[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE FOR CAL AND SANDY RUNYON'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
50th wedding anniversary of a beloved couple in Eastern Kentucky, my 
dear friends, Cal and Sandy Runyon of Pikeville.
  Cal and Sandy's commitment and love for one another is equally as 
strong as their devotion and loyal service to the people of Eastern 
Kentucky. I say that with confidence due to their combined decades of 
service in multiple capacities to our nation, our commonwealth and our 
region.
  Sandy faithfully served as my Field Representative for nearly a 
decade. In fact, she still tries to keep me in line, advising and 
providing guidance about projects and politics in the Big Sandy region. 
She is a friend to many and has mentored countless young people and 
rising leaders by taking them under her wing. Sandy started in public 
service at a young age, landing her first job with former Pike County 
Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas Ratliff, and continuing on with the 
State Highway Department in Pikeville, serving as a former 
representative for the Southern Labor Union, and finally earning a 
gubernatorial appointment as former Pike County Circuit Court Clerk. 
Today, her heart of service reaches Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin 
and Pike Counties as Executive Director of the Big Sandy Area 
Development District. She has diligently sought out economic 
development opportunities and infrastructure enhancements to expand 
clean water and sewer service to people living in some of our most 
rural communities. She's known for getting things done in a no-nonsense 
approach and doesn't accept excuses. Sandy is tenacious and fights for 
projects that will improve the lives of Eastern Kentuckians. For those 
reasons, former Governor Louie B. Nunn designated Sandy as a bonafide 
Kentucky Colonel.
  While Sandy has worked tirelessly for project funding, Cal has spent 
a lifetime serving and protecting our way of life. As a Corporal in the 
U.S. Marines, Cal served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and a number of other 
posts around the world. He later served as a member of the United 
States Army Security Agency (USASA) in Kushiro, Japan, working in 
cryptography communications. When Cal returned to U.S. soil, he 
continued to serve through the Pike County Sheriff's Department, 
Pikeville City Police Department, and as a Deputy U.S. Marshal Court 
Security Officer. He is also a Shriner and 32nd Degree Mason in 
Pikeville.
  As individuals, they have helped transform Kentucky's Appalachian 
region. As a couple, they have conquered the obstacles of life, upheld 
their wedding vows for 50 years and shared a love that so many people 
spend a lifetime searching for. As a result, they have one son, Eddie, 
a daughter-in-law, Yvette, and two wonderful grandchildren, Triniti 
Shae and Jonah Brock Runyon.
  My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Cal and Sandy a happy 50th Anniversary 
and many more years of marital bliss.

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