[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOHN RYLAND EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to say a few words in tribute 
to John Ryland Edwards, a superb soldier and educator, who is retiring 
after 22 years of service to Wentworth Military Academy.
  Born in Lexington, MO, John Edwards graduated from the University of 
Missouri with a BS in Education. In 1955, he became a teacher and coach 
at Henrietta, MO, High School, but joined the United States Army one 
year later. From 1956 to 1976, Mr. Edwards served his country in the 
U.S. Army while stationed in Texas, Alaska, Colorado, Indiana, 
Washington, DC, Vietnam, and Okinawa. During his tenure in the Army, he 
worked as an Adjutant General Corps Sports Director, an Assistant Army 
Service Officer, a Special Service Officer, an Administrative Officer, 
a Recreational Services Officer, an Adjutant General, the Director of 
Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Office, Army Project Officer 
for the Presidential Reception honoring Vietnam veterans, Director of 
U.S. Army Sports Program, Officer in Charge of U.S. Armed Forces 
basketball team, and the Army Representative to the 1976 Olympics. John 
Edwards retired from active duty in 1976, with the Legion of Merit 
award, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf 
Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf 
Clusters), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and 
the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  Following his active duty career, John Edwards moved back to his 
hometown of Lexington, MO, to serve at Wentworth Military Academy. 
During his 22-year tenure at Wentworth, John served as Operations 
Officer, Special Events Coordinator, Project Officer, Athletic Director 
and basketball coach, Alumni Director, Adult Education Director, and 
Interim Superintendent. John has provided superior leadership at 
Wentworth, and has worked with every department on campus. He served as 
the man behind the scenes who made every event work with precision.
  In addition to his military career, John Edwards has participated in 
many community activities. He is a member of the Lexington, MO, Lions 
Club, Lafayette Regional Health Center Board of Trustees, Lexington 
Area Chamber of Commerce Board (serving as President for one term), 
Lafayette County Health Department Board, and Member of Turners. He has 
received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and Lion of the Year Award, as 
well as the Lexington Outstanding Leadership Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in paying 
tribute to John Ryland Edwards, an outstanding Missourian. His career 
in the United States Army and at Wentworth Military Academy, combined 
with superb community service, make him a role model for young military 
and civic leaders.

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