[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE OF CHIEF PETTY OFFICER GARY M. WHITEHEAD AND HIS 
                         WIFE BARBARA WHITEHEAD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
service of Chief Petty Officer Gary M. Whitehead and his wife Barbara, 
and the great work done, together with Debi Copeland, on behalf of 
Hoosier veterans. At the end of this year, Gary and Barbara will be 
retiring after serving 24 consecutive years in Elkhart County's 
Veterans Service Office. Gary is a native son of Elkhart County, having 
been born and raised in Goshen, Indiana. In 1965, a year after 
graduating from Goshen High School, Gary enlisted in the United States 
Navy, entering active duty shortly thereafter in early 1966. During his 
Naval career, Gary served in a variety of capacities including: three 
years on the USS Allen M. Sumner, which included a deployment to 
Vietnam; as a personnel officer for the Underwater Demolition Team 
Twelve, who also assisted in commissioning the first Navy F-14 Fighter 
Squadron; as the Training Coordinator for the Navy's Diving Schools; 
and another three years on the USS Patterson before finally retiring 
from the Indianapolis Navy Recruiting District in July 1986.
  Gary joined the Elkhart County Veterans Office in August 1986, 
immediately after retiring from the Navy. He has been the Elkhart 
County Veterans Service Officer since January 1988, and is retiring 
this year. He has been involved in representing and advancing veterans' 
issues within the community and throughout the state, having served on 
a variety of committees. Gary was instrumental in efforts to establish 
the VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Goshen. He also served as a 
distinguished member of my Veterans Advisory Committee for the past 
four years.
  Gary's wife of 42 years, Barbara, whom he met on a blind date and 
married six months later, stood by his side throughout his Naval career 
and has worked alongside him in the Elkhart County Veterans Office 
since 1986. Barbara has been instrumental in the great work their 
Office has done on behalf of veterans these past 24 years. They have 
three children, Stephanie, Douglas and Scott, and six grandchildren. 
Barbara will be joining Gary in well-earned retirement.
  Another key member of Gary's team who has contributed meaningfully to 
the office's work since 1996 is Debi Copeland, who serves as the 
office's secretary. Together, these three have provided dedicated 
service, representation, advocacy, counsel, and friendship to the 
veterans of Elkhart County.
  It is my privilege to thank Gary for his 20 years of service to the 
United States Navy, and, along with his wife Barbara and their friend 
Debi, for their office's service these past 24 years to the veterans of 
Elkhart County.

                          ____________________