[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF EARL WOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Earl Woods, a gentleman who was more determined to raise a good son 
than a great golfer. As a testament to his legacy I submit that he 
achieved both goals. Sadly, Earl Woods passed away today at the age of 
74.
  Earl Woods was born March 5, 1932, in Manhattan, Kansas, the youngest 
of six children. His parents died by the time he was 13. His father 
wanted him to play for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues, 
and his mother stressed education. He eventually attended Kansas State, 
graduating in 1953 with a degree in sociology and he also fulfilled his 
obligation to play baseball.
  More than a dedicated father, Earl was a true mentor, a dedicated 
soldier, an author and a coach extraordinaire. During his lifetime, 
Earl Woods played catcher for Kansas State; the first black to play 
baseball in the Big Eight Conference. He was also a Green Beret in the 
U.S. Army Special Forces. He served for two tours in Vietnam rising to 
the rank of lieutenant colonel. His second tour shaped the latter part 
of his life.
  He met his soon-to-be second wife Kultida Punsawad, a receptionist in 
Thailand and they wed in 1969. He fought alongside a Vietnamese friend 
who he nicknamed because of his courage and bravery. Earl promised 
Tiger Phong that he would name a son after him.
  Eldrick ``Tiger'' Woods was born December 30, 1975.
  Earl Woods was instrumental in helping his son establish the Tiger 
Woods Foundation and he also wrote a book, ``Training a Tiger: A 
Father's Guide to Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life'' to share his 
experiences of guiding and nurturing his son.
  Most people identify with Earl Woods as Tiger Woods' father. Yes it 
is true that Earl Woods had done a remarkable job raising a son who was 
empowered to chose his direction, accept responsibility, and stay 
committed, focused and honest as he journeyed into becoming a role 
model with great character. Earl Woods made sure that Tiger had tools 
essential to his development as he grew into a good person first and a 
championship golfer second.

  Earl Woods was extremely proud of his youngest son. I know he can 
rest assured that his legacy will live on. He devoted countless hours 
to shaping and molding his son's character and making sure that Tiger 
was ``mentally strong.'' He told Tiger, when he was a young man, 
``You'll never run into another person as mentally tough as you.'' 
Tiger believes his dad. In a statement made by Tiger today he admits, 
``I wouldn't be where I am today without (my father), and I'm honored 
to continue his legacy of sharing and caring.'' This statement is a 
true testament to how the love and dedication of Earl Woods was the 
reason for Tiger Woods' success.
  Mr. Speaker: I send heartfelt condolences to Kultida, Tiger, and the 
rest of the Woods family as they mourn the passing of their loved one. 
I pay tribute to an extraordinary man who left an indelible impression 
in his own right.

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