[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 141 (Friday, August 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      RECOGNIZING MR. AND MRS. BETTERTON ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MO BROOKS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 6, 2021

  Mr. BROOKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. 
Betterton on their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
  Erby Wayne Betterton was born on February 28, 1948 in Decatur, 
Alabama. Four years later, Valeri Lynn Dunaway was born on May 21, 
1952, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  While on leave from his duties in the U.S. Army, Wayne met Valeri 
through his brother. After Wayne finished his three-year commitment to 
the Army, he returned home and proposed to Valeri on her 18th birthday, 
which also happened to be the day she graduated from Butler High 
School. On August 01, 1971, Wayne and Valeri were married at West 
Huntsville Church of Christ.
  Looking back over their life together, Wayne and Valeri recognize the 
many blessings they have experienced together.
  For instance, Wayne served in the U.S. Army on the front lines of the 
Vietnam War and returned home safely. Upon returning home and 
completing his service, Wayne went to work as a tire builder with 
Dunlop Tire Company. Meanwhile, Valeri worked in the food stamp office 
until 1975, when she and Wayne welcomed their first daughter into their 
home. Later, in 1979, Valeri had another little girl. By this time, 
Valeri chose to change her career to become a stay-at-home mother.
  Later, Valeri returned to work as a state employee and retired after 
twenty-five years of service. Wayne retired after thirty-three and a 
half years at Dunlop, which is when the plant was closed.
  Today, Wayne and Valeri are enjoying retirement by being heavily 
involved in their grandchildren's lives and their local church and 
community. One of their favorite past times is watching the Atlanta 
Braves.
  Madam Speaker, Wayne and Valeri Betterton's marriage serves as a 
reminder to us all, that with unwavering commitment and perseverance, 
marriage is truly a wonderful blessing.
  I wish Mr. and Mrs. Betterton the very best as they enjoy their 
fiftieth wedding anniversary and celebrate with their family.

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