[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 57 (Monday, April 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E428-E429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WILLIE WHITE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Willie White, who is an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant.
  Willie is a native of Canton, MS, where he and his older brother, 
Booker T. Jones, grew up and were raised by their grandparents. He is 
the second oldest child of Earl Jones and Lonnie B. White Bratton. In 
the late forties, both parents relocated to different Northern states, 
married and other siblings were born. The 68 year old, credits his 
stern grandparents for him becoming the man he is today.
  After receiving his Elementary and High School education from the 
Madison County Public School District, he entered Alcorn State 
University in the fall of 1967 on a track scholarship. To avoid being 
drafted by the Army or the Marine Corp after receiving draft notices 
from both, he joined the Navy in 1970, where he served for twenty-one 
years on active duty and ten years reserved duty. During this time he 
served three tours in the Vietnam War. Because of his brave and heroic 
acts, he was inducted into the San Diego Aerospace Museum Hall of 
Champions in Balboa Park in San Diego, CA in 1989, along with receiving 
numerous other medals and awards.
  Willie retired from the military in 1990 and began working as a 
Logistic Management Specialist for Naval Air Technical Data and 
Engineering Service Command (NATEC), which is a department of the 
defense supporting the war fighters. During this time, he graduated 
from Defense Acquisition University, San Diego, CA.

[[Page E429]]

  His tenure as an athlete, a high school, college and military track 
coach combined for more than forty years. He received all conference 
honors in football and track for the U.S. Navy, qualified in Track & 
Field for the U.S. Olympic team in 1972, but due to military 
obligations was unable to attend; California High School Coach of the 
year five times, and received the KGTV Channel 10 San Diego award in 
1999 for outstanding citizenship in the community. He also served as 
chaplain and spiritual leader for the Mill Park Home Boys organization 
in San Diego, California.
  In 1963 and 1966, Willie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 
Canton, MS. In 2000 he was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. award in 
Canton, for his participation in these marches trying to ensure equal 
and civil rights for all mankind.
  Since moving to Grenada, MS in 2011, where he now calls home, Willie 
has been very active in the community. He is continuing to use his 
knowledge and skills volunteering in various clubs, groups and civic 
organizations. He serves as president of the Male choir, an usher and 
on the Board of Trustees at Greater Pleasant Grove M.B. Church, Gore 
Springs, MS. He has membership in the following organizations: Grenada 
100 Black Men of America, Inc., The American Legion and V.F.W. Post, 
Grenada Baptist District Association Men Division, Grenada Chamber of 
Commerce Smile Team, Montgomery-Carroll-Grenada County Alcorn State 
University Alumni Chapter, Alcorn State University National Alumni 
Association, Community Relations Council member for Finch-Henry Job 
Corps Center, and a board member of Central Mississippi Incorporated. 
Willie also volunteers at Grenada High School by giving assistance to 
the track coach and the ROTC program.
  He is the father of four children, ten grandchildren and five great 
grandchildren. Willie is currently married to his college sweetheart 
Mildrette Netter White, a 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist. When he is not 
busy giving back to the community, he enjoys singing, listening to 
music, gardening, traveling and spending time with his family and 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Willie 
White, an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant, for his dedication to 
serving others and giving back to the African American Community.

                          ____________________