Recognizing the Exemplary Service of Mr. Barry Chastain

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding citizen, Mr. Barry Chastain, a remarkable individual who has devoted over 38 years to federal service. Currently serving as the Area Port Director for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in North Carolina, Mr. Chastain's contributions to the Carolinas and our Nation are immeasurable. In his capacity as the Area Port Director, Mr. Chastain shoulders the responsibility of overseeing six international ports of entry in North Carolina, where he manages a workforce of more than 150 dedicated employees. These ports collectively process over 3.5 million passengers and handle over 4 billion dollars in imported goods annually. Under his vigilant leadership, the seamless flow of legitimate trade coexists with stringent security measures to safeguard our national interests. Mr. Chastain serves as the senior CBP representative to all federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in North Carolina. His ability to foster cooperation and collaboration among these agencies is integral to the safety and well- being of our citizens.

Mr. Chastain's illustrious career extends beyond his current role. His previous leadership assignments within the United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection and Quarantine Division in North Carolina exemplify his unwavering dedication to protecting our agricultural and biological resources. He also served as the Officer in Charge in South Carolina and Eastern Georgia, where he provided leadership and innovation to shield our natural resources from invasive plant pests and foreign animal diseases.

Mr. Chastain's career within Customs and Border Protection includes various leadership roles, such as serving as the Assistant Area Port Director for Trade Operations and the Assistant Area Port Director for Passenger and Tactical Operations. In these roles, he managed international passenger clearance programs, trade processing, maritime and military clearance operations, and led all CBP enforcement programs for the Area Port of Charlotte.

Mr. Chastain's commitment to national and regional security extends to his involvement in high-profile national projects, including the Democratic National Convention, the G-8 Summit, and numerous FEMA Region IV hurricane response events. His capacity to manage complex and critical tasks on a large scale is a valuable asset to our nation. Moreover, Mr. Chastain has excelled in establishing stakeholder partnerships and currently serves as an Executive Steering Committee Member of the North Carolina Joint Terrorist Task Force (JTTF). His contributions to this task force are crucial to our state's security efforts. Mr. Chastain's outstanding career in federal service, his commitment to national security, and his exemplary leadership in Customs and Border Protection are truly commendable. The Carolinas and our Nation are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for his remarkable service.

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