[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LIFE AND SERVICE OF GARY TURNER

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2019

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Mr. Gary Turner of Sarcoxie, Missouri.
  Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Gary was in the first 
graduating class at Glendale High School where he excelled at both 
academics and sports. After high school, he attended the University of 
Missouri-Rolla until 1968 when he got drafted into the United States 
Army. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam with the 
82nd Airborne, the 1st Infantry Division and finally, with the 25th 
Infantry Division.
  After returning home, Gary continued his service to our country by 
co-founding a veterans' center in Springfield focused on men and women 
coming back from war and providing them with the resources they need to 
assimilate back into society. He has always said it's not what he gets, 
it's what he can give back.
  To add to his already long list of accomplishments serving others, in 
2011, Gary took over as head of the Community Foundation in Sarcoxie, 
which he has led ever since. Created in collaboration with a U.S. 
Department of Agriculture initiative to help with job creation and 
economic development in rural areas, the foundation is a way for 
residents to give to their community and see the fruits of their labor 
in real time, as the benefits all go directly into the community. Gary 
says that the foundation is a way for everyone to get involved in the 
community, and he hopes that the foundation will last forever. He has 
also been involved with Sarcoxie Board of Education and City Council 
and is chairman of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, providing 
grant assistance to four area counties.
  Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress it is my great pleasure to 
stand and recognize the lifetime of service that Gary Turner has given 
to his country and local communities. He has truly earned this great 
honor, and I ask all Americans to join me in thanking him.

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