capitol Hill. The entire campus was abuzz with excitement, and word was out that he was in the Cannon Caucus Room. He missed his first opportunity to see the legend but received a phone call later that day that he would be in the Capitol. When Calvin arrived for a shot of the fighter, there were mobs of people surrounding him. While on standby, he started talking to a coworker, who arranged for him to meet in a Member's office later that day, where he was able to meet the king in person had a special picture taken with Mohammed Ali and his daughter, Layla, who also became a boxer in her own right. He later met the famous singer, Glen Campbell, and ran into countless other singers and celebrities he could rarely get close to.

In reflecting over his long career, Calvin recalls just where he was on 9/11. Since he had a late arrival to work, he was home and did not have the news on. When he finally turned on the news, he saw the President talking about the unfolding tragedy. Unsure of his next move, Calvin decided to try and make it into work, but when he drew nearer to the Capitol complex, he saw the black smoke emanating from the Pentagon, and immediately turned around and returned home. During the Anthrax scare, Calvin and his team went to the undisclosed location and were tasked with building cubicles for the Members and their staff. Each Member had to have a full PC/monitor set up and Calvin was instrumental in unpacking and delivering these items and other supplies, ensuring the Legislative work of the House could successfully continue. During the earthquake of 10 years ago, Calvin was on Capitol Hill. Once he saw the room sway, he began to evacuate the building remembers the former Chief, Jerry Bennet, standing in the hallways until everyone was evacuated.

Calvin is a well-known lover of all types of music, and possesses a fine singing voice himself, honed by singing in the church choir. As a former football player, basketball player, and boxer, most people remember him as an ardent Washington Football Team fan. Calvin often came to work wearing remnants of the Washington gear and credits his love for football to his Dad, who used to play semi-Pro football, and engaged his young son into the sport. In retirement, Calvin would like to spend more time with his family, three sisters, and many children he helped to raise.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Calvin Ware for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in retirement and in pursuit of future endeavors.

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