[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18632]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING TED ``GUNNER'' OUSLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to honor a man 
that many in my District know by only one name.
  Ted Ousley--or simply ``Gunner'' as he is known to his many fans--is 
one of the most popular people in my District and a longtime 
personality with WIVK radio in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  Each weekday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ``Your Cowboy Pal'' Gunner 
entertains listeners with his unique brand of East Tennessee charm, 
humor, and grace.
  He loves his job, and you can tell when listening to his show. He 
once said that he was ``living his dream'' by being on the air with 
WIVK.
  In 2003 and 2004, Gunner was voted the Best DJ by Metro Pulse readers 
and was a finalist for the Marconi Air Personality of the Year.
  But Gunner is not just known for his entertainment. He is also a 
tireless champion of Veterans.
  Following the September 11th terror attacks in 2001, Gunner started a 
segment on his show called ``Voices from the Front'' where he would 
connect families over the phone with their loved ones serving in the 
wars. It was hugely popular and emotional for him and his listeners.
  In 2004, he traveled to Iraq, and upon his return led an effort to 
bring to the United States for treatment an 8-year-old suffering from a 
severe form of Spina Bifida.
  In 2009, Gunner received the first annual Civilian Warrior Award for 
his work with the 844th Engineer Battalion.
  East Tennessee is one of the most patriotic places in this Country. 
Each year, Gunner helps lead the Veterans Day parade in Knoxville, 
which is attended by many thousands of people.
  In addition to his service to Veterans, Gunner finds the time to run 
two East Tennessee farms and serve on the Board of Directors of the 
East Tennessee Alzheimer's Association.
  Mr. Speaker, Ted ``Gunner'' Ousley embodies the Volunteer spirit of 
East Tennessee.
  His humility and dedication to those who serve will forever hold a 
place in our hearts, and I thank him for his dedication to this Country 
and wish him success as he continues to entertain us each day.
  I also call his work with Veterans to the attention of my Colleagues 
and other readers in hopes that he will be an inspiration to many more.

                          ____________________