[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E509-E510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE SERVICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT L. TURNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
achievements of State Representative Robert L. Turner. Representative 
Turner was first elected in 1990 and has served in the Wisconsin State 
Assembly for eleven consecutive terms. While representing the eastern 
half of the City of Racine, he has utilized his booming voice to become 
an advocate for issues such as criminal justice, urban affairs, racial 
equality, and veterans affairs.
  Public service has always been a cornerstone of Representative 
Turner's life. After graduating high school in Mississippi and moving 
to Wisconsin, he was soon drafted into the United States Air Force. He 
bravely answered his country's call and completed tours of duty in both 
Vietnam, where he received a Medal of Commendation for meritorious 
service, and Korea during the Pueblo incident. Representative Turner 
turned his experience in the armed forces into a lifelong promise to 
support and encourage local veterans groups. During his first term in 
the Assembly, Representative Turner earned a perfect rating on veterans 
issues and was named to the All Star Team by the State Council of the 
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). Additionally, his legislative work 
earned him the Vietnam Veterans of America Distinguished Achievement 
Award in 1992 and he received life membership from the Vietnam Veterans 
of America in 1999.
  Representative Turner has served on numerous committees during his 
time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, lending his expertise to 
everything from the Highways and Transportation Committee to the 
Judiciary Committee. His overwhelmingly friendly demeanor gives 
Representative Turner a unique ability to build close working 
relationships that extend far beyond party affiliations. While 
representing an area hit especially hard by the recent economic 
downturn, Representative Turner has consistently supported new economic 
development projects, increases in unemployment benefits, and 
affordable, quality health care for his constituency.
  In addition to his tenure in the Assembly, Representative Turner also 
served on the Racine City Council for 28 years from 1976 to 2004. As 
both a State Representative and an Alder, he developed close 
relationships with many local organizations such as the NAACP, Big 
Brothers Big Sisters, the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha, and the 
Racine Raider Football team.
  I had the honor of serving with Representative Turner in the Assembly 
for three terms and I am proud to continue to call him a close friend 
today. His service to his constituents and the City of Racine has 
always been a source of inspiration for me. To understand who 
Representative Turner truly is, one only needs to know that he 
considers one of his biggest accomplishments being able to serve, 
listen to, and assist his constituents for so long. Without fail, every 
time I see Bob, the only thing bigger than the smile on his face is the 
warm embrace I receive from him.
  It is nearly impossible to mention everything Representative Turner 
has accomplished; it is even harder to overstate the positive impact he 
has had on our community. It is without a doubt that his work has 
bettered the lives of the people of Racine, Wisconsin, and our great 
nation. Today, I rise to honor and thank State Representative Robert L. 
Turner for his more than two decades of leadership in the Wisconsin 
State Assembly. May Bob's unwavering dedication, vision, and never-
ending smile serve as an inspiration for all of us.

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