Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis regarding death of retired Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the death of retired Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., who served as a member of the U.S. Department of Labor's Job Corps Advisory Committee:

"We at the Labor Department are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic deaths of retired Air Force Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr. and his wife, Ann, who died in the June 22 Metro subway accident.

"We also want to extend our sincerest condolences to their children, David and Betsy.

"David successfully established the DC National Guard's Youth Challenge program, which partnered with our own Job Corps program to provide opportunities for youth.

"He was named a member of the Job Corps Advisory Committee in 2007 and served with distinction. His work on the committee – to build better partnerships with educational institutions, emphasizing postsecondary education for students, and providing Job Corps youth with better overall 'real world' career and technical training – has resulted in a stronger Job Corps program that is more successful in preparing students for jobs in the 21st century.

"David was an outstanding individual who worked tirelessly to prepare the young people of Job Corps to succeed as he helped Job Corps chart its future.

"He will be sorely missed."