[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE BIRTHDAY OF WILBERT D. PAYNE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
birthday of Wilbert D. Payne, Jr. Mr. Payne turned 75 on July 13th.
  Mr. Payne was born on July 13, 1950, and has devoted almost 50 years 
to serving his community and country, becoming a historic figure in the 
City of Opelika and a respected voice among Alabama veterans and civic 
leaders. In 2016, he made history as the first African American elected 
Chairman of the City of Opelika Board of Zoning Adjustments, breaking 
barriers and fostering inclusive representation for the citizens of 
Opelika.
  On February 17, 1970, Mr. Payne was drafted into the United States 
Army at the age of 19, serving with valor in the Vietnam War and later 
continuing his service through the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army 
National Guard until his medical retirement in 2004.
  As former Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Twin Cities 
Chapter 95, he spearheaded the Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration in 
Central Alabama, organizing the first ceremony of its kind in Lee 
County in 2016 and ensuring hundreds of veterans were honored and 
presented with commemorative pins and the public gratitude they had 
long deserved. He became an advocate for veterans' rights, mental 
health care, and public recognition for Vietnam veterans who, like 
himself, returned home without fanfare or acknowledgment.
  His civic service roles include: Chief Voting Inspector for Lee 
County at the Covington Recreation Center, Chairman and member of the 
City of Opelika Zoning Board, Member of 100 Black Men of America. Inc., 
Greater Auburn-Opelika Chapter, where he served as All Pro Dad's 
Chairperson for Carver Primary School and West Forest Intermediate 
School, Longtime coordinator of the Lions Tamers Social and Civic 
Club's Family Fun Day/Juneteenth Celebration, Certified Member and 
Volunteer with the American Red Cross for 19 years, including service 
as a former Shelter Manager on the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Board 
Member of the Greater Peace Church Community Development Corporation, 
Facilities Coordinator for the J.W. Darden Foundation, Member of the 
Opelika-Auburn News Editorial Board, Board Member of the Lee-Russell 
County Council on Aging, Active with People of Action for Community 
Enrichment and recipient of the Arthur Hill Community Service Award 
(2023).
  Mr. Payne retired from the City of Opelika Engineering Department 
(1990 to 2000) after previous employment with the Augusta Environmental 
Company (1981 to 1989) and Diversified Products (1976 to 1980), while 
balancing his long and honorable military service in U.S. Army (1970 to 
1971) and Army Reserve (1971 to 2000). He is supported by his loving 
wife, BBB4 Wilbert D. Payne, Jr., and has been blessed with 4 children 
and 12 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Payne on this 
milestone and wishing him a very happy birthday.

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