13508 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS June 21, 2005 Mr. Parker served in the United States Army Since 1888 Cradle Beach Camp has pro- With its enormous success, WDIA has re- in the special unit known as ‘‘Wolfpack’’, which vided rewarding summer break fun and learn- mained focused on improving the Memphis worked with friendly South Korean troops dur- ing to disabled children and children who community and has earned the title of ‘‘the ing the Korean War, and he was struck by would often not be able to attend a camp. Goodwill Station.’’ Throughout its distinguished lightning at Fort Riley between tours in Korea. Now approximately 900 children every year history, WDIA has aided the community by an- He served from 1949 until he was wounded in are given an unforgettable experience, partici- nouncing job openings, connecting individuals 1953. During this time, he was awarded two pating in energetic and entertaining activities with agencies to help them resolve problems, Silver Stars for gallantry in action during a bat- while learning about themselves as well as establishing over 100 Little League teams for tle in which he destroyed a Communist tank their new friends. black children, and sponsoring charitable using a bazooka. In that same battle, he was The activities of Cradle Beach Camp are or- events to raise funds for community initiatives. wounded by an exploding artillery shell and ganized to follow the 40 developmental assets Almost sixty years since its launch, WDIA was awarded the Purple Heart. that have been identified by the Search Insti- continues as a driving force in radio. From When he went home, he married his sweet- tute—an organization that provides resources Bobby O’Jay and the Fun Morning Team, to heart Sylvia Howard in 1953. Vern and Sylvia to promote healthy children. By focusing on a the Bev Johnson Show to the Davis Brothers made sacrifices, and he earned his Master’s child’s development, the Cradle Beach Camp in the afternoon, to Ford Nelson and Mark degree from Colorado State College of Edu- program helps their attendees learn about Stansbury’s Gospel Sunday, WDIA is not only cation in 1959. They were blessed with three themselves and steer them away from dam- the ‘‘Mother Station’’ for African-Americans, it children—Jim, Jerry, and Joe. aging and dangerous activities later in life. is stands as a symbol of entertainment, entre- Mr. Parker began teaching school at Cradle Beach Camp has always looked for preneurship and philanthropy for our region Galeton, Colorado in 1958. He went on to be- challenges and innovative ways to enhance and the entire nation. come the principal of Galeton’s elementary the stay of their campers. Cradle Beach’s Mr. Speaker, it is in recognition of and ap- and junior high schools. He was the school newest project is no different. The camp has preciation for WDIA’s nearly six-decade-long Superintendent in Briggsdale, Colorado, for overseen construction of a large treehouse ca- history and its continued presence in the three years and he continued teaching in pable of allowing children in wheelchairs to Memphis community that I ask my colleagues Weldona, Colorado, from 1976 to 1979. study and enjoy themselves in the treetops. to join me in paying tribute to WDIA AM 1070, When Mr. Parker retired he opened and ran This large treehouse capable of fitting 25 peo- the Goodwill Station. a small business. He was a member of the ple will allow all campers to appreciate the f Lions Club and the V.F.W., a Boy Scout lead- simple joy of spending time surrounded by na- er, and a volunteer fireman. Vernon’s love of ture. PERSONAL EXPLANATION teaching and working with young people has In closing Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize stayed with him always and he takes great this great achievement by the inspirational HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT pleasure in the accomplishments of his former Cradle Beach Camp whose mission in its own OF MASSACHUSETTS students and scouts. He has served his com- words is ‘‘to provide children with a chance to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES munity and his country well. learn more about themselves and their abili- My classmates and I liked him a lot, and we ties, instead of their limitations.’’ I would also Tuesday, June 21, 2005 thought he had a good sense of humor. Re- like to recognize the generosity of the people Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, on June 8, cently, I acquired one of the textbooks we of Western New York whose donations and 2005, I inadvertently voted in the negative on used in his class. Every time I come across volunteer efforts have made this project pos- rollcall 233 on H.R. 2744. It was my intention the book, it brings back good memories and I sible. Just as it has done many times in the to be recorded as ‘‘yes’’ on this measure and always stop and thumb through it. past, the Cradle Beach Staff led by its presi- I offer this clarification for the RECORD. I am proud to have been a student of dent, Jeannine L. Higgins, and many other f Vernon Parker, and I know Congressman Western New Yorkers, have provided gener- FRANKS is as well. Mr. Speaker, I’m very ously to help the mission of this wonderful IN HONOR OF RAYMOND J. FATZ thankful for the positive influence Vern Parker camp continue well into the future. had on my life as my teacher and I’m also f HON. SAM FARR very thankful as an American for the sacrifices OF CALIFORNIA he has made for our freedom and liberty. May TRIBUTE TO WDIA RADIO STATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES God bless our teachers who positively influ- ence young people, and may God bless our HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR. Tuesday, June 21, 2005 precious veterans who have made sacrifices OF TENNESSEE Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely on our behalf. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES proud to recognize an outstanding American f Tuesday, June 21, 2005 who retires from Federal civilian service after 1 IN RECOGNITION OF THE COMPLE- Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 37 ⁄2 years. On July 1st, Mr. Raymond J. Fatz TION OF THE WHEELCHAIR AC- honor WDIA radio station in Memphis. The of Herndon, VA, completes a long, and lus- CESSIBLE TREEHOUSE AT CRA- station is celebrating nearly sixty years of trous career in the Federal Government, which DLE BEACH CAMP broadcasting with a new compact disc anthol- began as a soldier in the United States Army ogy featuring the rhythm and blues, soul and in 1967. hip-hop classics that have made Memphis fa- Mr. Fatz’ extraordinary leadership and ac- HON. BRIAN HIGGINS complishments as the senior executive for the OF NEW YORK mous. Army’s environmental, safety and occupational IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES From its beginnings in 1948, as the first radio station in the United States featuring health programs have had a positive, direct, Tuesday, June 21, 2005 programming by African-Americans for an Afri- and lasting impact on the Soldiers and on the Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to can-American audience, WDIA has introduced Army’s ability to complete its peacetime and recognize the completion of the state of New America to such world wide legends as B.B. wartime missions—past, present and future. York’s first wheelchair accessible treehouse at King who recorded his first single at WDIA, I came to know Ray Fatz through his work Cradle Beach Camp in Angola. This 650 Rufus Thomas and Isaac Hayes. on clean-up issues at Fort Ord. To anyone square foot structure that sits among the trees In its first years on the air, WDIA experi- who has heard me preach about Fort Ord, you eleven feet above the ground is another im- enced great success and was the most pop- know how deep into the details I am. Whether portant chapter in Cradle Beach Camp’s mis- ular station in the city. In 1954, WDIA ex- it be cleaning up the UXO, filtering the con- sion to provide rewarding and educational panded its signal to broadcast from South- taminated water plume, or capping old land- summer camp experience to children with dis- West Missouri through the Mississippi River fills, I am passionate about getting clean up advantages or special needs. This innovative Delta to the Gulf Coast. This expansion right. Ray Fatz not only understood this, he treehouse will provide a valuable learning and brought its blues, gospel, and soul to ten per- relished it. He went after Fort Ord clean up recreational asset for wheelchair-bound camp- cent of the United States’ African-American with a spirit that speaks volumes of his com- ers. population. mitment to public service and dedication to

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