The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN MEMORY OF CHESTER ``CHET'' MORGAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1029-E1030 on July 18, 2018.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN MEMORY OF CHESTER ``CHET'' MORGAN
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a man I have been fortunate enough to call neighbor and friend. Chester
``Chet'' Morgan, of Vernon, Connecticut, left this earth on Saturday after a lifetime of service to his community, his state and his nation. I'd like to take a few moments to reflect on his generosity and service.
Born in Manchester, CT, Chet Morgan's selfless life was inspired by President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural call to action in which he asked not what our country could do for us, but what we could do for our country. For not only his country, but also his state, town and family, Chet did a great many good works.
In addition to his career with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Chet served as a sergeant major in the 169th Infantry Battalion of the Connecticut National Guard for 30 years. He spent several of those years as his unit's First Sergeant at Connecticut's National Guard headquarters in Hartford and retired at the rank of sergeant major. It seems this line of work was Chet's true vocation and in 2017 he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame for his years of service in and outside of the Guard.
Chet felt loyalty not only to his country, but to his state. In 1976 he was elected to the Connecticut State Legislature as the representative from the 56th district, his hometown of Vernon. He served until 1983 and the highlights of his tenure include supporting important legislation that provided a greater quality of life for Connecticut's citizenry through improvements like smoke-free restaurants and free tuition for Connecticut National Guardsman attending state colleges and universities.
Chet was also a staunch advocate for working families during his time in the legislature. In the 1960s he was a member of the International Association of Machinists while employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He was a courageous leader in a difficult strike in that era, and he and his closest friend, Chuck Harlow, manned the picket lines at the height of the struggles. He enjoyed telling those stories in the later years, particularly after Chuck passed away suddenly in the 1980s.
In 1986 when I launched my first campaign for the legislative seat Chet had held earlier, he generously helped me win that race, which I will never forget. Later as a candidate for the Second Congressional District, Chet volunteered to drive me to political events and offered valuable counsel during the long hours we spent together on the road.
Chet was also very involved in local government and community organizations. He served four terms on the Vernon Town Council and was chairman of the Vernon Planning and Zoning Committee in 2011 and 2012. He was actively involved in the Connecticut State Employees Association Local 2001, the Rockville American Legion Post 14, and the Rockville Lodge of Elks No. 1359, where he was recognized as Veteran Volunteer of the Year by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.
And while I'm sure this comes as a surprise to no one, Chet was a model family man. He and his wife Sylvia celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Together they raised three children, Kevin, Daniel and Laura Beth who collectively gifted them with 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It's clear Chet impressed the importance of service upon his children and grandchildren, as several of them have followed in his footsteps of service to this country.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Chet Morgan, a man to whom we can all look as a model of leadership and service. Chet's loss will be felt for years to come but his legacy will endure for much longer.
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