[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1854-E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO VERNON H. RICKS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend Mr. Vernon H. Ricks, 
Jr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Xerox Corporation. 
Wednesday, September 30, 1998 marked the end of Vernon's remarkable 
thirty-

[[Page E1855]]

three year career with one of the world's leading corporations. In 
recognition of his exemplary years of service with Xerox, as well as 
his contributions to his community, it is a pleasure to highlight just 
a few of his many achievements with my colleagues here today.
  Vernon began his career with Xerox as an entry level technician. He 
honed his skills in several critical management areas and rose to 
become the manager of field services. Throughout his career, he has 
devoted his time to serving as a mentor to many young, aspiring African 
Americans within the Xerox family. His selfless contributions led to 
his appointment to the corporation's Affirmative Action Development 
Task Force. From that position, Vernon went on to become the Founding 
Member of the Xerox ``Corporate Few,'' the organization of Xerox's 
African American corporate executives.
  Vernon's concern for equal opportunity and community involvement 
extended far beyond the confines of the Xerox Corporation. He has 
served as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus Corporate 
Braintrust; executive director of the Federation of Corporation 
Professionals; the Montgomery County, Maryland Sensitivity Task Force, 
and the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Community Relations Task 
Force.
  Vernon Ricks' civic involvement has also been impressive. From 1972-
1980 he was a councilman on the Takoma Park, Maryland City Council and 
from 1980-82 he served as Mayor Pro-Tem of Takoma Park. In addition, he 
has been a member of the Maryland Municipal League, the National League 
of Cities and a regional director of the National Black Caucus of Local 
Elected Officials.
  As he begins a new chapter in his life, Vernon will continue his 
community involvement, serving as president of the Coalition for 
Equitable Representation in Government; the Montgomery County, Maryland 
Mentoring Task Force; Democratic Precinct Chair; and as Chairman of the 
Board of Trustees of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. A Life/Golden 
Heritage member of the NAACP, Vernon will certainly maintain his 
extensive involvement with the nation's oldest and most distinguished 
civil and human rights organization.
  In recognition of his brilliant career, Vernon has received numerous 
awards and citations from Xerox as well as from civic and 
communications organizations. Among the many awards commending his 
achievements in support of corporate and community endeavors is the 1st 
place-vocal group award he received in the Air Force Worldwide Talent 
Competition.
  Prior to joining the Xerox Corporation in 1965, the third generation 
Washington, D.C. native and McKinley Technical High School graduate was 
a well known local entertainer and singer. He went on to become a 
missile technician and teletype/crypto specialist in the United States 
Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1965.
  He is married to the lovely and equally civic minded Janet Lee and he 
has one son, Brian, who is a real estate agent in the Washington, D.C. 
area. Vernon and Janet reside in Potomac, Maryland.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to use this opportunity to 
salute the career and accomplishments of a true American role model, 
proud father and loving husband--Vernon H. Ricks, Jr. He is a man whom 
I have known and respected for many years. He is a friend and a 
gentleman; someone who has worked unselfishly on behalf of others. I 
know that his family and friends are proud of him, and I join them in 
congratulating him on a distinguished career with the Xerox 
Corporation. As he prepares to set course on yet another chapter in his 
illustrious life, I ask that you join me in extending our best wishes 
to him and Janet on a future abundant in the riches of God's love, good 
health, and much happiness.

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