[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E925-E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF DOUG WALKER'S RETIREMENT

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2019

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Doug Walker who 
has retired from his career in broadcast journalism after 43 years. 
Doug has served the people of south Mississippi at the WLOX news 
station for 30 years and has many notable accomplishments under his 
belt from his tenure with the station.
  In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf 
Coast, causing mass amounts of devastation throughout south 
Mississippi. Doug and the WLOX team remained on the ground and on air 
during the storm so they could continue providing critical updates to 
south Mississippi. Because of this impeccable journalism, Doug and 
others at WLOX received the distinguished Peabody Award in 2006. This 
award recognizes broadcasting excellence in both news and 
entertainment. Without the coverage provided by Doug and the WLOX team, 
south Mississippi would not have received widespread updates before, 
during, and after the storm. We are grateful to have hap these 
individuals remain engaged on delivering coverage of the hUrricane and 
our recovery.
  A year after Hurricane Katrina, Doug received a personal invitation 
to the White House for a one-on-one interview with President George W. 
Bush. During their discussion, Doug and President Bush reflected 
through the events that unfolded after the storm passed, both recalling 
the utter devastation the storm brought to Mississippi. Doug has 
recounted this invitation and interview as the highlight of his 
broadcasting career.
  Furthermore, Doug exemplifies the ``never quit mentality'' that is 
embodied by so many along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Doug was 
diagnosed with kidney cancer in late 2006. Although that news may be 
defeating for some, Doug did not let it defeat his spirit. After many 
surgeries, Doug was cleared of his cancer and eventually returned back 
to his passion.
  I have personally enjoyed working with Doug over the years, most 
often on the WLOX News this Week segment. I know he will be sorely 
missed on WLOX by many in south Mississippi.
  I am pleased to recognize Doug for his many accomplishments over the 
years and wish him a very relaxing and well-deserved retirement.

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