[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 22082-22083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         TRIBUTE TO JACK WARNER

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. 
Jack Warner, the former Chairman and CEO of Gulf States Paper 
Corporation. I recognize him for the contributions that he and his 
wife, Elizabeth, have made to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.
  A man of strong character and a wealth of old-fashioned common sense, 
Jack Warner has persevered and triumphed no matter what the challenge; 
through wars, labor strikes, and tough financial and personal 
circumstances. Through it all, he has remained steadfast in his beliefs 
and a pioneer from which others might draw inspiration. He has made 
tough business decisions over the years, and through it all has kept 
Gulf States Paper privately owned, a challenging endeavor when so many 
other companies have felt the pressure to go public. His gritty 
determination has led to financial success, which has helped him to 
pursue his many philanthropic interests and also allowed him to give 
back to the Tuscaloosa community.
  It was through many obstacles and achievements that Jack Warner 
developed the strong character and firm convictions that are with him 
today. A graduate of Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana in 
1936, he moved on to college at Washington & Lee University to pursue a 
degree in business administration. Following graduation, he promptly 
enlisted in the U.S. Army to perform what he saw as his duty to serve 
the country. As a commissioned officer with the Mars Task Force in the 
Burma theater of operations, he served the United States in exemplary 
fashion. Assigned in the Army's last horse-mounted unit, his calvary 
outfit was sent to India to pack supplies along the Burma trail. Once 
there, Jack Warner's unit was confronted with difficulties and 
obstacles which would have taken the spirit out of most men. Jack 
persevered, however, and his regiment ended up making a significant 
contribution to the War effort. This short episode in the life of Mr. 
Warner encapsulates his great spirit and will. He has always 
demonstrated persistence through adversity, and a commitment to get the 
job done right.
  Perhaps it is this quality which has led to the astonishing success 
of Jack Warner's business endeavors. During his tenure as President and 
Chairman of the Board of Gulf States Paper Corporation, the company 
experienced enormous growth. The business which has become synonymous 
with his name today enjoys a very healthy portfolio. This success has 
paved the way for many other business ventures and activities for Jack. 
He is the past director of the American Paper Institute, the past 
chairman and three-term president of the Alabama Chamber of Commerce, 
the past two-term president of the Greater Tuscaloosa Chamber of 
Commerce, a Director of the First Alabama Bank of Tuscaloosa, a past 
director of the Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company, a past 
director of the First National Bank of Tuscaloosa, just to name a few. 
He is truly a fixture in the Tuscaloosa business community.
  Jack Warner has not taken his tremendous business success for 
granted. In fact, he has used his position in the community to become 
actively involved in the growth and development of Tuscaloosa. Through 
his efforts, he has made a tremendous impact on Tuscaloosa and the 
surrounding area. His numerous civic activities attest to his 
unyielding commitment towards improving the community in which he 
lives. A few of his current civic activities include membership in the 
Mount Vernon Advisory Committee, the Decorative Arts Trust Board of 
Governors, active Director of the University Club of Tuscaloosa, 
Commodore of the North River Yacht Club, as well as Elder in the First 
Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. His former activities include a term 
as the Chairman of the Alabama Council on Economic Education, President 
of the YMCA of Metropolitan Tuscaloosa, President of the Druid City 
Hospital Foundation, as well as a member of the National Board of the 
Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He has received numerous 
honors and awards for his efforts, including the Distinguished 
Achievement Award from the President's Cabinet at the University of 
Alabama, the Frances G. Summersell Award from the University

[[Page 22083]]

of Alabama, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama State 
Council on the Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater 
Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce, the Lifetime Preservation Achievement 
Award from the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, and induction 
into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.
  Jack Warner has truly been an integral part in all aspects of the 
Tuscaloosa community. It is with great pleasure that I recognize his 
efforts and rise in tribute to all that he has done for Tuscaloosa and 
the state of Alabama. His commitment and sense of civic duty is greatly 
appreciated.

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