[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        IN HONOR OF JOHN F. SEGREST, JR. UPON HIS 83RD BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John F. Segrest, 
Jr. on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.
  John Segrest was born and raised in Macon County, Alabama. He 
attended Tuskegee High School and was a member of the Tuskegee High 
School Football Team. After graduation in 1937, he went on to attend 
Auburn University and from there to work as a soil chemist for United 
Fruit Company in Costa Rica.
  In 1941, he returned to Macon County to join the Air Force, feeling 
it important to fulfill his duty to his country. John Segrest flew his 
first mission in September of 1942 as a member of the 92nd Bomber Group 
and the 327th Squadron. Two weeks later, he was in an airplane that was 
hit by enemy fire. They were able to return to England, and despite the 
fact that he was injured, John Segrest put his men first. Forth this, 
he won the Air Medal and one Oak Leaf Cluster. On April 17, 1943, he 
was shot down over Germany and was taken as a Prisoner of War. He spent 
the next two years as a prisoner of war in Stalag 3. For this, he 
earned the Purple Heart and another Oak Leaf Cluster. He was discharged 
from the Air Force in 1946 and returned to Tuskegee, Alabama, and 
Auburn University where he completed his college degree.
  John Segrest settled down in Macon County, married Frances Cobb and 
worked for the Macon County Extension Service from 1946 until 1957. In 
1958, he became Postmaster of Tuskegee, a position he held until 1981, 
when he retired to take care of his mother. Since his retirement, Mr. 
Segrest has become even more actively involved in politics. Finally, 
this year, he has decided to retire as Chairman of the Macon County 
Republican Party.
  I salute the life of John F. Segrest, Jr. and his service to his 
country, his state and his community.

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