In Honor of Tillie Fowler, Former Member of Congress
IN HONOR OF TILLIE FOWLER, FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS -- (House of Representatives - March 08, 2005)
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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to participate in the tributes in memory of former Congresswoman Tillie Fowler. Although she retired before I entered Congress, I was fortunate to work with her
while campaigning for my predecessor, former Congressman Floyd Spence. As Spence Campaign Manager in 1998, I learned firsthand of Tillie's warm and convincing personality. Her enthusiastic endorsement of Congressman Spence made her a hero of the Second District of South Carolina and propelled Congressman Spence to tremendous victory.
Tillie was a gracious friend and diligent public servant. She once remarked that she tried to live by her father's guidance "don't try to be popular. Just do the right thing." In following his advice, she became one of the most well respected and effective members of Congress. Through her quiet tenacity and steady leadership, Tillie solved difficult problems and achieved tremendous successes. She was committed to protecting Florida's bases, helping America's military families, and enabling our men and women in uniform to successfully defend our country. As we fight the War on Terrorism today, Tillie's accomplishments are more relevant than ever.
True to her word, Tillie retired after eight years of service in the House of Representatives. She continued to serve her country as Chairman of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. She was awarded the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the Department of Defense.
Tillie also possessed an extraordinary sense of purpose and a profound understanding of what matters most in life. Her dedication to her family and her friends was possibly her most admirable quality. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Buck and her daughters, Elizabeth and Tillie.
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