Recognizing Kathy Logue

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Kathy Logue has made through her volunteerism at Bay Area Legal Services. After serving in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. Kathy Logue began her career as an elementary school teacher in Chicago. A lifelong learner, she pursued her legal education at Chicago-Kent College of Law, part of the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she earned her law degree. Kathy was subsequently admitted to the Illinois Bar, practicing law for 39 years before relocating to Florida, where she joined the Florida Bar in 2009 and continued her legal career for an additional 14 years. Kathy has since retired from practicing law but remains active in her donation of time and legal expertise to the community. She is an active member of both the Illinois and Florida bars and remains in the retired reserves of the U.S. Army, ready to serve her country again if needed. Throughout her journey, Kathy has remained deeply committed to education and community service. Drawing on her experiences as a teacher, she has dedicated her retirement years to volunteering and substitute teaching in local schools. Additionally, Kathy has been actively involved with the New Port Richey VA Center, offering her time weekly to support veterans. She also volunteers with the Salvation Army of Pasco County's Domestic Violence Program each week, helping survivors navigate the legal process by reviewing and drafting petitions for Injunctions for Protection at the West Pasco Judicial Center. Kathy acts as a link between these clients in need and Bay Area Legal Services. She provides written referrals and assists in connecting the client with vital legal services and with follow-up to ensure victims are never alone in what can be a daunting process of fleeing abuse and obtaining protections. In addition to her dedication to volunteering with the VA and DV programs, Kathy is highly involved in the West Pasco Bar Association and has put her legal skills to use by participating in the West Pasco Bar Association's ``Ask a Lawyer'' program. In this role, she engaged with the public on law-related questions, providing invaluable support to individuals, families, and businesses. Kathy sponsors a legal aid paralegal membership for the West Pasco Bar Association and has worked to expand membership for legal services staff. Kathy Logue's dedication, compassion, and service to her country, her community, and countless clients are truly inspiring. She is undeniably deserving of recognition for her outstanding pro bono volunteer work. Over the past ten years, in retirement from her full time professional life, Kathy has provided over 400 hours of pro bono service to her community, sometimes dealing with personal health challenges along the way.

It is clear Lt. Colonel Kathy Logue has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

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