[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF ROBERT ``BUD'' RALSTON UPON HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my 
colleagues:
  Bud Ralston has spent his life serving the people. He was born in 
McConnelsville on March 30th, 1926 and came to Caldwell in 1936 when 
his father purchased a drugstore which his mother continued to operate 
after his father's death later that same year.
  At the age of 17, Bud joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He served in the 
77th Special Infantry Company from 1950 to 1964 and attained the rank 
of Platoon Sergeant.
  In 1948, he returned to Caldwell to help his mother run the 
drugstore. After his mother's death in 1962, Bud continued to operate 
the business until 1986. In 1957, he purchased Wehr's Clothing Store, 
which came to be known as ``Bud's Clothing.''
  Bud served as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was the 
first WWII Commander of the 5th District in the State of Ohio.
  His community involvement continued as a member of the Caldwell 
Volunteer Fire Department from 1948-1990, serving as Fire Chief for 18 
years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine 
and the United Methodist Church. Bud has also been active with the 
Board of Directors of the Noble County Chamber of Commerce, of which he 
served as President, as well as the Caldwell Athletic Boosters.
  Since 1992, Bud has served as the mayor of Caldwell. During this 
time, he has upgraded the sewer and water plants, built the water tower 
and lines to the state prison and was instrumental in obtaining the 
Noble Correctional Institution. Additionally, Bud has overseen the 
pavement of many streets and alleys, planted over 250 trees, installed 
new water lines to surrounding areas and helped the village become a 
showplace in the Revitalization Project.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the career 
of Bud Ralston. His lifelong service and commitment to the region is to 
be commended. I am proud to call him a constituent and a friend.

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