[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 132 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1564-E1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN HOWARD WELLS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of John 
Howard Wells, Jr. Mr. Wells was a patriot, veteran, and had a love of 
country. Mr. Wells fought in the Korean War aboard the USS Hollister, 
DD-788. He was a Cold Warrior in the 60's and 70's and at one point in 
his career his security clearance was so high that the level of 
clearance was classified.
  Mr. Wells also spent part of his career working for NASA. During the 
80's and 90's he was a Ground Controller for the Space Shuttle Project 
and worked in the original Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center. 
He also took a major role in the design, engineering, construction, and 
start-up of the New Mission Control Room which recently closed in July 
following the last flight mission of Atlantis.
  His family will tell you that even these accomplishments are not what 
made him great. The titles of husband, father, and grandfather are what 
defined him in life. He taught his children how to have confidence in 
their talents. He wrote love letters to his wife. He loved and doted on 
his daughters and was joyous in the grandchildren they brought to him. 
He helped his son through the toughest years of his life

[[Page E1565]]

with loving honesty and helped him never lose sight of the realities 
and obligations of being a man and father. He also taught his children 
about politics, but would never let the discussions get hotter than 
what was necessary to properly forge and hone their positions.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise and remember the 
veteran, and above all a husband, father and grandfather.

                          ____________________