[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 4650-4651] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVID WHETSTONE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, March 30, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and real pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and a lifetime public servant, John David Whetstone, on the occasion of his retirement after serving as Baldwin County District Attorney for nearly 22 years. David Whetstone is the consummate professional. Joining the district attorney's office in 1979 as an assistant DA, David has dedicated practically all of his adult life fighting crime and standing up for the people of Baldwin County as the people's attorney. Moreover, he has served the families of Baldwin County and south Alabama with compassion, dedication and a tremendous level of professionalism. A 1963 graduate of Greenville High School, David went on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war era. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1968, and he worked his way through college and law school using the G.I. Bill. David graduated from the University of West Florida in 1970, and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1973. In 1984, then-Governor George C. Wallace nominated David to the position of Baldwin County District Attorney. He was subsequently elected to his first 6-year term in 1986 and has been reelected ever since, usually with only token opposition. Throughout his tenure, David has been a tireless advocate on behalf of all the people of Baldwin County. No one who ever called on David Whetstone didn't get a prompt, personal response. David Whetstone is known for his powerful and intimidating presence in the courtroom [[Page 4651]] and probably best known for his storytelling. Many will also remember his appearance on ``The Phil Donahue Show'' after filing more than 200 child support collection complaints in 1 day. But outside of the spotlight that comes with his office, David has a heart as big as the State of Alabama and as pure as a pound of gold. He is the type of person that empathizes with people from all walks of life and has a tremendous, caring capacity for those who are less fortunate. David Whetstone wore his title as the ``people's attorney'' with pride and he never, ever let his own success in public life go to his head or prejudice his judgment; for David, doing the right thing was the only way to do business. Mr. Speaker, in 2002, David offered his considerable talents and service to the people of south Alabama when he ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. Congress. While for obvious reasons I am personally grateful that the outcome turned out as it did, I can say with all honesty and candor that had the voters rendered a different judgment, the people of south Alabama would have been well-served by David's passion for public service and by his drive and determination to represent one and all equally. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing John David Whetstone for his tireless efforts and his tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional District and the entire State of Alabama. The experience and enthusiasm he brought to his job and the concern and compassion he displayed for all people in Baldwin County are unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset to the entire State of Alabama. On behalf of the thousands of men, women and children he has assisted over the past two decades, I am proud to say, ``Thank you, David, for a job well done.'' While I am confident David will continue to remain actively involved in the life of Baldwin County and southern Alabama for many years to come, I hope this new chapter in his life affords him a few more free minutes each day to enjoy the richness of life and the love of his wonderful wife, Lynne, as well as his fine children, Deborah, J.D. and Chris, and the newest Whetstone, grandson John David III. On behalf of all his friends and admirers throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to David and his family all the best, now and in the future. ____________________