[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIE L. STRAIN

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Mr. William L. Strain, Assistant Director of the Communications 
Department at the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. On March 31, 
Mr. Strain retired from the extension service after 45 years and two 
months of service.
  Mr. Strain is a native of Morgan County, Alabama and a graduate of 
Morgan City Training School in Hartselle, Alabama. He graduated with 
honors from Tuskegee Institute where he received his Bachelor of 
Science and Master of Education degrees. He also completed his Master 
of Science degree in Agricultural Journalism at the University of 
Wisconsin. In addition to Mr. Strain's academic accomplishments, he 
served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air 
Force.
  In 1958, Mr. Strain served the people of Alabama as an Assistant 
Negro County Agent in Butler County. He went on to serve similar 
positions in Coosa and Tuscaloosa Counties respectively. In 1971, he 
served as the plaintiff in the civil action landmark court case Strain 
vs. Philpot, which establish the tone to bring about equal opportunity 
for Extension minority employees and clients, throughout Alabama and 
the rest of the nation.
  Ever since that landmark case, Mr. Strain continued to dedicate his 
life to improvements in the Extension Service. He served as a member of 
numerous professional associations and has received many awards for his 
outstanding leadership in higher education, development of community 
relations and professional involvement in local, state and national 
levels.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to add that I am honored to stand here 
today and congratulate Mr. Willie Strain. He was a trailblazer in his 
field and paved the way for many African-Americans.

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