[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 15, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO JESSIE RUTH WALTON AND FRANCIS JAMES WALTON

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is crucial that we never forget 
to honor our veterans for their service and dedication to this nation. 
As the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I would like 
to recognize and applaud the service of Mr. Francis James Walton and 
Mrs. Jessie Ruth Walton, both of whom served our Nation during World 
War II and turn 90 years old this year.
  Mrs. Jessie Ruth Walton was born in Exeter, VA, on May 31, 1921. 
Heeding the call to service, she enlisted in the Navy WAVES in 1943 and 
went on to serve her country during World War II as a pharmacist, 
dispensing needed medicine for the troops in Washington, DC, and in 
Long Beach, CA.
  Mr. James Walton, Jessie's husband, was born in Cadillac, MI, on July 
14, 1921. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1941. He served in 
Carlson's Raiders of the 2d Marine Battalion, an elite unit that was 
among the first U.S. special operations forces to see combat in World 
War II. Jim's time in the Marines included deployment to the South 
Pacific, where he fought in Bougainville and Guadalcanal Island, 
contributing to a strategic victory that turned the tide for the Allied 
forces in the Pacific. A valiant warrior, he spent 30 days fighting 
behind enemy lines, 30 days that must have felt a lifetime.
  Following World War II, Jim returned to Michigan, where he obtained a 
college degree and married Jessie Ruth Meade. After his time in the 
service, Jim began teaching and ultimately found a rewarding career at 
General Motors, where he worked for 30 years before retiring. Together, 
Jim and Jessie raised a family of four children--James, Susan, Julie, 
and Jane--who have picked up the mantle of their parents in service to 
their communities in a range of capacities. In particular, I am 
delighted to note that their son Jim serves as president of Centralia 
College in my home State of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Walton are also 
fortunate to have 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
  I am delighted to extend birthday wishes and gratitude to the Waltons 
on this joyous occasion. I wish them and their family all the best as 
they celebrate this wonderful milestone.

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