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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E648-E649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF MR. JOHN SUTTON
______
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute a veteran of the
U.S. Army from Independence, Missouri, for his heroism and dedication
to a life long career serving our country. As a young boy in
Hutchinson, Kansas, brave soldiers inspired Mr. Sutton to join the
ranks of the millions of women and men serving in our military.
A man of unwavering grit and tenacity, Mr. Sutton was not discouraged
when his application to join the Army and Navy Air Corps was denied due
to his color-blindness. He was studying at the University of Kansas
when he was drafted into the Army in 1944. After his conscription, Mr.
Sutton attended West Point and received his Bachelor of Science in 1949
from the Army Engineering school. This wealth of knowledge eventually
led Mr. Sutton and his wife Dana to travel internationally to Germany
with the Army.
Using his engineering skills and personal fortitude, Mr. Sutton
served the U.S. Army's Engineering and Transportation units in Germany.
During his time there, Mr. Sutton worked with an all-black Engineering
Battalion where he learned the meaning of service and brotherhood. To
this day, Mr. Sutton cherishes the time he spent with that battalion.
Years later, Mr. Sutton honored his time spent with the battalion by
creating a course focusing on Black Men in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Sutton eventually returned to the U.S. and furthered his
education by receiving a Master's in Business Administration with an
emphasis in Transportation Management. Shortly thereafter, he once
again served his country as a professor of mathematics at the U.S.
Military Academy at West Point for three years.
Mr. Sutton took classes until he was once again sent to Korea in the
1st Calvary Division. Being both an energetic scholar and dedicated
service member, Mr. Sutton eventually returned to Virginia to work for
the Pentagon. At the Pentagon, he was an assistant to a three-star
general, a position which led him to travel all around the world. For
instance, this occurred when the U.S. Army sent Mr. Sutton to Vietnam,
where he oversaw a battalion of 3,000 troops and spent countless days
and nights living under the fear of an attack.
Upon his return to the States, he became a Colonel and was sent to
Pennsylvania for 3 more years. After teaching and serving in Germany
and Fort Leavenworth, Mr. Sutton was ready to return home to care for
his family and his elderly parents. As a retiree from the Army, Mr.
Sutton began working at Park University first as the supervisor of
their Military Extension Program and later as the Assistant Dean of the
University.
A man who pursues his passions and goals, Mr. Sutton received his
private pilot's license and eventually bought his own plane. To this
day, he flies his plane at Fort Leavenworth. Today, Mr. Sutton's
extensive military history is honored at Veterans Hall in the Truman
Memorial Building.
In addition to his 35 years of active duty service, he has been
married for 69 years of marriage with two children, his five
grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Though their travels have
taken them all over the world, we are fortunate to have Mr. Sutton and
his wife call Independence, Missouri, their home.
Madam Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth
Congressional District in congratulating Mr. Sutton for his 35 years of
active duty service and outstanding accomplishments. It is with great
respect that I urge all my colleagues and fellow citizens across the
[[Page E649]]
country to join me in showing our appreciation to Mr. Sutton for his
unwavering strength and dedication to our country.
____________________