[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO VERNON HUNTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
American hero. Vernon Hunter was an unsung hero who was thrust into the 
national spotlight when his life was tragically cut short last week in 
the senseless attack on his office in Austin, Texas.
  Mr. Hunter was a model citizen who spent his life in the service of 
his country. He served in the Army for 22 years, including two combat 
tours in Vietnam. After his service ended, Mr. Hunter spent several 
years in the private sector before starting work at the IRS where he 
was employed for 27 years.
  Friends and family indicate that Mr. Hunter was a loving father and 
husband who remained fiercely committed to public service and those 
around him for all his days. They report that Mr. Hunter was 
considering retiring from the IRS to start a new career as a special 
education teacher.
  Mr. Hunter was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina, a city 
I am proud to represent. He grew up there and graduated from Wilkinson 
High School in 1959.
  He is survived by his wife Valerie and their six children. The 
citizens of South Carolina, Texas and Americans everywhere mourn his 
tragic loss.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in expressing 
our sincere condolences to Vernon Hunter's family and to recognize his 
heroic contributions to his country. Mr. Hunter represents the unsung 
American heroes who dedicate themselves every day to serving their 
country and their fellow men and women. We owe them all a debt of 
gratitude.

                          ____________________