[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2702-E2703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THANKING BOB LARSON ON HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 3, 2009

  Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Larson, a true 
community leader in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. People in Central 
Illinois know Bob very well from his work as a WMBD 31 News anchor and 
his efforts in community service. This Friday, November 6th, Easter 
Seals of Central Illinois is honoring Mr. Larson at its 19th Annual 
Tribute Dinner. Each year Easter Seals recognizes individuals who have 
served the Central Illinois community in extraordinary ways. Past 
honorees include Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Congressman 
Bob Michel.
  Bob Larson began his work in the community at a very early age. When 
the owner of WRMI Radio in Morris, Illinois heard Bob's voice, he 
offered him a job and soon the once shy 16-year-old boy was on the air 
and his passion for broadcasting began.
  Larson eventually went on to Texas Christian University and graduated 
in 1971. Upon graduation, Bob returned home to Illinois and began his 
career at WMBD in Peoria, which was then both a television and an AM/FM 
radio station. In his 38 years at WMBD, Bob served as a movie host, 
weatherman, reporter, and anchor. He has been honored by the Associated 
Press for Best Downstate Radio Newscast and Best Downstate TV Newscast, 
as well as being named ``Best News Anchor'' by the Illinois 
Broadcasters Association.
  However, Central Illinois residents don't only have to turn on their 
televisions to see Bob Larson at work. When he joined the Peoria 
community, Bob made a commitment to dedicate his time and skills to 
dozens of local charities and events. He began volunteering for the 
Easter Seals telethon in the 1970s, and in 1981 when the usual hosts 
unexpectedly could not attend, it was Bob who rose to the occasion and 
hosted the program. He was such a great host that in 1993 he was 
designated as one of the official emcees, a role he has filled ever 
since. Each year Bob and WMBD produce preview stories about the 
children of Easter Seals. Over the years he has watched these children 
grow and make their own positive contributions to the community.
  Bob is also an active supporter of the American Heart Association, a 
cause he became involved with after a news story he was working on 
ended up saving his life. As part of the story, Larson allowed himself 
to be scanned by a new piece of equipment at Methodist Medical Center 
in Peoria, Illinois. A simple demonstration became a life-changing 
moment when doctors discovered Larson had a dangerous blockage of his 
heart. The story turned into a three-part series following Larson 
through the whole experience and inspiring men who were watching at 
home to get their own hearts checked.
  Larson also volunteers for St. Jude, the Salvation Army, the Peoria 
Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cancer Center for Health 
Living, and Junior Achievement. He hosts the annual telethon of the 
Muscular Dystrophy Association and has emceed the annual Santa Claus 
parade since 1974.

[[Page E2703]]

  In summary, Madam Speaker, Bob Larson is an exceptional example to 
all Americans of what the phrase ``service to community'' truly means. 
In these challenging times for America, it's folks like Bob Larson who 
illustrate the best of our country. I wish to sincerely thank Mr. 
Larson for all he has done for the people of Peoria and beyond, and 
congratulate him on his much deserved honors.