[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO AL RANKINS, SENIOR

 Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Al 
Rankins, Sr., of Greenville, MS, for his service and contributions to 
the State of Mississippi while serving as the 80th president of the 
Delta Council. Since its founding in 1935, this important organization 
has grown into a widely respected economic development collaborative 
representing the business, professional, and agricultural interests of 
the Mississippi Delta region. I am grateful to Delta Council for its 
continuous role in meeting the economic and quality of life challenges 
in this unique part of our country.
  Al Rankins' tenure as council president began in May 2015, and he has 
been a notably strong advocate for the Delta Council's role in water 
resources development. His effective leadership on flood control issues 
affecting the alluvial floodplain has served the area well. His former 
service as a local public official has provided him a unique 
perspective on the needs of proper access to healthcare, workforce 
readiness, educational progress, and important matters related to 
transportation infrastructure in this rural, predominantly agricultural 
region.
  A native of Washington County, MS, Mr. Rankins graduated from Simmons 
High School in Hollandale, MS, and later received a bachelor's degree 
in criminal justice from Mississippi Valley State University. Prior to 
his contributions as president of Delta Council, Mr. Rankins served his 
community as a law enforcement officer, an elected county official, 
past president of 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta, and active 
participant in the local Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Rankins' dedication 
to the future of the delta and all of those who live there is laudable. 
I am pleased to join the people of my State in commending Al Rankins 
and sharing our appreciation with his wife, Mary, and their children, 
CeCelia, Alfred, Jr., Ansel, and Anthony, as the 81st annual meeting of 
the Delta Council organizational membership convenes.

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