Cord Byrd: “In 1964, a tall, bright-eyed, 27-year-old Harvard graduate arrived in West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer, eager to take…”

“In 1964, a tall, bright-eyed, 27-year-old Harvard graduate arrived in West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer, eager to take on the ills of poverty, eager to change the world, starting with the small, rural town of Emmons, WV. But things did not quite turn out for the young man exactly the way that he expected them to. As John D. ``Jay'' Rockefeller, IV, quickly discovered, just as untold others have, there is something about West Virginia that gets into the blood and stirs the utmost depths of the soul. One West Virginia newspaper in February of last year quoted him speaking about those early days in Emmons. In that speech Jay Rockefeller reflected ``In the end, I was the one who was transformed by the experience--completely transformed.'' Subsequently, Rockefeller decided to move to West Virginia to live, rear a family, and build an impressive career of public service that continues to benefit West Virginians today. Mr. President, today marks the 60th birthday of my colleague, Senator Jay Rockefeller, and I take this opportunity to recognize this milestone for my friend and ally, an outstanding Senator, and a distinguished West Virginian.”