[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 53 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PAT WOOTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2013

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dedicated employee of the U.S. House of Representatives and a staunch 
Kentucky Republican, Mr. Dennis Patrick Wooton, upon his retirement 
from my Hazard district office following six years of service as my 
trusted Field Representative.
   Pat has been my right hand on many issues impacting constituents in 
the eastern half of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, covering 
18 counties. Anytime a natural disaster occurs in our region, such as 
flash flooding, tornadoes and damaging mudslides, Pat immediately 
reaches out to local officials to offer a helping hand and evaluate the 
potential need for federal assistance. He has been a loyal, reliable 
resource in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, always offering a 
friendly smile, his contagious humorous attitude, and word of 
encouragement.
   Before serving as Congressional staff, Pat bravely served our U.S. 
Army in the Vietnam War. He was awarded several medals for his valiant 
efforts, including the honorable Bronze Star. He is a life-time member 
of V.F.W. Post 7378 and D.A.V. Chapter 64. Upon returning home, Pat was 
a teacher, baseball coach, and basketball coach at Buckhorn High School 
in Perry County, Kentucky, where he also became one of the most beloved 
principals in the history of the institution. In 2007, he was elected 
to the Kentucky High School Baseball Coach Hall of Fame. Through his 
dedicated efforts in the county, Pat gained the respect of the people 
of Perry County, who elected him Sheriff 2003-2006.
   Pat has also been a dedicated advocate for conservative Republican 
principals and currently serves as Chairman of the Perry County 
Republican Party.
   Pat has a true heart of service, which is displayed by his volunteer 
efforts across the Kentucky River region. His long list of service 
includes training the Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Department, serving on 
the Governor's Smart Growth Task Force, the ARH Family Health Service 
and Community Advisory Boards, Buckhorn City Council, the Hazard 
Community and Technical College Board of Directors, and many more.
   Please join me in congratulating Mr. Pat Wooton on his retirement, 
and in appreciation of his brave military service to this nation. My 
wife, Cynthia, and I wish Pat and his wife, Veda, the very best in the 
years to come.

                          ____________________