[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 110 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1299-E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DEWAYNE BUNCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Dewayne Bunch, a brave member of the Kentucky National Guard, a leader 
in the State legislature, and a dedicated teacher at Whitley County 
High School: His passing is a great loss and he will be deeply missed 
by Whitley and Laurel County and across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  Dewayne's life encompassed the true meaning of a public servant. 
Described as ``a mighty man of valor,'' Dewayne helped lead our 
Commonwealth with an extraordinary level of dedication and excellence. 
While serving in the Kentucky National Guard, Dewayne proudly fought 
for our country in Iraq as a first sergeant and received multiple 
honors, including the Bronze Star. Dewayne was also a veteran of the 
United States Army and after 24 years of service to the Kentucky 
National Guard, Dewayne was elected to the Kentucky House of 
Representatives in the fall of 2010 and thoughtfully represented 
Whitley and Laurel Counties. In his brief legislative career in 
Frankfort, Dewayne showed tremendous potential as a legislator.
  In April of 2011, Dewayne was severely injured while trying to break 
up a fight between two students at Whitley County High School where he 
taught math and science for 17 years. Dewayne was highly regarded by 
his students and faculty, and shared a vision with lawmakers for a 
better Kentucky, especially in the field of education. After his 
injury, Dewayne resigned from the Kentucky legislature, and the 
position was filled by his dutiful wife, Regina Bunch.

[[Page E1300]]

  On July 11th, 2012, Dewayne passed away at the age of 50. Over 450 
people attended his funeral, including State legislators, fellow 
educators, members of the Patriot Guard Riders, and friends from all 
walks of life. During the funeral service, it was announced that the 
Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal had been posthumously awarded to 
Dewayne, for his exceptionally admirable and meritorious conduct.
  Dewayne was a quality man, dedicated to his State, his church, and 
most importantly, his family. On behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, 
I want to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Regina, the Bunch 
family, and those who had the privilege of knowing Dewayne.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late 
Dewayne Bunch for dedicating a lifetime of service to the families of 
southeastern Kentucky, our Commonwealth, and our great Nation.

                          ____________________