[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING JOHN C. DORTCH FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE CUNNINGHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2020

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
held many titles throughout his life; scholar athlete, Howard 
University graduate, U.S. Army officer, decorated Vietnam veteran, 
professor, attorney, pastor, and--for fifteen years--inmate.
  John C. Dortch was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, the son of a 
Baptist minister. He was a gifted musician at a young age, an 
impressive student athlete, and a distinguished Military Graduate from 
Howard University who volunteered to serve in Vietnam at the age of 22.
  After returning home from war, a series of bad decisions led John to 
participate in a bank robbery where a police officer was killed. John 
took full responsibility of his past, enrolling in law school after he 
was released from prison and leading programs for first-time juvenile 
offenders and anti-violence initiatives.
  John turned his biggest regret into a mission of servitude, founding 
the Circle of Hope Ministries for the homeless in the Lowcountry. Every 
day he asks himself, ``Did I help someone today?'' John's life of 
service is a testament to the truth that every person is more than the 
worst thing they have done. It is an honor to know him.

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