[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     REMEMBERING A HERO--BOB LETTON

                                 ______


                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 1994

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, the people of Kentucky and the Nation lost a 
war hero and humble servant when Bob Letton passed away on Friday, 
March 11.
  Bob Letton was truly a war hero. Flying over 100 missions in Vietnam, 
Letton rescued many downed Air Force and Navy pilots behind enemy 
lines. He also served a 1-year tour as the commander of a Sikorsky 
helicopter unit.
  Letton attained the rank of captain and was awarded a Presidential 
Citation, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and a host of other military 
decorations for his bravery and valor.
  After returning to civilian life in 1967, Bob went to work for the 
farmers of Kentucky, starting work as a Farmers Home Administration 
[FmHA] assistant county supervisor in London. Later, he became the 
Montgomery County supervisor before moving to the State FmHA office in 
1975.
  As the State's FmHA director of community and business programs, 
Bob's work was vital to agribusinesses and other small businesses in 
Kentucky.
  In 1992, when the Rural Development Association separated from FmHA, 
Bob became the State's first RDA coordinator, where he served our 
communities, State, and country until his death.
  Bob Letton was responsible for millions of dollars of projects to 
help Kentucky. Whether it was hospitals, water projects, or helping 
farmers, Bob Letton always listened and worked as hard as he could for 
the people of Kentucky.
  Just like those downed pilots he flew missions to rescue, he rescued 
thousands of farmers, businesses, and families from disasters.
  That was Bob Letton. Giving himself and always willing to risk 
himself for others.
  Bob Letton was intelligent, fair, honest and cheerful. He was always 
positive and knew if he worked hard enough, he could make things 
happen.
  That is the definition of a great leader.
  All of his efforts focused on improving the quality of life for the 
people of Kentucky. Because of this commitment, he will be sorely 
missed.

                          ____________________