Recognizing the Birthday of Wilbert D. Payne, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Wilbert D. Payne, Jr. Mr. Payne turned 75 on July 13th.

Mr. Payne was born on July 13, 1950, and has devoted almost 50 years to serving his community and country, becoming a historic figure in the City of Opelika and a respected voice among Alabama veterans and civic leaders. In 2016, he made history as the first African American elected Chairman of the City of Opelika Board of Zoning Adjustments, breaking barriers and fostering inclusive representation for the citizens of Opelika.

On February 17, 1970, Mr. Payne was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 19, serving with valor in the Vietnam War and later continuing his service through the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard until his medical retirement in 2004.

As former Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Twin Cities Chapter 95, he spearheaded the Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration in Central Alabama, organizing the first ceremony of its kind in Lee County in 2016 and ensuring hundreds of veterans were honored and presented with commemorative pins and the public gratitude they had long deserved. He became an advocate for veterans' rights, mental health care, and public recognition for Vietnam veterans who, like himself, returned home without fanfare or acknowledgment.

His civic service roles include: Chief Voting Inspector for Lee County at the Covington Recreation Center, Chairman and member of the City of Opelika Zoning Board, Member of 100 Black Men of America. Inc., Greater Auburn-Opelika Chapter, where he served as All Pro Dad's Chairperson for Carver Primary School and West Forest Intermediate School, Longtime coordinator of the Lions Tamers Social and Civic Club's Family Fun Day/Juneteenth Celebration, Certified Member and Volunteer with the American Red Cross for 19 years, including service as a former Shelter Manager on the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Board Member of the Greater Peace Church Community Development Corporation, Facilities Coordinator for the J.W. Darden Foundation, Member of the Opelika-Auburn News Editorial Board, Board Member of the Lee-Russell County Council on Aging, Active with People of Action for Community Enrichment and recipient of the Arthur Hill Community Service Award (2023).

Mr. Payne retired from the City of Opelika Engineering Department (1990 to 2000) after previous employment with the Augusta Environmental Company (1981 to 1989) and Diversified Products (1976 to 1980), while balancing his long and honorable military service in U.S. Army (1970 to 1971) and Army Reserve (1971 to 2000). He is supported by his loving wife, BBB4 Wilbert D. Payne, Jr., and has been blessed with 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Payne on this milestone and wishing him a very happy birthday.

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