[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 95 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CHESTER H. SANFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
challenge-oriented young man who understands that it takes tenacity and 
self reliance to reach the highest success, Mr. Chester H. Sanford.
  Chester H. Sanford was born November 26, 1995 in Chicago, IL, to the 
proud parents of Travis and Nora Stanford. He attended St. Elizabeth 
Catholic School in Chicago, IL, for two years, kindergarten and first 
grade. It was at this institution that he credits for giving him an 
advanced perspective of what knowledge is and what can be done to 
obtain it.
  In September 2003 Chester and his mother relocated to Vicksburg, MS 
to care for his grandmother. Chester believes the responsibility of 
caring for his grandmother in the absence of his mother is what taught 
him the value in giving and caring for others.
  Chester is a member of the The Vicksburg High School JROTC in which 
he credits for molding his character. Chester has climbed the ranks in 
JROTC: starting his freshmen year he went from being a cadet private to 
cadet corporal. In his sophomore year he progressed from cadet corporal 
to cadet second lieutenant and gained the position of the battalion 
training officer; and currently during his junior year he has climbed 
to cadet captain from cadet second lieutenant. Through this program 
Chester has learned what service truly is. He has led several community 
projects at nursing homes, the elementary schools, community outreach 
events. He has also participated in charity events for the local Child 
Abuse Prevention (CAP) Center through the culinary arts program, in 
which he, along with twenty other students prepared thousands of hot 
meals that were sold to gain money for the organization.
  Chester credits his mother for being the backbone of the family and 
directing his path. His motto is, ``that all things can be done through 
the love and service of your fellow man.''
  Chester is a member of Mt. Carmel M.B. Church where he has served as 
secretary of the Sunday School Department since 2008 and in 2011 became 
a Sunday School Teacher.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Chester H. Stanford for his hard work, dedication and a strong desire 
to achieve through adversity.

                          ____________________