[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN Q. HAMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend John Q. Hammons, who is 
well known in the Ozarks and beyond for accomplishments that have 
affected the lives of many in countless ways. Mr. Hammons has deep 
roots in southwest Missouri. He was born in Newton County and after 
finishing high school Mr. Hammons attended Monett Junior College and 
Southwest Missouri State University where he completed his bachelor's 
degree. HIs adult road to success began at Cassville High as a teacher 
and coach, and then as a cost engineer for the Alaska Highway. He 
served his country in World War II as a lieutenant (jg) on Navy troop 
transports in both the Atlantic and the Pacific.
  Living in southwest Missouri it is difficult to not be aware of the 
many real estate developments his vision has produced. Some outstanding 
projects include the Glen Isle Center, Southern Hills, Village Garden 
Apartments, Kimberling City, University Plaza Hotel, the Springfield 
Trade and Convention Center, Highland Springs Country Club, and the 
Hammons Towers. His most recent and highly recognized development is 
the Chateau on the Lake Hotel and Convention Center near Table Rock 
Dam, a resort likely to receive national renown. His business ventures 
have provided a multitude of jobs and opportunities. John Q. 
demonstrated his commitment to community improvements by donating the 
land and the supporting architectural services for the recently built 
headquarters for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
  John Q. is well known to many outside the business community through 
his contributions to education, the arts, athletics, and medicine. In 
the field of education Mr. Hammons has generously given back to 
Southwest Missouri State University including the Hammons House 
dormitory and the Hammons Student Center, where 9,000 watch Bears 
basketball. At Drury College he helped to initiate the support and the 
ensuing construction of the Hammons School of Architecture. He was one 
of the founders of the Springfield Public Schools Foundation Challenge 
Grants to increase their computer technology and provide for the 
distribution of the Springfield News Leader and USA Today in the 
classroom.
  John and his wife, Juanita, recognized the need to continue the 
development of the arts and gave major contributions to help build the 
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at Southwest Missouri 
State University. For those individuals who enjoy public television the 
Hammons provided the founder's gift to establish the Ozarks Public 
Television station and they have continued their support with Challenge 
Grants.
  For the sports enthusiast, he donated the land and five million 
dollars to build the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame to help recognize 
those in Missouri who have excelled athletically. Those individuals in 
need of medical assistance have been especially thankful to Mr. Hammons 
for his donations to the St. Johns Regional Health Center which have 
included the Hammons Life Line emergency helicopter, a heart wing and 
the Hammons Heart Institute.
  It would be easy to mention many other notable accomplishments but 
perhaps it is enough to remember that he has reached each of these 
goals one day at a time with persistence and hard work. We thank John 
Q. Hammons for his contributions and his examples.

                          ____________________