[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN A.F. WENDT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I take this 
opportunity to recognize the life and accomplishments of John A.F. 
Wendt, Jr., of Delta, Colorado, before this body of Congress. Mr. Wendt 
has just recently passed away and as his family mourns their loss, I 
would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions he made to 
his community and to his country. Throughout his life, Mr. Wendt 
embodied the unrelenting principles of honor, character, and sincerity 
that we, as Americans, should always strive to emulate.
  Mr. Wendt was a World War II and Korean War veteran who courageously 
served his country in the Army's elite 11th Airborne unit in the 
Pacific. His resolute character and principled demeanor won him the 
approval and respect of his fellow servicemen who viewed him as a 
dedicated soldier and a loyal comrade. In fact, Mr. Wendt's courage was 
so commendable that he was awarded the prestigious Silver Star, Bronze 
Star, and Purple Heart medals for his military service.
  After graduating from University of Colorado in 1951, Mr. Wendt 
became a very successful and distinguished lawyer. He was a practicing 
attorney his entire life; he served as a judge and a district attorney 
and was on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Bar Association for 
many years. Mr. Wendt loved the law profession and the genuine interest 
and enthusiasm that he brought to his work won him the esteem and 
admiration of his colleagues.
  Despite the pressures of a demanding career, Mr. Wendt found the time 
to make significant contributions within his community. Mr. Wendt was a 
committed member of the Pony Club, a horsemanship education program for 
children. Mr. Wendt served on the Board of the Pony Club but also took 
the time to participate directly with the children within the 
organization. Mr. Wendt was also a sportsman and founded the Roaring 
Fork Hounds Club, where he eagerly participated in the organization's 
events.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I recognize Mr. John 
A.F. Wendt before this body of Congress and this nation for the 
outstanding service and commitment he made to his country. My 
condolences go out to his brother Allan and his children John, Eric, 
Wendy, and Hilary. Mr. Wendt lived his life with courage and with honor 
and I commend him for his conduct. His loss will be deeply felt and a 
grateful nation will be forever in his debt.




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