[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 26 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JIM MATTHEWS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable veteran, John Matthews, Jr. He is a lifelong resident of the 
Mississippi Delta.
  Mr. Matthews was drafted to serve in the United States Army after 
graduating from Alcorn State University and becoming a licensed 
educator.
  Mr. Matthews served during the time of the Vietnam Conflict and was a 
member of the 258th Personnel Service Company and the 30th Air Defense 
Artillery Brigade. He earned the rank of Sergeant Major and after 
serving our country for 30 years he retired with an Honorable 
Discharge. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Mr. Matthews returned 
to the Mississippi Delta and was a business manager, educator and 
cancer research assistant.
  Mr. Matthews has stated that his service to America taught him 
discipline and leadership skills, and gave him the opportunity to 
travel and interact with various ethnic groups around the world.
  Mr. Matthews wanted to continue his contact with fellow veterans so 
he became a member of the American Legion Post 206 in Indianola, 
Mississippi. In 2010 he was elected to serve as Vice Commander of VFW 
Post 206. He serves in other leadership roles as Chairman of the 
Sunflower Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc; Head Start Policy Council; 
Chairman of the Sunflower County Democratic Executive Committee; 
Community representative of the Sunflower County Crime Stoppers Program 
and Deacon at Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
  Mr. Matthews is married to Ms. Gwendolyn Goines-Matthews. His life 
motto is from Robert E. Lee: ``First be sure you're right, and then 
proceed''.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John 
Matthews for his dedication to serving our great country.

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