[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E588-E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHUCK NORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise 
today to pay special tribute to a true American patriot and civic 
leader from Oregon's Second Congressional District. Mr. Chuck Norris 
has served his country honorably in the United States Army, his State 
in the Oregon State Legislature, and his community as a volunteer in 
many capacities. His dedicated spirit and devotion to his fellow 
citizens has been his most enduring trait over the years, and I'm proud 
to call Chuck and his wonderful wife, Betty Lou, my friends.
  Chuck Norris was born in Pasadena, California, in 1925. Shortly after 
his birth Chuck's family moved to a 160-acre farm in east-central 
Kansas, where he was raised. In July of 1943, following his graduation 
from high school, Chuck left Kansas and the family farm to serve our 
country as an officer in the U.S. Army. After his commissioning as a 
2nd Lieutenant, Chuck was stationed around the globe, from Japan and 
Turkey to Germany and Vietnam. He commanded a platoon, company, and 
battalion before being stationed in Umatilla, Oregon, where he served 
as the commander of the Umatilla Army Depot. During Chuck's service he 
attended the Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces 
Industrial College and the Executive Program of the University of 
Chicago.
  In times of crisis the soldier is revered by one and all, but quickly 
forgotten about when danger passes. Today as we find ourselves at war 
and we shower our troops with well-deserved praise, we would do well to 
also remember the men like Chuck Norris who quietly and stoically 
served our country in uniform and protected our freedom with little 
thanks in return.
  In 1971, Chuck Norris retired from the Army, but not from public 
service. In 1986 Chuck was elected to the Oregon State Legislature, 
were he represented the people of eastern Oregon for five terms. Among 
his many accomplishments was his effectiveness in shaping natural 
resource policies, especially water management. As Chairman of the 
House Committee on Water Policy, Chuck crafted legislation creating 
voluntary local watershed councils across the State, providing local 
citizens an opportunity to work with one another in managing and 
preserving Oregon's many watersheds. As everyone who hails from a 
Western State understands, where I come from water is among the most 
precious commodities. Those who help us conserve water and put it to 
wise uses are particularly deserving of our praise and gratitude.
  Following retirement from the State Legislature, Chuck Norris 
continued his distinguished career of public service and his devotion 
to improving the way we use our natural resources in eastern Oregon. As 
a volunteer and member of the Umatilla Watershed Council and as an 
advisor to the Oregon Water Coalition, he selflessly devoted his time 
and energy to helping his fellow Oregonians. Since I have served in the 
U.S. House, Chuck has also taken the time to keep me informed about 
issues of concern on the ground in eastern Oregon and I value the input 
he offers. I would like to extend my personal thanks to Chuck for all 
that he has done for the people of Umatilla County, the Second 
District, the State of Oregon and the United States.
  Holding true to his proud role as a father and grandfather, Chuck and 
Betty Lou, his wife of 57 years, are about to embark permanently to 
Florida to be with their children and grandchildren. Countless eastern 
Oregonians will miss them, but will always count them as lifelong 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Chuck 
Norris, an extraordinary man and great American. I wish Chuck and Betty 
Lou the very best in the years ahead.

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