[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING GALE ``WHITEY'' FLOCKERZIE OF BELLVILLE, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today with deep respect to 
honor the life and service of Mr. Gale ``Whitey'' Flockerzie of 
Bellville, Ohio.
  Like many in his generation, Whitey thinks of himself as an ordinary 
guy. He served the nation with honor in the United States Army. He was 
wounded in combat in Vietnam, fighting as a member of Battery A of the 
6th Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 4th infantry Division.
  Whitey was honorably discharged as a Specialist Fourth Class and 
returned stateside. In 1973, he opened Whitey's Barbershop on a quiet 
street in the quiet town of Bellville. Things haven't been the same 
since!
  Over time, customers became friends, and friends have become what is 
known throughout the area as the ``Barbershop Crew.'' More than a 
quarter-million haircuts later, the crew still gathers every Saturday 
morning at Whitey's for a town hall meeting to share opinions on the 
issues of the day. More importantly, they wait to hear Whitey's 
verdict--which, of course, is final.
  Madam Speaker, I submit to you that if Congress followed some of the 
common sense and Midwestern logic employed by Whitey and the Barbershop 
Crew, the country would be in far better shape.
  Is Whitey Flockerzie an ordinary guy? I would say he is 
extraordinary. The only thing ordinary about Whitey is that he 
represents a profound yet humble greatness about America that has 
helped us become the greatest nation in history: service before self, 
giving back to the country that gave so much to you, and living by 
example the sacrifice that allows each generation of Americans to reach 
higher than the last.
  Whitey returned from Vietnam without officially receiving his Vietnam 
Service Ribbon. Out of respect and admiration, his friends recently 
obtained this ribbon for him and have graciously asked me to present it 
to him this weekend.
  Throughout his lifetime of service, Whitey Flockerzie has affected 
countless lives in his part of Ohio. I am honored to recognize him on 
behalf of the House for all he has done.

                          ____________________