[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  GOD, FAMILY & COUNTRY: BOB WILKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, God, family and country. Those three 
words are a life motto for one of my constituents, Robert ``Bob'' Lee 
Wilkinson. Bob is a God-fearing father, grandfather and veteran, who 
will be celebrating his 80th Birthday this March.
  After graduating from Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 
1954, Bob joined the US Army. He was just 19 years old. His love of 
country drove him to the armed forces.
  For three years Bob served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps where he was 
stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He became a Specialist 2nd Class 
with top security clearance.
  Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, utilizing the GI Bill, Bob 
attended Oklahoma Baptist University. He graduated with a degree in 
business administration. He embarked on a successful 38 year career in 
Human Resources as a Human Resources Executive. Bob met and married his 
wife, DeLora, shortly after returning to Shawnee from the Army.
  Bob began his HR career while still in college, working part time at 
Oklahoma Gas and Electric. After graduation, he became the HR manager 
for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes in Oklahoma City. Bob was recruited 
to Dallas to join a startup company, Texas Instruments. At Texas 
Instruments, he became World Wide HR Director, which transferred him 
all to different cities all over the Lone Star State. One of these 
cities being Houston, where Bob lives today.
  After 19 years with Texas Instruments, Bob went to work for Compaq 
Computer, serving as their HR Director for 17 years. From there he went 
with Drake, Beam Morin, and a Human Recourse Outsourcing Firm. Bob's 
contribution to HR was quite the journey and it thankfully led him to 
the Promised Land, Texas, and we are so glad it did. Texas and Oklahoma 
are grateful for Bob's passion in HR and his willingness to help 
others.
  Bob and DeLora spend their free time traveling to the plains of 
Montana to visit family. They have two daughters and three 
grandchildren. You can find them involved in the community and 
political activities.
  2015 will be quite the year for Bob Wilkinson. He celebrates his 80th 
Birthday on March 13 and this coming May, Bob and DeLora will celebrate 
their 57th wedding anniversary. Congrats to a life and marriage well 
spent. It is obvious that God, family and country really have been the 
driving forces in your life, Bob.
  I am proud to have you as one of my many neighbors in Houston. I 
thank you for your service to our great country. I join not only your 
friends and family, but the entire community when I say, Happy Birthday 
Bob!
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________