[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 137 (Friday, September 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF VERNON J. BRYANT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 2009

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and 
constituent, Mr. Vernon J. Bryant, for nearly 30 years of public 
service to the people of the State of North Carolina in the Department 
of Correction.
  Since joining the North Carolina Division of Community Corrections in 
1981, Mr. Bryant has steadily advanced in his responsibilities. He 
currently serves in the Probation/Parole division of the Department of 
Correction as District Manager of District 6A where he manages about 30 
corrections staff. Vernon Bryant began his career as a Court Intake 
Officer and performed admirably over the next 19 years as Probation and 
Patrol Officer, Intensive Officer and as Chief Probation and Parole 
Officer. It was in these capacities that I became most acquainted with 
Mr. Bryant while I served as a Superior Court Judge presiding over the 
Courts of District 6A. Mr. Bryant interacted with me on a daily basis 
and I came to believe that he is one of the finest corrections 
officials in North Carolina. He is a true professional.
  Madam Speaker, the Speaker of the North Carolina House of 
Representatives appointed Vernon Bryant to the North Carolina Criminal 
Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, which is 
responsible for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of law 
enforcement and criminal justice officers' certification. He has also 
served as a member of the North Carolina Probation and Parole 
Association and Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board for Halifax 
County.
  In addition to his work at the North Carolina Division of Community 
Corrections, Mr. Bryant provides community service through Church, 
boards, commissions and other activities. He is a member and Chairman 
of the Roanoke Rapids Board of Education. He was first appointed to the 
Board of Education 1997 and has served as Chairman of the board since 
1999. Mr. Bryant also serves as a volunteer youth coach for basketball 
and soccer, serves on the Halifax Regional Medical Center Board of 
Directors as Vice Chairman, and is Board Chairman for the State 
Employee's Credit Union Advisory Board.
  Vernon Bryant is a devout Christian and demonstrates his values and 
beliefs in every aspect of his life. He serves as a member of the 
Roanoke Rapids Recreation Department Advisory Board and is president 
and co-founder of Exodus of Youth, Inc., a volunteer non-profit 
organization that mentors 75 at-risk youth in four northeastern North 
Carolina counties. Mr. Bryant continues to give countless hours to 
bettering his community and there is no doubt that he will continue his 
community service following his well deserved retirement.
  Vernon Bryant is married to Sandra W. Bryant and is the father of two 
adult children, Kendel and Kevin, who are also distinguishing 
themselves with their educational pursuits.
  Madam Speaker, on Monday, September 28, 2009, friends and colleagues 
will join together to celebrate Vernon Bryant's three decades of 
exemplary service to the people of Halifax County and the State of 
North Carolina.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Vernon Bryant much 
success in his retirement and thank him for all his years of 
outstanding public service.

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