[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 122 (Monday, July 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E683-E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. LARRY HALLUM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Larry 
Vernon Hallum, who

[[Page E684]]

passed away on April 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born in 
Bakersfield, California, Mr. Hallum was 1 of 5 children. He grew up in 
the Central Valley, and attended Arvin Union Elementary, Haven Drive 
Junior High School, and Arvin High School. Throughout his childhood, 
Mr. Hallum excelled in academics and sports, won the Henry Greve speech 
contest in junior high, and was Senior Class Vice President in high 
school.
  After his high school graduation in 1961, he attended Bakersfield 
College for 2 years where he played tennis. Soon after, he was offered 
a full ride to Stanford University, which he turned down to pursue an 
education at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Hallum graduated with his 
bachelor's degree in history and political science in 1966 and returned 
to Arvin High School as a teacher. Mr. Hallum volunteered for the draft 
in 1969, during the height of combat operations in the Vietnam War. He 
served in forward reconnaissance in the Quang Ngai Valley in South 
Vietnam.
  Mr. Hallum achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 and was awarded a Combat 
Infantryman's badge. He spent his life honoring the sacrifices of the 
soldiers who served alongside him. In October of 2022, Larry and his 
son, Ryan, visited the U.S. Capitol and the Vietnam Memorial Wall as 
part of the Central Valley Honor Flight. After his service, Mr. Hallum 
returned to Arvin High School, where he spent 40 years as a teacher. He 
was a vital part of the Arvin community, having taught thousands of 
students in the Central Valley across multiple generations of families. 
Mr. Hallum was devoted to his students, teaching world civilizations, 
geography, U.S. history, government, and economics.
  Mr. Hallum led the school's Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and in 
1987, started the ``We the People'' Constitution Team, which was 
nationally ranked under his leadership. He also spent time supporting 
his students outside the classroom--coaching football, tennis, and 
baseball and supporting other students as he cheered from the 
sidelines. Mr. Hallum was honored as the first recipient of the Jim 
Burke Teacher of the Year Award, received the Arvin Chamber's Citizen 
of the Year Award, and was gifted the Key to the City of Arvin. After 
his retirement, he was selected as one of the 100 Outstanding Alumni 
from Bakersfield College, having been recognized for his commitment to 
the students at Arvin High School.
  Mr. Hallum and his wife of 45 years, Brenda, have twin sons together, 
Drew Jonathan and Ryan Wesley. Mr. Hallum was their biggest fan 
throughout their childhood and supported them at their football games 
and marching band performances. His love of teaching influenced his 
sons to spend time as educators in their careers. In honor of Mr. 
Hallum, the Kern High School District has created the ``Spirit of Arvin 
High School'' Memorial Scholarship to support future college students 
in the district. His service to our country, commitment to his family, 
and dedication to the students of the Central Valley will always be 
remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Larry Vernon Hallum.

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