[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN CELEBRATION OF JOHN BLANKENSHIP'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RANDY K. WEBER, SR.

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2014

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to celebrate the 
retirement of John Lee Blankenship. For the past 43 years, Mr. 
Blankenship has made it his life's work to protect and serve the 
citizens of Brazoria County. In February 1971, John Blankenship 
enrolled in the Angleton Police Department Academy because several of 
his friends were officers. Six months later, John graduated from the 
Academy and joined the ranks of the Angleton Police Department. John's 
sense of duty did not stop with the Angleton PD; he also joined and 
became a member of the Angleton Volunteer Fire Department.
  As years went by, John's dedication enabled him to move up the ranks 
to become Criminal Investigator for the Brazoria County District 
Attorney's office in 1984. Nine years later, John was again promoted, 
this time to Chief Investigator. Throughout his career, John had 
received numerous recognitions for his achievements in law enforcement. 
In 1983, he was awarded the Investigator of the Year Award by Brazoria 
County Sheriffs Department. In 2001, John was named an Officer of the 
Year Finalist by the 100 Club of Brazoria County. Most recently, in 
2013, John was awarded the Chuck Dennis Memorial Award, Prosecutor 
Investigator by the Texas District and County Attorney's Association.
  While retirement may take some getting used to, John and his wife of 
44 years, Maggie, have plans to take an Alaskan Cruise, as well as a 
road trip in his motorhome to various destinations throughout the 
United States. It is my great hope that you will enjoy retirement with 
your darling wife, two beautiful children, Mindy and Chara, and their 
families including your four wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, John, 
for your 43 years of service. Your commitment and dedication to God, 
family, the citizens of Brazoria County, and the great State of Texas 
has been unparalleled and for that we recognize you today on the floor 
of the 113th Congress.

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