[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 51 (Monday, March 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1931-S1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WILLARD KINZER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today it is my honor to pay tribute to 
Willard Kinzer, a one-of-a-kind Kentuckian who will receive a lifetime 
achievement award at the beginning of April. Willard, a leading figure 
in Floyd County, seems to have done it all.
  He is a World War II veteran, who felt compelled to join the Navy 
after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Willard's a nonstop worker, becoming 
a prominent entrepreneur in eastern Kentucky, leading Kinzer Drilling 
through expansions and growth. His philanthropy has helped build 
schools in his native Appalachia and has supported the Mountain Arts 
Center, and perhaps most unexpectedly Willard holds the distinction

[[Page S1932]]

as the first individual in history to drive a stock suspension car 
faster than 230 miles per hour. If that weren't impressive enough, wait 
until you hear that Willard was in his 80s at the time.
  He certainly has a notable list of accomplishments, and Willard shows 
no plans to slow down any time soon. Last year, he celebrated his 90th 
birthday by winning a drag-racing championship at 175 miles per hour, 
In Willard's trophy room, which is packed with the many awards he has 
earned over a long career of achievement and thrill-seeking, a sign 
reads, ``Life begins at 200 mph.'' It is a fitting motto for a man who 
never seems to take his foot off the gas pedal.
  Willard's local community will continue to enjoy his many 
contributions and inspirational example for generations to come. I am 
pleased to see his incredible life be honored, and I would like to add 
my voice to the chorus of those praising this remarkable Kentuckian. I 
hope my Senate colleagues will join me in recognizing Willard Kinzer 
for a lifetime of achievement and to congratulate him on this honor.

                          ____________________