[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GERALD BLACK

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of 
the late Gerald Black, former Pleasanton Express news editor and United 
States Navy veteran. Mr. Black served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years and 
contributed to the community through his distinguished career as a 
writer and as an editor for 19 years in Pleasanton, Texas.
  Mr. Black was born on March 30, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas and passed 
away due to heart complications on November 23, 2013. His accomplished 
career as a news editor stemmed from his humble beginnings. His 
childhood was spent in Kingsville, Texas with his parents Raymond Elmer 
and Corrine Byrne. Mr. Black was described as a big hearted, gentle 
loving, hard worker. This reflected during his college years where he 
held several jobs for the local radio station, college newspaper, as 
well as a staff photographer. Soon after, he enlisted in the United 
States Navy, where he was stationed in New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta 
and California. Throughout his time in the Navy, Mr. Black continued 
his work in journalism. Finally, in July 1993, Mr. Black came to the 
Pleasanton Express where he wrote feature articles and was a 
photographer covering county and law enforcement news. His work for 
Pleasanton Express would lead him to win several awards throughout his 
career.
  His efforts were helpful to many, including the Atascosa Water 
Watchers, where he would often attend Evergreen Underground Water 
Conservation District meetings. As a result of his continued support of 
the Atascosa water preservation efforts in the local newspaper, he was 
nicknamed ``Mr. Neptune''. Finally in 2012, he retired after nearly two 
decades of work in journalism.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the late 
Gerald Wayne Black, former Pleasanton Express news editor, on his 
career and community involvement. He has contributed his time, 
knowledge and efforts to journalism, our country, and serving his 
community.

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