[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 18 (Thursday, January 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E97-E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   U.S. MARSHAL CLEVELAND VAUGHN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 2018

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate African-American 
History Month by posthumously honoring the federal service, 
accomplishments and communal contributions of U.S. Marshal Cleveland 
Vaughn, Jr.
  He was born on a farm in Earle, Arkansas, skipped a grade in country 
school and graduated from high school at age 16. He went to college at 
what is now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and 
graduated with a degree in agriculture education. As a young boy, he 
dreamed of becoming a game warden.
  He began his federal career as a special agent with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service in 1967, when he was accepted into a federal law 
enforcement training program. Mr. Vaughn wrote of the experience in an 
essay for the Omaha World Herald stating ``I was the first black. At 
the time, I didn't realize what that meant, that it was a tremendous 
breakthrough. To me, it was a job. Period.'' It is a job he held for 
half of a 28-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 
1993, Cleveland was the first African-American appointed to be the U.S. 
Marshal for the State of Nebraska. The U.S. Marshals Service describes 
the members of its ranks thusly, ``hometown-men and women familiar with 
local feelings about national issues. They are people comfortable 
within their own neighborhoods.'' This is a particularly apt 
description of Mr. Vaughn according to his friends, family and 
colleagues. Quoting Shirley Vaughn, his wife of nearly 49 years, ``He 
loved people. He loved his church. He loved to help.''
  Cleveland Vaughn was active in his church, Zion Baptist, serving as a 
trustee. He was a mentor and a confidant for the young and old. 
Cleveland shared his love of the outdoors and nature with all. He 
utilized his passion to help coordinate an annual wild game feed at 
Zion Baptist church, which emphasized fellowship between young men and 
positive role models. The Douglas County Attorney described Mr. Vaughn 
as a ``public servant whose public service didn't stop.'' He was known 
for his generosity, openness and selflessness.

[[Page E98]]

  In addition to his wife, Shirley, and other relatives, Vaughn is 
survived by son Derek Vaughn, and daughters Monica Watson and Janae 
Vaughn of Omaha.
  As we prepare to celebrate Black History month, we recognize the 
immense contributions African-Americans have made to this country. 
Trailblazers and public servants like Cleveland Vaughn, Jr. deserve our 
gratitude and thanks.

                          ____________________