Recognizing Devin Scillian's Service to the Nation and His Community

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Devin Scillian of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement from WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit. As a local news anchor, his steady presence and informative programs have been a stalwart part of life in Southeastern Michigan for the last twenty-eight years, and his service to his community is worthy of commendation.

Devin was born in Kansas in 1963 to Billie Hugh and Betti Jo Scillian. His late father earned four bronze stars and a Meritorious Service Medal over two tours in Vietnam. His mother, a writer with a history in community theater, he credits with being his creative spark. Devin started dating his wife, Corey, while they were in high school after his family moved off base at Fort Riley, Kansas.

After graduating from the School of Journalism at the University of Kansas in 1985, Devin began his career in local news at WIBW in Topeka, Kansas. This was followed by stops at WAND in Decatur, Illinois, KLTV in Tyler, Texas, and KFOR in Oklahoma City. It was at KFOR in 1995 where his coverage of the bombing at the Murrah Federal Building helped the station win a Peabody Award,

Devin joined WDIV in Detroit in 1995 as a reporter before moving to the anchor position in 1996. In this position he has traveled the world, including stops in Beijing, the Vatican, Jerusalem, and Moscow. He has covered six Olympiads and has three times won the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in broadcast journalism. His weekly program, Flashpoint, has become almost mandatory viewing for those who wish to be in the know for the most pressing issues in Southeastern Michigan. He has used his position to champion charities, whether that is hosting a dinner for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, collecting shoes for Lace Up Detroit, or recording a song for ``A Michigan Christmas of Hope''--a compilation of Christmas songs brought to you by some of Detroit & Michigan's Best artists and bands to benefit Holy Cross Children's Services.

Outside of his career in local news, Devin is also an accomplished musician. He won the Detroit Music Award for Best Country Vocalist in 2018 and Best Country Performer in 2001. He and his band ``Arizona Son'' have opened for artists such as Toby Kieth, Reba McEntire, and LeAnn Rimes. He is also the author of 22 children's books, including S is For Sunflower, which won the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award in 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Devin Scillian for the lifetime of dedication to his community. From Kansas to Michigan, his consistent and reliable reporting has a boon for the community which he is serving. Though we are sad to see him leave, he is certainly going to continue to be a presence in our lives through his music and his writing. We thank him for his service and wish him all the happiness as he starts this next chapter in his life. I thank Devin.

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