[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO LUTHER M. WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Luther M. 
Wright, and I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the 
impressive accomplishments of this outstanding member of the community.
  Luther M. Wright was born on June 2, 1942 in Louisa, Virginia, and he 
currently resides in Laurelton, New York.
  Mr. Wright received his early education in New York City at P.S. 140. 
He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and attended Queens 
College of the City University of New York from 1974-1977. He also 
attended the United States Coast Guard Engineer Program and received 
his license as a Chief Marine Engineer.
  Mr. Wright served in the New York City Fire Department for 15 years 
as a Chief Engineer, retiring with 27 years of service. He served in 
the United States Army from 1964-1966 in active duty, as a reservist 
from 1969-1995 and participated in Desert Storm in 1991. Mr. Wright 
retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant. He is also a member of the 
Vulcan Society of the New York City Fire Department and Past President 
and Captain of the 231st Block Association.
  Among his many community service projects, Mr. Wright was initiated 
into Tuscan Lodge No. 58 F&AM (PH) in 1978. He was elected to 
Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge No. 58 in 1986; Secretary of Tuscan 
Lodge No. 58 in 1987-present; Excellent High Priest of Mount Moriah 
Chapter No. 3 Holy Royal Arch Masons in June 2003; Ill. Commander in 
Chief of Long Island Consistory No. 61 AASR (PHA) in 2002 and 2003; 
Ill. Potentate of Abu-Bekr Temple No. 91 AEAONMS (PHA) in 1994; and 
appointed Deputy of the Oasis for Abu-Bekr No. 91 in 2002, by Imperial 
Potentate William F. Crockett.
  Additional leadership posts include: District Deputy Grand Master for 
the Second Masonic District from June 2001-2002; Worthy Patron in 
Fidelity Chapter No. 54 OES (PHA); District Deputy Grand Commander for 
the Second District; District Deputy Thrice Illustrious Master for the 
Royal & Select Masters and Assistant Recorder for the Grand Commandery 
Knights Templar State of New York.
  Through these organizations, Mr. Wright has distributed toys and 
clothing to the needy children of East New York and Kings County 
Hospital, fed the homeless, and sponsored young children to attend Camp 
Eureka during the summers of 2002 and 2003.
  Luther Wright is a member of the Good News Baptist Church of Hollis 
Queens, New York. He has been married to the beautiful Phyllis A. 
Wright for the past 34 years, and they have three grown children, all 
4-year college graduates.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Luther Wright as he offers his talents for the 
betterment of our local and national communities.
  Mr. Speaker, Luther Wright's selfless service has continuously 
demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes him most 
worthy of our recognition today.

                          ____________________