[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE NINETIETH BIRTHDAY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED 
                              OAKLAND ARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and pleasure 
to wish a very happy birthday to Northwest Florida's beloved Oakland 
Ard on the occasion of his 90th birthday and to congratulate him on his 
many achievements and recognize his service to Northwest Florida and 
our great Nation.
  Born and raised in Geneva County, Alabama, Oakland answered the call 
of duty, while in high school, joining the United States Army in 
December 1943. After completing basic training, Oakland deployed to 
Europe, where he joined his brother as a member of the 2nd Armored 
Infantry Division, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, seeing combat in 
France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. While engaged in battle with 
German forces, Oakland's company came under heavy mortar fire, and his 
brother, Dalton, was tragically killed in action. Despite this 
devastating loss, however, Oakland continued to serve with honor and 
distinction until injuries sustained from severe frostbite forced him 
to be called back to the United States. After recovering from his 
injuries, Oakland continued to serve our Nation as a heavy machine 
gunner instructor at Fort Knox until his discharge on May 10, 1946.
  Oakland's military career proved to be a harbinger of many more years 
of selfless service to the Lord, his family, friends, community, and 
Nation. Following his discharge, he returned home and started working 
as a farmer to help put two of his siblings through school, and when 
his brother, Herman, was called to active duty to serve in Korea, 
Oakland moved to Port St. Joe, Florida, to fill his brother's position 
at the St. Joe Paper Company. In Port St. Joe, Oakland met his first 
wife, Marian and remained in the area until his brother returned from 
his military duties.
  In 1957, Oakland gained employment at the Container Corporation of 
America and settled in Jay, Florida. The Ards quickly planted strong 
roots in the Jay community, where they raised their two sons, Freddy 
and Ronnie. Oakland would remain at the Container Corporation for 
nearly four decades, until his retirement in 1996. While working, 
Oakland helped establish and lead several organizations including the 
Eastpoint Employees Federal Credit Union, where he served as both 
President and Vice President, and the Brewton CCA Federal Credit Union, 
where he served a term as president and many decades as a board member 
and treasurer.
  Outside of his working life, Oakland was also a leader in his church 
and civic communities. As a longtime member of Jay First Baptist 
Church, he served in countless positions, including Sunday School 
Director, Training Union Director, Brotherhood Director, and Church 
Treasurer, among many others.
  Oakland also contributed to the Northwest Florida community in myriad 
other ways. He was appointed by the Florida Legislature to the Board of 
Directors of Jay Hospital, served nearly two decades as a board member 
of the State Housing Initiative Program, and was a longtime member of 
the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. In 
addition, the people of Jay also elected him to the Jay City Council, 
where he served for four years.
  Still, all of these impressive accomplishments are only a small 
reflection on Oakland's selfless character and dedication to family, 
faith, and community. A dedicated family man, for more than 50 years, 
Oakland was a loving husband to Marian, until her passing from cancer. 
Today, Oakland enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, 
great-grandchildren, and his wife, Jackie, and he has always been 
around to lend a hand to his neighbors in times of need.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to 
recognize Oakland Ard on his 90th birthday. My wife Vicki and I wish 
him and the entire Ard family all the best.

                          ____________________