[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING JOHN GRAHAM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 20, 2024

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
late John Graham, Jr. as the committed family man he was and will 
continue to be in memory.
  While at Poquoson High School, he won notable achievements such as: 
becoming Virginia's Boys State Representative, being elected President 
of his Senior class, and was a brilliant athlete. John was such a 
brilliant athlete he not only received the role of Captain his junior 
and senior years of high school, he also was recognized as ``Little All 
American'' during his football career in college. His drive to play and 
contribute to his teams got him inducted into the RMC Hall of Fame in 
2015.
  While working for NASA he was a fundamental contributor to 
groundbreaking missions. John was critical in developing and building 
the budding space program, even working alongside the original 
astronauts. He also held crucial roles in the development of the 
Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs.
  Unfortunately, right before John was eligible to retire from NASA, he 
was confronted with a decision that would change his life forever. His 
father was fighting through a tough battle with pancreatic cancer and 
asked John to take over the family business in his stead.
  Showing true sacrifice and dedication to his family, John decided to 
leave his career at NASA in order to preserve his family's seafood 
business: Graham & Rollins. Keeping the spirit of a true family 
business, John brought his children and wife Sandra Graham to work 
alongside him, further cementing how his family was always a top 
priority. As President of Graham & Rollins, John expanded the company 
threefold, leaving a family legacy to his children and grandchildren.
  During his successful career within the family business, John also 
took the time to mentor his sons and grandsons in wrestling. Due to his 
mentorship, his sons were able to blossom in the sport and each hold 
notable records. With a renewed sense of love for the sport, John had a 
vision to expand the fan base of wrestling. That's why he helped create 
the Peninsula Wrestling Association as well as founding the Virginia 
Duals. He even went on to serve as the team leader for the Olympic 
wrestling team in 1988 and 1996. Due to his contributions to the sport, 
John was awarded the Order of Merit for the National Wrestling Hall of 
Fame and was inducted into both the Virginia Wrestling and Lower 
Peninsula Halls of Fame.
  John will always be known for his devotion to his family, his love 
for sports, and his unwavering commitment to give back to his 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing John Graham, Jr. and 
to thank his wonderful family for giving me the pleasure of 
acknowledging him and recognizing the kindness he shared with the world 
around him.

                          ____________________