[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E422-E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF JOE WARD, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday 
of Mr. Joe Ward, Sr. of Iowa Park, Texas. Mr. Ward was born on May 2, 
1933, in Douglass, Texas, to Richard Ward and Liddie Ward, and is one 
of five children.
  In his early years, Mr. Ward lived in Rusk, Texas, and attended Rusk 
High School while working part time in a local radio shop. At the age 
of 17, Mr. Ward joined the Texas National Guard and continued to study 
and train until his graduation in 1951. Mr. Ward later transferred to 
the Louisiana National Guard and graduated in 1955 from Shreveport 
Trade School with a focus in Electronics.
  Mr. Ward worked for the Shreveport Fire Department and simultaneously 
became an amateur radio operator. He was the youngest driver in the 
fire department and was quickly promoted due to his expertise, On 
December 24, 1958, Mr. Ward married Evelyn Douglas,

[[Page E423]]

while continuing to serve in the National Guard.
  Mr. Ward later worked as an electronics technician for the Federal 
Aviation Administration and relocated to Iowa Park, Texas, where he 
taught Sunday school and served on the board of Camp Chaparral, a 
nonprofit that organizes youth retreats. Additionally, Mr. Ward was 
elected to the Iowa Park City Council in 1996 and became mayor of Iowa 
Park in 2008 until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure as an 
elected official, he helped seniors alleviate hardships by delivering 
meals-on-wheels and hosting community events.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize Mr. Ward's amazing life and service to our Nation. 
May God bless Joe on 90 years of life and joy.

                          ____________________