[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 35 (Monday, March 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ALFRED ``AL'' CORNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
true Kentucky Artisan, small businessman, veteran, teacher, and 
community leader, Alfred Cornett, for his many years of service and 
dedication to the Harlan County community.
  As a native son of the Commonwealth and a World War II veteran, 
Alfred has been a valuable member and admired citizen of the 
Cumberland, Kentucky community for many years. Upon his high school 
graduation, Alfred honorably served his country as a member of the 
United States Army, where he rose to the rank of sergeant and was a 
member of the famed ``Phantom Army.'' His unit was involved in several 
key battles that were crucial to the success of the Allied Forces, 
including the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Bulge.
  Upon his return from the war, Alfred began his career working for 
Chrysler and General Motors in Dayton, Ohio while attending classes at 
an industrial electrical school in Chicago. Eventually Alfred moved to 
Harlan County, where he operated Cornett's Home Supply Company and Al's 
Radio and TV for many years.
  In his time living in Kentucky, Alfred has become well-known for his 
craftsmanship of exquisite Appalachian dulcimers. Using wood native to 
the Appalachian region, Alfred has fashioned over 1,000 stringed 
instruments, highly sought after by musicians and collectors throughout 
the country. As the head craftsman at Southeast Community and Technical 
College, he has generously shared his extraordinary talents with the 
community through teaching numerous dulcimer-making classes and 
inspiring a new generation of craftsmen.
  Alfred is an active member of his community, and has devoted his time 
and talents to many charitable projects through his participation in 
the Lion's Club. He is also involved in his church, Cumberland 
Missionary Baptist Church, where he has been a member since 1959. 
Alfred currently lives in Harlan County with his beloved wife of 56 
years, Geneva.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alfred 
Cornett for dedicating years of service to Harlan County and for 
sharing his extraordinary talents as a woodworker and dulcimer 
craftsman.

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