[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING REPRESENTATIVE
                        ISAAC ``IKE'' SKELTON IV

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Isaac ``Ike'' Skelton was a 
consummate gentleman and a true class act. Ike was a humble man; he 
commonly referred to himself as a ``country lawyer.'' He was a tireless 
champion of our service men and women, both on the battlefield and off. 
He loved his family and everyone who encountered him knew it. He served 
the people of Missouri for 34 years with dignity and grace, and he will 
be missed. In Congress, one often hears the phrase ``my good friend'' 
or ``my friend across the aisle.'' Sometimes it can lose its meaning. 
But Ike and I had a close, personal friendship that extended far deeper 
than Washington's definition of one.
  Ike and I served on the Armed Services Committee together for six 
years. During that time, in the context of our committee service, we 
talked often about military education, the roles and missions within 
our Armed Forces, and Ike's famous book list. I accompanied him to Warm 
Springs, Georgia, where he received polio treatment as a teenager. The 
Warm Springs Foundation held a special place in his heart, and he spoke 
of the lessons he learned there often.
  In his farewell speech to the House of Representatives, he said: ``. 
. . never let illness define you, never be limited by the expectations 
of others, never give up, and never stop working.''
  Ike exemplified that sentiment in everything he did.
  Polio prevented him from serving our country in uniform, so he chose 
to serve members of our military instead. Ike used to say he looked at 
all of our troops as someone's son or daughter. To that end, he worked 
with Democrats and Republicans alike to improve life for our military 
men and women. In his position as both Chairman and Ranking Member of 
the Armed Services Committee, he fought to ensure our troops had the 
necessary training, equipment and support on the frontlines. He worked 
to improve military housing and other services for them here at home.
  Several years ago, I had the privilege of attending the 8th and I 
Parade at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where Ike was the 
guest of honor. It rained heavily that night, but like always, it was 
tough to dampen Ike's spirits. I learned so much from Ike and I will 
truly miss him. Ike was a one-of-a-kind congressman, and this body 
would be far better off with more members of his caliber.
  Our country has lost a statesman, his family has lost a husband and 
father, our military has lost a champion, and many of us he worked or 
served with have lost a friend.

                          ____________________