[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 676-677]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF STEVE WALTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an 
outstanding individual in Southeastern North Carolina, Mr. Steve 
Walter. Mr. Walter passed away on December 21, 2005, just before 
Christmas, during one of his daily jogs and bicycle rides. However, his 
spirit and contributions will live on in the hearts and minds of many 
for generations to come.
  Born in Brooklyn, New York, Steve went on to serve his country with 
distinction, dedication and determination, As a graduate of 
Pennsylvania Military College, Steve served in the military for 28 
years, including two tours in Vietnam. He received several honors and 
awards during his time of service, including the Defense Superior 
Service Medal, Secretary of Defense and Army Staff Identification 
Badges, Bronze Star with cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 
clusters, Joint Service and Army Commendation Medals, and the 
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Steve finished his

[[Page 677]]

years of service as a strategic planner with the Secretary of Defense 
at the Pentagon and retired as a colonel in 1988.
  After Steve retired from military service, he enjoyed a successful 
real estate career in Maryland and moved to Topsail Island, North 
Carolina in 1993, where he and his beloved wife of more than 42 years, 
Patti, have lived ever since. Steve has been an active member of the 
Topsail Island community. Since moving there, he has been a member of 
various organizations, including the Sea Turtle Hospital, the Missiles 
and More Museum, Topsail Island Kiwanis, Topsail Island Realtors, 
Topsail Beach Shore Protection Committee, and the North Carolina Beach, 
Inlet, and Waterway Association. Steve and Patti also are the proud 
parents of three wonderful children--Kimberly, Lisa, and Stephen.
  Samuel Logan Brengle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, 
once said some very important words that reflect the character and life 
of Steve. He said, ``the final estimate of a man will show that history 
cares not one iota about the title he has carried or the rank he has 
borne, but only about the quality of his deeds and the character of his 
heart.'' Indeed, Steve Walter has reflected these words through his 
sacrifice and commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, dedicated service to others combined with dynamic 
leadership has been the embodiment of Steve's life. May we all use his 
wisdom, selflessness, and integrity as a beacon of direction and a 
source of true enlightenment for many years to come. Indeed, may God 
bless to all of our memories the honored life and legacy of Steve 
Walter.

                          ____________________