[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 3 (Monday, January 8, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO VERNON ASHLEY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the many 
and great achievements of Vernon Ashley. Vernon proudly served his 
country in World War II and later went on to graduate from Dakota 
Wesleyan College at the age of 34. He proceeded to be elected tribal 
chairman of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation and was later appointed 
South Dakota's Indian Affairs Coordinator under three different 
Governors.
  Mr. Ashley's achievements do not end there however. Vernon served as 
the executive director for Vista for both North and South Dakota and 
supervised all volunteer service during the recovery of the Rapid City 
flood disaster. Vernon was also a founding member of the American 
Indian Veterans Association and is a dedicated husband and the loving 
father of seven.
  Mr. President, today with Vernon's friends and family, I congratulate 
him on his many and most recent accomplishments. I have known Vernon 
for many years. He is a man of impeccable character and integrity. 
Governor Rounds and the State legislature of South Dakota have rightly 
declared that in South Dakota, January 15, 2006, is Vernon Ashley Day. 
Today I join the Governor and members of the legislature in 
congratulating this great American.

                          ____________________