HONORING THE LATE LAURENCE BUTLER ``LARRY'' DILLARD

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Laurence Butler ''Larry'' Dillard, my longtime Communications Director, trusted advisor and childhood friend. Larry passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2011.

Larry was born on June 8, 1951 in Newport News, Virginia. He attended Hampton High School and Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). He went on to earn his degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he became the proud charter member of the Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

I have known Larry since Little League Baseball. We grew up in St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Newport News and he later covered me as a reporter for WRIC-Channel 8 in Richmond when I served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

A decade before joining my congressional office in Washington, Larry's first stint on Capitol Hill was with another Virginian, Republican Congressman Tom Bliley of Richmond. A few years later, Larry worked for the Republican National Committee and Senator John Warner's reelection campaign.

Larry must have had a political change of heart or he simply wanted to help an old friend because he joined my campaign staff when I first ran for Congress in 1992. After the election, he joined my congressional office and became one of my most trusted advisors, Communications Director, and Capitol Hill scheduler. For eighteen and a half years, the many people who have interacted with my office got to know Larry very well. He made every visitor feel as if they were the most important person to ever visit my office, especially the shipbuilders. As one of several members of his family who worked at the Newport News Shipyard, he was always a perfect host for shipyard workers when they visited Washington. Additionally, Larry was affectionately known as the ''Mayor of Capitol Hill.'' From congressional staff to Members of Congress to the many support personnel on Capitol Hill, everyone came to know and love Larry because Larry truly cared about them. Hundreds of Hill staff and young people have been touched by Larry's mentorship and advice. He embodied the true meaning of a Virginia gentleman.

Larry helped me accomplish a lot for my constituents and his fellow Virginians. He helped secure funding for Hampton University's Proton Cancer Center and fought for justice for America's black farmers. He was a historian and was famous for his tours of the Capitol. He was also an enthusiastic advocate for the recognition of the 14 African Americans who were awarded Medals of Honor at New Market Heights in Henrico, Virginia during the Civil War. Larry was also very active with the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington.

There are no words to describe the profound loss and sorrow that pervades all those who had the good fortune to know Larry. He will be remembered as a tireless worker, devoted friend, brother, father, husband and mentor to many. Larry was a passionate history buff, avid Yankees fan, fountain of knowledge, skillful diplomat and the consummate spokesperson.

Larry passed away doing what he loved the most--touring one of his favorite historic Civil War sites, Fort Monroe. I was on that tour with Senator MARK WARNER. We got the official presentation in the front of the bus, but everybody in the back of the bus got the real scoop from Larry Dillard. He will be thought about often and sorely missed.

My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his wife Sherry, his son Brandon, his brother Randy and the entire Dillard family.