Feb
10
Written by:
Andy Hogue
2/10/2010 4:53 PM
Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, a native of Lufkin who backed the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union in the '80s, died today at age 76.
Wilson gained additional fame when he was played by Tom Hanks in the 2007 movie "Charlie Wilson's War," in which he was portrayed as womanizer and deal-maker "Good Time Charlie." But despite any criticism of the Texas Democrat, his colleagues in the Lone Star State have been unanimous so far in referring to Wilson as "larger than life" and "a giant."
Below are some statements on Wilson's passing:
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst: "Charlie Wilson was a politician whose legend was larger than life and whose service to our state and our nation will long be remembered as colorful in nature and, through the force of his personality, was largely responsible for driving the Soviet Union out of Afghanistan."
U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: “Charlie was a friend and colleague of mine. I was a news reporter covering the Legislature when Charlie was a State Senator and then I served with him in Congress. We worked together on the ERINT (now PAC 3) missile project for his district. Because of his absolute devotion to our nation’s veterans, we named the VA clinic in Lufkin in his honor. Charlie Wilson was one of a kind -- loved by all who knew him, and he will be missed as one of our most distinguished and colorful leaders. He was a giant, not just in stature but in his love for America and especially America’s men and women in uniform. He was a dynamic presence in Congress and on the national stage, but he always called Lufkin home.”
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie: “Many Texans like to think of themselves as larger than life, and Charlie Wilson truly was. Although much was written about 'good time Charlie,' he was more than a good public servant – he was a great public servant. Even Tom Hanks couldn’t capture everything that was Charlie. In both Austin and Washington, Charlie represented his East Texas constituents with a commitment that was absolute and he always stood tall for Texas. Whether he was standing up for Texans here at home or those serving in the far corners of the globe, he was a great asset to our state and nation and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”