[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 7, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5323-H5324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
             HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN COOKSEY

  (Ms. LETLOW asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, we lost Congressman John 
Cooksey, a former Member of this body and an outstanding American who 
dedicated his life to serving his country and improving the lives of 
others.
  John Cooksey was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1941, and grew up 
near his father's sawmill in rural LaSalle Parish. He attended LSU and 
LSU Medical School and became an ophthalmologist. His love for 
practicing medicine ran so deep that he continued to treat patients for 
nearly 50 years.
  Madam Speaker, just yesterday, I heard the story of a World War II 
veteran whose vision had become distorted because of his combat 
injuries. Dr. Cooksey treated him, restored the man's vision, and 
performed the entire surgery free of charge.
  Dr. Cooksey also served as a medical missionary to Africa, 
volunteering his time and skills to treat those desperately in need of 
medical care. He was so moved by his experiences there that he returned 
home and personally led the fundraising drive to build a modern eye 
clinic in Kenya.
  Dr. Cooksey had a dedication to serving others and a deep commitment 
to serving our country. He was a pilot in the Air Force and flew 
missions during the Vietnam War.
  In 1996, Dr. Cooksey was elected to serve the people of Louisiana's 
Fifth Congressional District here in the House of Representatives. 
Throughout his three terms, he was known for delivering results that 
were transformational for our region and always going above and beyond 
to help his constituents.
  On a personal level, I will always be grateful to John Cooksey for 
giving my late husband, Luke, his start in politics, instilling a love 
for the work of this Congress in an eager young boy from Start, 
Louisiana. For me, he was more than a predecessor, he was a trusted 
mentor, a confidant, and a friend.

[[Page H5324]]

  Madam Speaker, we have lost a dedicated public servant who was an 
outstanding Member of this body. In his memory, I ask all Members in 
the Chamber to join me in observing a moment of silence as we honor the 
incredible life and remarkable accomplishments of Congressman John 
Cooksey.

                          ____________________