[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1042-E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CLAY WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, it has been said that a real leader faces the 
music, even when he doesn't like the tune. Country music superstar Clay 
Walker has heard sour notes in his life before, but like a real leader 
he has stood strong and fought for what he believes is right. Because 
of his tireless dedication to fighting and finding a cure for Multiple 
Sclerosis he has earned the title of Artist Humanitarian of the Year 
for 2008 by the Country Radio Broadcasters.
  Clay was born in Beaumont, TX, where country music is king. He was 
given his first guitar at the age of 9. Only 7 short years later, he 
walked up to a local radio station with a tape of a song that he had 
written himself. The station went against its own policy of not playing 
self-submitted tapes because, as the DJ announced, it was ``too good to 
pass up.'' After graduating high school he went on a tour of Texas and 
took a job as the house singer in a local bar where he was discovered 
by a record producer from a major label. The rest, as they say, is 
history. Walker has released 10 albums, with 4 having been certified 
platinum and two certified gold. He has placed more than 30 singles on 
the charts, including 6 number 1s.
  Walker's musical career hit some unexpected turbulence in 1996 when 
he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, the leading cause of non-
traumatic disability in young people throughout the world. Despite 
dealing with occasional side effects like tiredness and tingling in his 
hands, Clay has been able to live, work, and maintain his quality of 
life through daily treatments and a healthy lifestyle. He knows that 
everyone diagnosed with MS can not enjoy those comforts. So in 2003 he 
formed the Band Against MS Foundation, a non-profit organization that 
aims to provide encouragement and education to those living with MS 
while also raising money to help find a cure for the disease. They have 
raised over a million dollars to fund research. He has also worked with 
the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, and Habitat for 
Humanity, among other charities. Walker was recently recognized for his 
selfless commitment

[[Page E1043]]

to helping others by the Country Radio Broadcasters as he was named 
their Humanitarian of the Year for 2008. He joins other recipients such 
as Garth Brooks, Vince Neil, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Reba 
McEntire.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I applaud my 
personal friend Clay Walker on his outstanding achievements. He 
personifies the spirit of Texas and Texas country music. He has faced 
the music and has tried to make the world a better to place to live, 
for those affected by MS and for those without.
  And that's the way it is.

                          ____________________