[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 181 (Thursday, December 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERT AND CAROLYN 
                      BLACK OF VALPARAISO, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of Robert and Carolyn Black of Valparaiso, 
Florida. A tireless and dedicated member of my staff who has been with 
me since the beginning of my time here in Congress, Bob is the epitome 
of an unwavering public servant, and I am grateful to have known him 
and his wife Carolyn for over twelve years. I am proud to honor the 
Blacks and congratulate them on this remarkable milestone.
  Bob and Carolyn, both born into military families, have called many 
places home; however, it was each of their homes in Ohio in the 1960s 
that would prove to be particularly special to them. Their parents were 
both stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base outside of 
Springfield, OH, and as neighbors, Carolyn was literally ``the girl 
next door.'' Bob and Carolyn attended the same school, Greenon High. 
Bob's wit and intellect won over Carolyn's heart and became a perfect 
match to her grace and charm. As high school sweethearts, on November 
23, 1963, Bob and Carolyn were married.
  The son of an Air Force Pilot, Bob followed in his father's footsteps 
and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. Over the course of 
the last fifty years since their paths first crossed, Bob and Carolyn's 
journey would include assignments throughout the U.S. and around the 
world. Bob was steadfast in his commitment to support the varied 
missions of the United States, whether it be operating C-130s or C-
141s, fulfilling his test pilot obligations, or commanding troops 
responsible for safe passage of everything from penguins to Presidents. 
Carolyn, having been daughter to a pilot herself, was equally steadfast 
in her commitment to the mission of a military wife and mother. She 
focused her troops on the active exploration of what each new location 
had to offer, the intentional effort to forge strong relationships with 
one another, and the importance of an open mind. It is unquestioned 
that the success of their partnership is possible because of the 
strength and love Bob and Carolyn share.
  Bob's last assignment as the Vice Commander of the Air Force 
Development Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida brought them 
to the Gulf Coast in 1992. Bob retired from the Air Force as a Colonel 
in October 1994, though, with Carolyn's continued support, he continues 
to contribute to the defense of our country, including his role on my 
staff as my Senior Military Advisor.
  Bob and Carolyn have accomplished much together, but their greatest 
achievement is their five daughters. They are the proud parents of 
Christine (and Brian McCann), Shana (and Christopher Swartz), Kelly 
(and Shawn Swartz), Sarah Kate, and Anna Lauren, and proud grandparents 
to Jack, Kate, Alden, and Bridget. All five daughters have continued 
their parent's commitment to family, community and compassion through 
their professions, such as nursing, medical research and specialty 
healthcare for Veterans as well as their personal endeavors such as 
programs for special needs children and Scouting leadership. Needless 
to say, Bob and Carolyn enjoy spending time with their family and the 
beauty of the Emerald Coast.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to 
recognize the dedicated service of Bob and Carolyn to the Northwest 
Florida community and this great Nation. My wife, Vicki, and I 
congratulate the Blacks, our dear friends, on their Golden Anniversary 
and wish them and their family all of God's blessings. May He grant 
them many more years of good health and happiness.

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