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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF DR. WALTER ``WALLY'' WILKERSON
______
HON. KEVIN BRADY
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr.
Walter ``Wally'' Wilkerson's service to the community as a physician,
community leader, and as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican
Party for fifty-six years.
Born and raised in Bryan, Texas, Dr. Wilkerson stayed close to home
and earned a Bachelor's Degree in biology from Texas A&M University in
1951. After graduation, Dr. Wilkerson pursued a Medical Degree from the
prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1955.
Just one year after finishing medical school, Dr. Wilkerson joined the
United States Navy and spent two years as a General Medical Officer.
While stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California,
Dr. Wilkerson served aboard the USS Hooper Island. In the summer of
1958, Dr. Wilkerson participated in the historic atomic weapon test
operation known as Operation Hardtack at Eniwetok Atoll in the
southwest Pacific Ocean.
When it was time to return to civilian life, he found his way back to
home to Texas and joined his family in Conroe. After encouragement from
his father, he introduced himself to a local family medical
practitioner, Dr. Deane Sadler. After shadowing Dr. Sadler for a day, a
simple handshake sealed the deal and Dr. Wilkerson joined his clinic.
Over the years, Dr. Sadler, became not only a business partner, but a
mentor and a friend.
Eager to get involved in the community, Dr. Wilkerson entered the
Conroe political scene while working at Sadler Clinic. In 1964, he ran
successfully for Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party.
The following years of leadership and devoted service to the community
earned him the nickname ``King Wally.'' Dr. Wilkerson has received
several accolades for his effective leadership, vision, and hard work,
has been selected as a delegate for multiple Republican National
Conventions, and continues to be active in the Associated Republicans
of Texas. In 1989, Governor William P. Clements appointed Dr. Wilkerson
as a member of the San Jacinto River Authority Board. In 1995, Governor
George W. Bush selected Dr. Wilkerson to Chair the Texas Board of
Health.
In 1996, Dr. Wilkerson retired from family medicine after thirty-
eight years of service and dedication to his community. Today, he
relinquishes the helm as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican
Patty. Dr. Wilkerson is respected by many and has been a faithful
friend and source of professional guidance to many. We are thankful he
chose to make a lasting difference right here in our community. Our
entire community has been inspired by your character, integrity,
patience, fairness and optimism. Your principles of freedom and limited
government enhance the lives and opportunity for the people we seek to
serve.
I join the communities of Conroe and Montgomery County in thanking
Dr. Wilkerson, and I am proud to join him and his wife Neddie Jane in
celebrating this amazing milestone of service and leadership for fifty-
six successful years.
____________________