[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          TED W. MYATT RETIRES

                                 ______


                      HON. G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 24, 1995

  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, on March 31, Ted W. Myatt will retire 
after almost 19 years as Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Regional Office in Houston, TX. Since August 1, 1976, when Ted became 
director, he has served the veterans of southern Texas with resolute 
dedication and sound leadership.
  Theodore ``Ted'' W. Myatt was born and reared in Johnson County in 
north central Texas. He graduated from Decatur Baptist College and 
received his Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University Law School in 
1955. He served as an enlisted man in the 2d and 5th Armored Divisions 
of the U.S. Army in 1948 and 1949. Ted served two terms in the Texas 
House of Representatives, 1956-59, representing the 61st Legislative 
District--Johnson, Hood, and Somervell counties. He served as county 
judge of Johnson County from 1959 to 1964. Ted resigned in 1964 to 
accept an appointment as deputy chief counsel, Area Redevelopment 
Administration, Department of Commerce, here in Washington. He later 
joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington as a staff 
attorney in the Office of the General Counsel.
  Ted returned to Texas with the VA serving as chief attorney and 
district counsel at the Waco Regional Office from 1968 to 1976, at 
which time he was appointed Director of the Houston Regional Office. 
This is one of VA's largest regional operations covering the southern 
half of Texas and American veterans residing in Mexico.
  One of Ted's many extraordinary accomplishments is the development of 
the state-of-the-art regional office now being constructed on the 
grounds of the VA medical center in Houston. For the major part of his 
directorship, Ted worked unceasingly to secure approval and funding for 
this collocation project. Ted was committed to ensuring that regional 
office employees would be housed in a modern, stimulating work 
environment before he left the VA. In spite of many challenges and 
difficulties, Ted, with the help of many in central office, the area 
field director's office, and his own employees, finally achieved 
success.
  This facility is the first to be developed by a private developer 
under the ``enhanced use'' legislation signed into law a few years ago. 
Collocation of VA regional offices on the campus of VA medical centers 
is a goal I have personally supported for many years. Ted has kept me 
advised of his progress from the beginning and, when I last visited 
Houston, gave me a tour of the site. The facility will be dedicated 
later this year, and the veterans of southern Texas will be the 
beneficiaries of this facility for decades to come.
  Mr. Speaker, to show their appreciation for the outstanding 
leadership of Ted Myatt, the current and former employees of the 
regional office will dedicate the conference room in the new building 
in Ted's honor. What better gesture could be made of one's worth and 
value. Ted has always been known for his strong support for those who 
work under his direction, and this wonderful gesture clearly 
demonstrates his staff's affection and respect for Ted.
  Mr. Speaker, Ted Myatt has been one of VA's very best regional office 
directors. Respected for his integrity and professionalism, Ted has 
testified before our committee many times, and those of us serving on 
the Veterans' Affairs Committee have greatly benefited from his 
counsel. We shall miss him.
  Ted has two children, Wade Barkley Myatt of Bryan, TX, and Jeanne 
Melissa Myatt of Houston. Ted's lovely wife is the former Ana Proa of 
Gonzales, TX. As he leaves the Department of Veterans Affairs on March 
31, we wish for him, Ana and the family, much happiness and the very 
best always.


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