May 9, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 77 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H3505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING CARBONDALE COMMUNITY ICONS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, last weekend Southern Illinois University and 
the larger Carbondale community lost two icons, Harvey Welch and 
Seymour Bryson.
  Harry Welch, a native of Centralia, was the first Black athlete to 
earn a basketball letter at SIU, playing from 1951 to 1954. He was also 
the first Black student to complete the ROTC program at the university. 
Harvey went on to a 20-year career in the Air Force, and he was the 
first of three Black officers to be promoted to colonel.
  After retiring from the Air Force, Harvey came back to Carbondale and 
SIU in 1975. He served as the first Black dean of student life at SIU 
and then as vice chancellor from 1987 to 2000.
  Seymour Bryson of Quincy, a fellow basketball standout, received 
three degrees from SIU. He was one of three African Americans to 
progress from assistant professor to full professor at SIU. He was also 
the first African American associate dean of the college and the second 
of three African American deans. Seymour was active in the Carbondale 
NAACP, Jackson County Mental Health Board, and Carbondale United Way.
  Harvey Welch and Seymour Bryson are members of the SIU Saluki Hall of 
Fame. They will be dearly missed.


                       Recognizing Kody Vanfossan

  Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of Congress, 
but also as a former firefighter to recognize Kody Vanfossan of 
Christopher, Illinois. Kody, a 24-year-old firefighter, passed away in 
the line of duty early Sunday morning.
  Kody grew up around the fire station and comes from a family with 
deep traditions of public service. His dad, Brent, is a captain on the 
Christopher force. His grandfather is Christopher's mayor but was also 
a firefighter at the Valier Fire Department.
  Kody's family instilled in him a passion for helping others, despite 
the risk. Now his community will remember him as a hero.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Kody for his service, and may he rest in peace.

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