[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22775]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF VINCE O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II 
veteran, a successful businessman and family man, a true civic leader 
and my friend, Mr. Vincent O'Brien of Dyersburg, Tennessee.
  Vince's life has always been marked by a desire to change the world 
he lives in for the better. That dedication is still proven by his 
continued work for the city of Dyersburg.
  He has served for 30 years as a member of the Dyersburg Planning 
Commission and has chaired the commission for 20 years. During that 
time, the city of Dyersburg has experienced tremendous growth, 
including the development of many new businesses and a shopping mall 
that have become vital to the economy of West Tennessee.
  Vince served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and received 
the distinguished Flying Cross.
  A few months after the war, Vince married Virginia Marr of Dyersburg, 
and they eventually moved to Dyersburg and established Marr Cleaners, 
which operated successfully for more than half a century. Virginia 
passed away 10 years ago. Vince still enjoys spending time with their 
daughters and their families, eight grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren.
  Now, at 86 years old, Vince shows no signs of slowing down. While 
still continuing his work for Dyersburg, he splits his time between 
Dyersburg and Caruthersville, Missouri, home to his wife Dorothy.
  Vince O'Brien is an example for us all. He has always lived a life of 
compassion, involvement and service. His accomplished leadership has 
been vital to our community, and I am proud to call Vince O'Brien my 
friend.

                          ____________________