[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVID WHETSTONE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and real pleasure 
that I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and a lifetime 
public servant, John David Whetstone, on the occasion of his retirement 
after serving as Baldwin County District Attorney for nearly 22 years.
  David Whetstone is the consummate professional. Joining the district 
attorney's office in 1979 as an assistant DA, David has dedicated 
practically all of his adult life fighting crime and standing up for 
the people of Baldwin County as the people's attorney. Moreover, he has 
served the families of Baldwin County and south Alabama with 
compassion, dedication and a tremendous level of professionalism.
  A 1963 graduate of Greenville High School, David went on to serve in 
the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war era. He was 
honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1968, and he worked his way 
through college and law school using the G.I. Bill. David graduated 
from the University of West Florida in 1970, and from the University of 
Alabama School of Law in 1973.
  In 1984, then-Governor George C. Wallace nominated David to the 
position of Baldwin County District Attorney. He was subsequently 
elected to his first 6-year term in 1986 and has been reelected ever 
since, usually with only token opposition.
  Throughout his tenure, David has been a tireless advocate on behalf 
of all the people of Baldwin County. No one who ever called on David 
Whetstone didn't get a prompt, personal response.
  David Whetstone is known for his powerful and intimidating presence 
in the courtroom and probably best known for his storytelling. Many 
will also remember his appearance on ``The Phil Donahue Show'' after 
filing more than 200 child support collection complaints in 1 day.
  But outside of the spotlight that comes with his office, David has a 
heart as big as the State of Alabama and as pure as a pound of gold.
  He is the type of person that empathizes with people from all walks 
of life and has a tremendous, caring capacity for those who are less 
fortunate. David Whetstone wore his title as the ``people's attorney'' 
with pride and he never, ever let his own success in public life go to 
his head or prejudice his judgment; for David, doing the right thing 
was the only way to do business.
  Mr. Speaker, in 2002, David offered his considerable talents and 
service to the people of south Alabama when he ran for the Republican 
nomination for U.S. Congress. While for obvious reasons I am personally 
grateful that the outcome turned out as it did, I can say with all 
honesty and candor that had the voters rendered a different judgment, 
the people of south Alabama would have been well-served by David's 
passion for public service and by his drive and determination to 
represent one and all equally.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing John David Whetstone for his tireless efforts and his 
tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional 
District and the entire State of Alabama.
  The experience and enthusiasm he brought to his job and the concern 
and compassion he displayed for all people in Baldwin County are 
unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset to 
the entire State of Alabama. On behalf of the thousands of men, women 
and children he has assisted over the past two decades, I am proud to 
say, ``Thank you, David, for a job well done.''
  While I am confident David will continue to remain actively involved 
in the life of Baldwin County and southern Alabama for many years to 
come, I hope this new chapter in his life affords him a few more free 
minutes each day to enjoy the richness of life and the love of his 
wonderful wife, Lynne, as well as his fine children, Deborah, J.D. and 
Chris, and the newest Whetstone, grandson John David III.
  On behalf of all his friends and admirers throughout Alabama, I wish 
to extend to David and his family all the best, now and in the future.

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