[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S942-S943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JACK VAN HOOSER

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, at the end of this month, Jack Van 
Hooser the Commissioner for Rehabilitation Services for the State of 
Tennessee is retiring after thirty-five years of dedicated service. 
Throughout his career, Jack has been a tireless servant of the State of 
Tennessee and has worked to empower individuals with disabilities to 
achieve independence and gain employment. Jack's record of achievement 
is impressive. In 1996, under his direction, the Tennessee Vocational 
Rehabilitation Program served 26,032 individuals with disabilities of 
which 81 percent were severely disabled. Of the individuals, served 
5,820 were successfully employed with more than 90 percent of them 
working in the competitive labor market. The annualized income of these 
5,820 individuals, once they entered the work force increased from 
$8.732 million to $64.233 million. I am proud of Jack's leadership and 
the achievement of his agency.
  Jack began to develop the strong leadership skills that have 
transcended through his distinguished career while attending Columbia 
High School in Columbia, Tennessee. At Columbia High, Jack was elected 
President of the Student Body, and served as the captain of the 
football, baseball and basketball teams. In football, Jack was All-
State for two years and made the All-Southern and All-American teams.
  After High School, Jack attended Tennessee Tech where he met his wife 
of forty-three years, Wanda with whom he has two sons, Jay and Dave. He 
continued his sports career at Tennessee Tech where he played football 
and baseball. As Tennessee Tech's quarterback he made the All-
Conference Team and the little All-American Football Team. Jack served 
in the United States Army for two years upon graduation.
  Jack went back to school and earned a master's degree from the 
University of Tennessee after his military service and was a teacher 
and athletic coach in Lake City, Florida and Isaac Litton High School 
in Nashville. Even today, serving as a softball coach, his passion for 
sports and coaching is evident.
  In 1960, Jack began his service to the citizens of Tennessee with the 
Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services. He started as a 
Disabilities Examiner, helping individuals with disabilities get their 
benefits. Jack, went on to supervise, train and develop the staff of 
the Division of Rehabilitation Services. As I review Jack's record of 
achievement, I notice that he has held several important positions that 
touched all aspects of the program until he ultimately headed the 
program in 1995. I am proud of his dedication to help Tennesseans with 
disabilities achieve employment, to help give them opportunity and 
independence. That caring and dedication should serve as an example to 
us all as we carry out the critical work of the United States Senate.
  Friday, Jack Van Hooser will retire. He will spend more time with his 
wife and family. I have no doubt that he will also teach his four 
granddaughters, not only how to play softball, but teach them how to be 
leaders and serve their fellow citizens with the dignity and respect he 
has for so many years.

[[Page S943]]



                          ____________________