[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 16 (Friday, January 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF EDWARD CABELL BRAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 30, 2015

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Representative Bob 
Goodlatte, I submit these remarks in honor of the remarkable life of 
(Edward) Cabell Brand and his dedicated service to our nation and our 
community. Among other things, Mr. Brand was a philanthropist, public 
servant, and an activist, widely recognized for his efforts to improve 
the lives of others. Though we may not have agreed with all of his 
political views, we can say without a doubt that Mr. Brand made an 
indelible difference in the Roanoke Valley.
  Born and raised in Salem, Virginia, Mr. Brand graduated in 1940 from 
Andrew Lewis High School. He attended Virginia Military Institute 
(VMI), and while there, was called to serve his country in World War II 
in the 70th Infantry Division. He returned to VMI to complete his 
education, and graduated in its class of 1944 as valedictorian.
  Mr. Brand continued his studies at the Harvard Business School and at 
the University of Virginia. He became an economic analyst in the 
Intelligence Office of Berlin's Military Government and with the United 
States Foreign Service in Europe. By the end of his military service, 
Mr. Brand held the rank of Captain, and also received the Bronze Star.
  Mr. Brand returned to Salem, and worked at The Ortho Vent Shoe 
Company, which his grandfather had started a half-century earlier. He 
worked his way up to President of Ortho Vent, and took it public as the 
Stuart McGuire Company in 1970 before selling it in 1986 to the Home 
Shopping Network.
  In 1965, Mr. Brand founded Total Action Against Poverty (now called 
Total Action for Progress), which he believed to be his greatest 
achievement. This program provides more than 30 programs to the Roanoke 
Valley, including the Head Start Program, the Virginia Water Project, 
and more. Mr. Brand also served as Chairman of Child Health Investment 
Partnership (CHIP) until 1996.
  In 1987, Mr. Brand established the Cabell Brand Center for 
International Poverty and Research Studies. As a result of this Center, 
more than 500 students were given the opportunity to learn and pursue 
various public service opportunities.
  Mr. Brand received numerous awards for his efforts, including the 
VISTA award, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Humanitarian Award, the Virginia 
Governor Gold Medal Award, the first Jonathan Daniels Award from VMI, 
the Noel Taylor Humanitarian Award, the Salem Rotary Club's Outstanding 
Citizen Award, and the Roanke-Salem Chamber of Commerce Lifetime 
Achievement Award. He also received honorary degrees from institutions 
including Washington & Lee University, Roanoke College, Ferrum College 
and Virginia Western Community College, and Lynchburg College. Mr. 
Brand was a proud author, and was also featured in other publications 
for his leadership and service.
  Mr. Brand passed away on January 13, 2015, at the age of 91. He was 
predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley; infant daughter, Ingrid Pichen 
Brand; sons, Marshall Cabell Brand, Edward Cabell Brand Jr., Richard 
Franklin Pence, and John Wilson Pence. He is survived by daughters, 
Sylvia Brand Knaup (Gunther) of Columbia, Tenn., Miriam Brand Kline 
(John) of Richmond, Va., Caroline Brand Mateja of Charlottesville, Va., 
and Liza Pence Urso of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Brandon Kline, 
Kathryn Kline, Philip Urso, Laura Urso, Christin Urso, Cabell Keating 
Brand, Rachel Pence, Shelley Pence, Thomas John Pence, Benjamin Pence, 
Maggie Mateja, Patrick Mateja, Jack Mateja, and Caleb Pence; niece, 
Virginia Hurt Johnson of Washington, D.C.; sister, Mary Holmes Smith of 
Alexandria, Va; and other nieces and nephews.
  The Roanoke Valley has lost one of its finest. Though we note with 
great sadness Mr. Brand's passing, we are confident his legacy will 
live on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Brand's family and 
loved ones.

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